Can we talk about being effortlessly stylish for a minute...

Maximum style, minimum effort

Whatever your social calendar throws at you, you’ll naturally want to look your best. Dresses retailer QUIZ has news for you — finding the perfect look doesn’t have to take hours! Here, QUIZ explains the trick to looking effortlessly stylish this season:

Must-have Knitwear

The weather means we’re rarely seen without our trusty knits! This season, it’s all about cableknit, stripes and oversized jumpers. Having some staple knitwear pieces in your wardrobe is essential for the colder months and can keep your outfits on fleek.

Statement knit #1: the jumper dress

With their relaxed look and cosy feel, jumper dresses are the perfect pairing with chunky tights for colder days. There is no time wasted choosing matching garments and with long, knitted sleeves, there’s no need to scour your closet for a complementing coat either.

You can dress your look up too with a pair of heeled over-the-knee boots, perfect for day-to-evening glamour. If you’re in the mood to show off your curves, wrap a chunky belt around your dress to nip your waist in.

Statement knit #2: turtle necks

Layer you knits for an effortlessly cool look this season. Layering is pretty self-explanatory and is achieved by wearing a polo neck underneath a square-necked top or dress. Couple with your favourite pair of jeans and an ankle boot to fully master the look.

You can even take your layered look to the office too. A blazer and turtle neck combo is the perfect choice for a more formal look.

Ankle boots

Ankle boots return year after year, and who can be surprised!? They’re effortlessly stylish, super comfortable and oh-so on-trend. Sock boots are huge this season. They feature a pointed toe, high heel and textured fabric that fits to the ankle. They are pull-on for extra ease and can be paired with jeans during the day time and a stylish skirt for a night on the town.

If you’re struggling with colours, stick to black — they’ll go with almost anything. Choose a pair with a chunky heel so that they’re suitable for day and night time.

Accessorising

Of course, one of the easiest ways to transform any outfit is with the right accessories.

This season, it’s all about statement earrings. Tassels, chunky metal and huge hoops (yep, they’re still on trend) are all acceptable this autumn/winter and can be matched with most outfits. Choose a black or gold pair and keep them in your bag to slip in for after-work drinks.

Luggage wise, choose small, leather bags or backpacks; they’ll add a practical finishing touch to any outfit. Black is an ideal option to go for if you’re hoping to use it every day; buy one with a cute pattern on to keep things interesting. Or purchase a brightly coloured one such as red or gold and buy matching shoes – pair with jeans and a dressy top for a cute look.

Once you know what you should be wearing, pulling off that effortlessly stylish look becomes even easier!

http://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/autumn-winter-2017-knitwear-trends

Sending love & light and plenty stylish vibes till next time,

Meghan

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Can we talk witchy for a minute ?

So witch hazel has been a part of my bathroom cabinet for ages, but whenever I tell anyone how awesome it is they like what on earth is witch hazel. It sounds terrifying.

No its not brewed by a witch, its actually one of natures best healing agents. Its made from the witch-hazel shrub and is one powerful astringent. I swear I've seen acne disappear in a week, cuts healed super fast and that's just to mention a few. One might even say its got some magic powers (or maybe that's just me).

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My favorite Beauty D.I.Y.s ... the recap.

If you have been a long time reader you know how much I live for beauty D.I.Y.S.

The more I can understand what I am putting on my body and skin the better. I have literally been a guinea pig for this blog. My parents always laugh and say my word you seriously will try anything (as I a walk around with turmeric on my face and brightly yellow stained turmeric teeth). As I have said before i LIVE for a good natural beauty alternative and when it actually delivers on some good results I rejoice like I have won the lotto. 

There has been many and I mean many disappointments but omg the good one's have really changed the beauty game for me.

One thing I always get compliments about is my skin but as we all know it takes a generous amount of effort to get the right regime going. Which is why I love a beauty d.i.y. it can be custom made to your skin, hair and body needs. My current skincare regime involves face dry brushing, a d.i.y. skin toner, grape seed oil,a anti marks drugstore cream and the occasional face mask its simple and works for me. As you can tell its pretty much 80% natural for me right now. I am currently craving something more powerful for my ever increasing wrinkles but for now that's what I have found to work. 

Without seriously going on a wrinkle infused ramble here are some of my favorite beauty d.i.y.s.

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10 Unusual uses for coconut oil

We already know Coconut oil is amazing as an oil treatment and its amazing as a skin moisturizer with many skin benefits like anti aging properties and more, but what is some other  uses of coconut oil?. I will be sharing 10 unusual uses for coconut oil.

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March favorites. Food | books | baby products and more

I absolutely love favorite videos, I haven't actually read many favorite posts though and even though I have been wanting to start a YouTube channel, its been a hassle finding the time. So I decided to post about my monthly favorites right here.They include a variety of hair care, baby product, books, Phone friendly video editing apps and more..

Without further delays these are my March favorites. (See what I did there ;)

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Why grapeseed oil has joined my beauty collection

If anyone opened my beauty stash they would think I'm beautaholic. I'm always on search for the holy grail that doesn't kill my shoe string budget.. I'm a new mom I don't have that carefree budget anymore.

So when I read up about a 60 year old model Yazemeenah Rossi who was all about using grape seed oil for her hair along with an organic life, I obviously had to get my hands on some. The benefits are endless, anti aging, great for my semi oily skin and for growing out my hair.. Remember I instagrammed and snapchatted about the hair disaster ( don't worry I still plan on posting all about my tips and tricks... I've been nesting).

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The best skin care tip ever!!!

Let me set the scene for you.

Its two days before a beauty event and I wake up to the angriest, feistiest rash on my chin. Like red, sore feisty. I literally tried everything in my box of tricks that comes to mind for calming skin down and nothing seemed to work.

Let's call this chin rash Debbie aka Debbie downer. Debbie was mad you guys, like just got fired from her dream job for something she didn't do mad. Usually I turn to Bentonite clay for my skin emergencies when all else fails. I basically had a big goop of clayish green on my chin for 24 hours. Debbie was still there and the b-clay seemed to just infuriate her more.

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Its all about exfoliation baby

I cannot live without exfoliation... There I said it!

Firstly who doesn't love soft skin, everything looks and feels better when your skin is freshly exfoliated. If you love that special glow you know exfoliation is your bestie for life! 

This is my two essentials for daily exfoliation one is always in my shower and the other is pre-shower. 

Can we talk dry brushing for a minute... Here is some interesting facts you might just absolutely love. 

• Dry brushing is amazing for reducing cellulite.
• It unclogs pores and gets rid of all those nasty toxins.
• It is amazing at energizing and stimulating the body. 

I mean I can go on and on but seriously there is so much good about dry brushing, if you think I'm the only fan read fellow blogger Chereen share her thoughts. Another favorite of mine is the exfoliating hand glove. They are so convenient and It makes sure you get your skin exfoliated without any hassle. 

Trust me you will loooooove it and if you a fan of exfoliation let me know what's your favorite way to do so. 

Xo

Meghan

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#CurrentlyCoveting

peep toe boots | Minimalism series |  breadboard with crumb catcher | Galactic birkin dress

Welcome to my new 2016 series, #CurrentlyCoveting. Here you will find an array of things that I am currently obsessed with from instagram accounts to fashion pieces. Hope you guys enjoy this new addition where the pictures will do all the talking.

love,

Meghan

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Tuesday Tip : Rice for beauty???

The Brazilians have the best booty title and the Asian ladies win best skin.

Smooth healthy and always so even toned skin is seen on nearly every Korean woman. I needed to even have a little something that they were using which is why I started researching Asian skin care routines, ingredients etc. Lo and behold I discovered something that would help get my skin looking healthier and brighter. Now let me add this is not an over night miracle, you not going to go from looking 30 to barely legal but with consistent use this stuff is powerful!!!

Rice people!!!! That's all.. 

Rice water is my go to pre-cleanser and toner as of late, the brightening affects are amazing. Rice powder is amazing as a mask, it brightens your skin like a boss! and rice powder can even be used as a brightening powder to apply after foundation and concealer. Yip a complete 3 in 1 solution here.

Rice has vitamin B-6 , Calcium, Iron and magnesium.

Did you know:

• Vitamin B6 is great for treating acne.
• Magnesium is powerful as an anti wrinkle solution.
• Calcium is a great antioxidant protection from DNA damage and aids in skin renewal.

Hope you enjoyed todays Tuesday tip, if there is a way you use rice in a unique way leave it in the comments below.

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Lets talk hair masks

I seriously cannot live without hair masks.

Many moons ago I went to hair salon and was told never use the same shampoo and conditioner all the time, you have to switch it up. If you didn't know now you know ;).  Two faves of mine in the mask department has to be these two. Both serve me with very different purposes.

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Babe on a budget | Blemish Buster

January was been one of those draining long months, right?. With all that financial stress you might have found your skin acting out in an annoying way. Mine was, but thankfully I have a zit secret weapon which is always stocked in my kitchen. Lemon ladies. Yes amazing in warm water first thing in the morning and to flavor your food. Personally lemon has greatly helped me with getting rid of pimples and evening out my skin tone. 

I apply some lemon on a cotton ball or pad, dab it on and let it sit for a bit. Now my skin is pretty used to it. So I do suggest diluting it with water or honey. It will still do the job but in a gentler way.

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Midweek reading

Nothing beats starting the day doing something that brings you joy, for me that's Pinterest. Its the one sure way to get inspired. Need to find an outfit idea? need to make something in a second? need to find some blogspiration? its always there to keep me inspired. Like they say a picture speaks a thousand words right?!

Below are some of my favorite reads which will keep the motivation going for the rest of the week. hope you enjoy!!

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My secret to getting that glow | Dove Summer Glow

Now those that know me know I am pretty pale, like white... uber white. So keeping a nice glow all year round has always been a challenge. I don't know about you, but just a hint of glow can change how I feel in an instant. I used to love self tanners, had a bathroom cabinet filled with self tanners, mittens etc kind of love!. But most times the results were just way too dramatic. My bf at the time would kid that I literally just had a one day intense Mozambique holiday at how different I looked. So I decided its time to try something more gradual. I have used many, but my recent favorite has to be Dove summer glow. The glow is really noticeable but at the same time instead of shocking the people in my life its a subtle gorgeous glow which I can control. Read my self tanning tips below!

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Beauty essential : beauty blenders and my go to technique

Take a trip with me won't you? You found your perfect foundation and concealer, the gorgeous model in the ad has the silkiest, smoothest skin you have ever seen. You logically know photoshop has something to do with it, but you also know a good product plays a major role with the end result. With no second thought you purchase it and head home, happy to conceal the dark circles and uneven skin tone.... until the damn thing just won't seamlessly blend! 

The beauty blender has been all the rage for a while now in various sizes, colors and brands. But is this sponge really as good? I have to say I think so and this is how I tend to use this nifty tool...

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Skin diaries

Well now you all know I have been a super loyal to all things ponds, but while in Europe my skin started this weird flaking thing and to be honest I was searching for a reason to try something new... but I promise it was flaking ;). I eventually got my hands on this amazing Hello mirror guess my age (hello love that name) serum from Hema and a Triple action cleansing water from Sephora. 

Confession time : I was extremely lazy with makeup removal, see as summer was upon us South Africans I decided to get waterproof makeup goodies... and as we all know they tend to be more stubborn to remove. 

With my above confession out of the way I noticed I was starting to get the odd breakout here and there and I was like no no no! I got to step up my skin care  game. These two works beautifully together. Even in a rush, which was the theme of my trip haha. These products have worked wonders on removing make-up fast and the serum in calming and nourishing on my skin. Just had to share this new combo I have been trying with you.

Whats your latest beauty must have? share it in the comments below.

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Loving | The vamp trend

I used to love wearing black nail polish a few years back, nobody understood why. So to my absolute pleasant surprise when black/vamp beauty trends took over even in summer I was delighted. I've put together 3 looks I am loving, varying from mildly vamp, medium vamp and full on vamp.  As well as 3 budget friendly makeup suggestions to recreate the vamp look.

Quick note from Meghan "I just want to say thank you for all the lovely comments, I do read every single one of them and will be visiting your blogs soon. Even though there are mainly two cosmetic companies mentioned, this is not a sponsored post I just love their affordable yet glamorous range."

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Best Hair Mask for Dry and Damaged hair

My hair has literally been through a whole lot, I dye it frequently, heat style it every time I head out and its been getting a bit on the dry side. Long story short I was in need of a "miracle" mask, if you know what I mean. After many trials and errors I decided to combine a few natural remedies to see what the outcome would be just like that a hair smoothie was born! Literally a total game changer. 

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Weekend Reading | Meghan Silva Blog

Its really a grey and gloomy day here in Johannesburg, so why not keep warm with a cup jo and some good reading. With that said I have really been enjoying finding new posts, tips, recipes and so forth to add to my midweek or weekend reading. Can I make a confession? I often use them to save posts I want to keep for future use. Who doesn't love learning, right? This week's been busy but great. Do I need a little break oh yes I do... So don't mind me as I pour me another cup of jo and have me some weekend reading. 

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Mid week reading

Oh hello August, for me August has its perks, for instance its my sisters birthday month meaning celebrations and a teeny weeny chance we might get a little snow. With that said I also dread August because it happens to be the coldest month here in South Africa and me no likey the cold. Thankfully it has been pretty pleasant. Anyway before I keep rambling on and on about the weather,I am sorry and well aware my recent posts have mostly been sharing links to posts I have enjoyed. But I really have been busy and want to get back in the blogging groove so I hope you don't mind it to much. I do hope you having a wonderful week, if not stay positive and remember that if things are good do everything you can to enjoy and value it because things change so quickly and if they not going well, keep strong because every breakdown is followed with a breakthrough. I'm sending you all positive vibes!!

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