You know that feeling when you want to kick yourself for doing something so stupid that you deserve the roundhouse kick you want to give yourself? Well, that’s how I felt this week…
I wish that it was a joke, but seriously I dropped a sterling silver ear cuff I bought from Hallo Jane into the garden below… because I got distracted while opening the packet… and their big puppy ate it. I’m concerned for the puppy but I’m also really upset with myself. I’m more upset with myself to be honest.
… you just can’t make this stuff up!
Let me show you what I did manage to buy during the Hallo Jane sale (that wasn’t eaten by the dog).
Bought from www.hallojane.co.za
I have been collecting jewellery pieces since forever, but this year I’ve been feeling like adding more South African pieces in my collection. PS, I am not saying I’m buying designer pieces, but rather that I buy tiny pieces of wearable art.
It’s should be a surprise that I almost always wear a cowrie shell – since I love the ocean. The shell may be dangling from my ears, around my neck or even on my finger. However, I also like to wear something from my mom’s collection – even if it was something I brought back from my travels for her.
Lesson from this page of my life…
Sit down, sit still and do one damn thing at a time – ok!
Since I’ve last shared my and the kids’ Pandora bracelets I’ve added quite a few new charms. I wear mine regularly – even if it is now mostly just at home. (Scroll to the bottom to see how you can take part in the Voices of Pandora fun.)
My Pandora bracelet is all about travel, I have a suitcase and world map charm; followed by Big Ben as the UK was the first country I landed on all those years ago with one of my best friends; I also have a Dutch windmill because the Netherlands was where I phoned my mom from to tell her how beautiful the tulips were; lastly I have the Colosseum as hubby and I had so much fun on our European honeymoon here – and a waterseller’s line, “it’s the best water in the world” we will never forget.
For Lexa I have a fairy with a wand – because she is so magical; a Christmas cat to celebrate the Christmas we got little Sandton (the cat); we also have an orchid to celebrate all the beautiful flowers she and my mom saw when we were on Reunion Island; a double heart charm for when we got her sister; the big 5; A Mickey Mouse because she is obsessed with her MiMak; and lots of hearts because we love her so much.
Lily also has the sibling charm; as well as the Big 5 charm to celebrate South Africa; a beautiful pink flower charm from my own bracelet; A big white balloon with a teddy bear hanging onto it’s own teddy bear; plus just as many hearts as her sister; she also has an initial charm to signify her name;
Voices of Pandora
Storytelling and collecting are natural human impulses, something Pandora first tapped into 20 years ago with the creation of its Pandora Moments charm bracelet concept. To celebrate the now-iconic piece and thank Pandora consumers around the world, the brand kicks off Voices of Pandora on August 18, a global activation designed to ignite self-expression and connection through collecting personal stories.
Throughout September, Pandora will release collages of fan photos from all over the world wearing charms that are linked to memorable firsts in their lives.
With the activation, Pandora invites its community to become the voice of its celebration. By uploading a photo of their favourite charm on their arm, along with an explanation of what it represents for them, fans can share the memorable firsts and milestone moments they have captured with their Pandora charm bracelet. Whether it’s a first kiss or a first trip, with every charm comes a unique story. Using a selection of the images, Pandora will create a photo collage, releasing new versions to go live on its digital channels for September.
Adding to the collages, Voices of Pandora will also launch short films and feature the memorable firsts of both a selection of Pandora super fans from around the world and the Pandora Muses, a global collective of inspiring women. During recent remote photo and video shoots, super fans and the Pandora Muses shared anecdotes about their milestone moments and passions captured in their Pandora charms. From a camera symbolising a passion for photography to a turtle representing a love of ocean wildlife, the women seized the opportunity to get creative and tell the stories behind their jewellery.
Influencers around the world will also take part in Voices of Pandora, sharing their cherished charm stories. The collective result will be an original and diverse celebration of the people, stories and voices that make up the Pandora community around the world.
Consumers are still invited to submit their images and stories throughout September and until the end of the activation in October.
The Voices of Pandora activation will culminate in the release of a short film in October, highlighting content from our Pandora consumers worldwide. This film will be released to say thank you to fans for taking part in the celebration and trusting us with their memories and milestones.
The truth about a made in South Africa anything is that it will outlast made in China every single time.
A woman with good shoes is never ugly.
Coco Chanel
A to Z of companies that make leather shoes in South Africa. There may be a lot that I’ve missed but you can leave a comment on this post and I’ll update this list.
Right now is the time to support local. By buying local you are directly contributing to an income of a fellow South African.
LESEDI was first dreamt about 5 years ago in the bustling streets of Mumbai by Harsha Prag. She was sitting in a coffeeshop watching the world go when she noticed that the people around her were comfortably combining their Eastern and Western clothing in really colourful, beautiful combinations.
She asked herself, “why don’t we do more of this in South Africa?” Why are traditional African fabrics reserved for special occasions? Why not wear them and celebrate African culture every day?
Harsha started playing around with some ideas but didn’t really have the courage to pursue them at the time. Fast forward 5 years and finally she took the plunge and brought to life the idea she had all those years ago in Mumbai.
Harsha Prag, Founder
The Lesedi ready-to-wear range of Shweshwe clothing is locally produced and made by hand. Each garment brings together traditional African fabrics and the best of contemporary fashion in a playful way. Each item is designed to be comfortable, easy to wear and ready for any adventure, be it lunch at Gogo’s house or a playdate with friends.
Harsha’s Lesedi clothing line collaborates with local CMT factories and pattern makers.
Currently Lesedi is available online from www.lesedistyle.com as well as their Instagram page. Once the world opens up again, Lesedi will be expanding into retail stores – so keep a look out on their social pages for more information.
Pandora and brand Muse Halima Aden unite in support of UNICEF, as the Marley family reimagine iconic anthem One Love for global fundraising appeal.
Model and activist Halima Aden has come together with Pandora in support of UNICEF’s One Love initiative, to reimagine a world fit for all children. With the goal of preventing the COVID-19 pandemic becoming a lasting crisis for the world’s most vulnerable children, Pandora will match every dollar donated through One Love up to the value of US$1 million.
Members of the Marley family are rerecording the late Bob Marley’s iconic anthem One Love in support of UNICEF. Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music will release a new version of the seminal song on 17 July with all proceeds from the song and related activities directly supporting UNICEF’s Reimagine campaign.
Originally recorded in 1977 by Bob Marley and the Wailers, One Love/People Get Ready is an iconic song for millions across the globe with its everlasting message to come together as one. The reimagined version of the song will be a true global anthem for 2020 featuring members of the Marley family, established musicians from all corners of the globe and artists from conflict zones around the world.
“Over forty years ago, my father wrote One Love about unity, peace and universal love during a time when there was much trouble in the world. Even in a time when we aren’t able to get together, his message remains true today, we can get through this global crisis if we come together through one love and one heart” said Cedella Marley.
As an advocate for global change, model and activist Halima Aden is raising her voice for the One Love initiative, encouraging the public to support and engage with donating functions across social media. With the first US$1M donated by supporters across the world doubled by Pandora, the proceeds will help UNICEF provide necessary equipment and essential support to vulnerable children and young people.
“As a Pandora Muse, I am so excited that Pandora supports the efforts of an organization that is so personal to me, UNICEF. As a UNICEF Ambassador, who was once on the receiving end of the services they provide to children around the world whilst growing up in a refugee camp, I know how detrimental the impact of COVID-19 will be if it hits refugee camps,” said Halima Aden. “The loss will be unbearable. In camps, there is no such thing as social distancing. UNICEF needs our help today more than ever and I’m so grateful to my Pandora family, as well as the Marley family, for coming together for this important initiative.”
Stephen Fairchild, Chief Product Officer Pandora, comments, “Across the world, we need to stand together in these difficult times, not forgetting those who need it most. By coming together with Halima Aden and the Marley family in support of UNICEF, we can contribute together towards ensuring that the post-pandemic world is fairer and more equal for every child.”
Throughout the month of July, Pandora and UNICEF will drive awareness by engaging with Pandora fans and influencers, raising funds in support of the One Love initiative. This includes a “swipe-up” donation matching function, an AR Instagram filter where each interaction results in a UNICEF donation and matching of all funds raised through activations on TikTok supporting the song launch.
Pandora’s partnership with UNICEF is a global call to action in response to a UNICEF estimate that, without urgent action, COVID-19 could cause an additional 6,000 children to die from preventable causes every day over the next six months. The collaboration on One Love is an extension of Pandora’s ongoing partnership with UNICEF that aims to support young voices around the world.
A to Z of companies that make handbags in South Africa – and there are many. You will be spoilt for choice between leather handbags, canvas handbags, recycled material bags and even vegan leather handbags.
I don’t just talk the talk, I support local. In my collection I have Tsonga, IY Apparel, Thandana, Peppertree (who unfortunately closed during the pandemic) and also…
#WearSouthAfrican: Tsonga in white & black and then my other IY Apparel bag
If you don’t spot your favourite South African handbag maker on this list, comment below and I will add them.
The Winter ‘20 monochrome selection from Timberland comprises a number of key influences and innovations, resulting in a comprehensive and accessible offering. For the refined customer, this season, the brand offers a selection of black and white footwear styles with functional details and a sophisticated aesthetic. Key features include materials like waterproof shells and nubuck leather, as well as styles made using ReBotl, a fabric created from recycled plastic bottles.
The two-tone Premium Puffer Boot is ideal piece to make a bold fashion statement. Fully waterproof and insulated, with rubber lug treads to power through winter weather, these 6-inch boots feature quilted panels with the timberland logo for a unique cold-weather style. This boot is also made from Primaloft insulation, an eco-conscious insulation which not only keeps your feet warm but is also made from 60% recycled plastic. This puffer retails at R3999.
The Brooklyn Alpine Chukka is for all sneaker enthusiasts who want to take nature to the streets. It is also made from the Timberland ReBOTL material, this is where the millions of recycled bottles collected across the globe are turned into yarn to create ReBOTL material. This style truly depicts its natural flare while ensuring breathability with its mesh lining and its durability through its rubber outsole. This chukka is available in various colourways and retails at R2999.
The Brooklyn Fabric Oxford is the perfect loungewear sneaker. The sneaker has a mesh lining and a rubber outsole. It spots a bold Timberland logo detailing on the front as well as on the side. The Brooklyn Fabric Oxford is made with Aerocore energy system, which is a lightweight sole that provides the wearer with comfortable cushioning allowing you to be on your feet for longer. This also comes in various colourways and retails at R2799.
The Timberland Euro Sprint Hiker is a perfect lace-up boot. The padded collar and EVA midsole provide ultimate comfort. It has the Timberland logo extending around the back giving the boot a bold look. The logo is also embossed on the tongue of the shoe which ties the look together. This boot is available in dark grey and white and retails at R2999.
The Timberland Authentic Waterproof Boot is a perfect Winter boot. The upper is made from a Silver-Rated tannery and mesh fabric. It has a 50% recycled PET lining and waterproof membrane which makes it ideal for our unpredictable winters. The double buckle on the boot elevates the shoe, giving it a trendy utility feel. This bold boot retails at R4399.
The 6-Inch Timberland Icon is a staple in the Timberland family. this waterproof boot is made with seam-sealed construction and a rubber outsole. The velvet collar has Timberland branding which extended around the back of the boot creating a street style statement. This boot has 200 grams of PrimaLoft eco-conscious insulation to keep your feet extra warm. The satin laces and detailing add a feminine finish to the boot. This boot is available in black and white and retails at R3999.
The Delphiville Knit Sneaker is Timberland’s take on the knit sneaker trend. The sneaker has a dual density lightweight EVA midsole for all-day comfort, lightweight cushioning, and shock absorption. The sneaker also comes in Light Grey and White and can be easily paired with your winter loungewear. This trendy knit sneaker retails at R2099.
The Marblesea leather sneaker pairs also well with loungewear, this sneaker is also made from the ReBOTL material and has a 50% recycled PET lining. It has flat branded cotton laces, with a heel height of 3.5cm and a rubber outsole. This feminine sneaker retails at R2299.
* These styles are available online and at selected Timberland outlets.
About Timberland
Founded in 1973, Timberland is a global outdoor lifestyle brand based in Stratham, New Hampshire, with international headquarters in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Best known for its original yellow boot designed for the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories for people who value purposeful style and share the brand’s passion for enjoying – and protecting – nature.
At the heart of the Timberland® brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future.This comes to life through a decades-long commitment tomake products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world. To share in Timberland’s mission to step outside, work together and make it better, visit one of our stores, www.timberland.co.za follow us @timberland_south_africa.Timberland is a VF Corporation brand.
Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery brand, today announced it will entirely stop using mined silver and gold in its jewellery by 2025 and only buy from recycled sources. This will cut carbon emissions by two thirds for silver and by more than 99% for gold.
“Silver and gold are beautiful jewellery materials that can be recycled forever without losing their quality. Metals mined centuries ago are just as good as new. They will never tarnish or decay. We wish to help develop a more responsible way of crafting affordable luxury like our jewellery, and prevent that these fine metals end up in landfills. We want to do our part to build a more circular economy,” said CEO Alexander Lacik.
From 71% to fully recycled
Today, 71% of the silver and gold in Pandora’s jewellery comes from recycled sources. Shifting completely to recycled silver and gold will reduce CO2 emissions, water usage and other environmental impacts, because recycling of metals use less resources than mining new metals. The carbon emissions from sourcing of recycled silver are one third compared to mined silver, while recycling of gold emits approximately 600 times less carbon than mining new gold, according to life cycle assessments.
“The need for sustainable business practices is only becoming more important, and companies must do their part in response to the climate crisis and the depletion of natural resources. For many years, Pandora has used recycled metals in our designs. Now we are ready to take the next step and stop using mined silver and gold altogether. This is a significant commitment that will be better for the environment and make our jewellery more sustainable,” said Alexander Lacik.
Silver is the most used material in Pandora jewellery, accounting for over half of all purchased product materials measured by weight. Pandora also uses smaller volumes of gold, palladium, copper and man-made stones such as nano-crystals and cubic zirconia.
The decision to use only recycled silver and gold covers all use of these metals in Pandora’s jewellery, including grains, semi-finished items such as chains, and other parts from suppliers.
More silver can be recycled
Today, around 15% of the world’s silver supply comes from recycled sources. More than half of the recycled silver comes from industry, where the metal is used in chemical production, electronics and for other purposes.
Pandora will work with its suppliers to guarantee sufficient supply of responsibly sourced recycled silver, certified according to leading supply chain initiative standards such as the Responsible Jewellery Council. Pandora will also engage with key stakeholders in the supply chain to explore opportunities for increasing the availability of recycled silver and improve production standards.
The decision to use recycled precious metals follows Pandora’s ambitious decarbonisation targets announced in January. In 2020, Pandora will source 100% renewable electricity at its two jewellery crafting facilities in Thailand, and by 2025 the company will be carbon neutral across its entire operations. Pandora has also joined the Science Based Targets initiative – the leading corporate collaboration for action on climate change – and will publish a plan next year to reduce carbon emissions in its full value chain in line with the Paris Agreement.
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Note to editors: The following sources were used to calculate the difference in carbon footprint between recycled and mined sources: mined and recycled silver (GaBi database 2019), mined gold (World Gold Council, 2018), and recycled gold (C. Hafner, 2019)
About Pandora
Pandora designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries through 7,400 points of sale, including more than 2,700 concept stores.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora employs 28,000 people worldwide and crafts its jewellery at two LEED certified facilities in Thailand using mainly recycled silver and gold. The company plans to be carbon neutral by 2025 and has joined the Science Based Targets initiative to reduce emissions across its full value chain. Pandora is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange and generated sales of DKK 21.9 billion (EUR 2.9 billion) in 2019.
One month down, 11 to go of the first year in a new decade.
2020 promises to be a good year for self-expression with Pandora…
I love checking out what is new at Pandora and in 2020 they have not disappointed. The year kicked off with #SomethingAboutYou. Play with the pieces that reflect who you are and what you stand for.
Storytelling
A flawless fusion of heritage and modernity, our ultra-modern Purely Pandora designs profile perfect proportions and an elegant play on minimalism. Bringing with them a sense of harmony and timeless wonder, symmetrical formations of polished metallic spheres on rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and charms create a storytelling style for 2020 and beyond.
Show another side of your style with our Beaded Openwork Charm, shaped from sterling silver or Pandora Rose, our 14k rose gold-plated unique metal blend
Find the pieces that tell your story best and highlight them on the Pandora O Pendant.
Do you celebrate Galentine’s Day?
In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips.
Unknown
13 February is Galentine’s Day – Show love and support for the women in your life
Charms also available for your reflexions bracelets 🙂
On 13 February we celebrate Galentine’s Day and for this day Pandora has a symbolic range that celebrates the commitment to every type of love, inspired by tbest friend necklaces that split for sharing. This range features hand drawn hearts that are asymmetrical. These charms all represent an imperfect love that’s real.
Celebrate the perfect imperfections of your love with Pandora this #PandoraValentines
Whether you want to make a subtle move with a pair of classic heart shaped earrings or go full on roses and rings, we’ve got the pieces to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Hearts, cubic zirconia and gleaming metals make for a romantic combination and there’s nothing like showing your affection with jewellery.
Romantic gifts don’t have to spell boring. “Hearts are an essential part of Pandora’s DNA and a visual element we’ve always loved to use,” note our VP Creative Directors, Francesco Terzo and A. Filippo Ficarelli. Showing that love has many forms and isn’t always flawless, our new freehand heart designs are perfectly imperfect. An understated piece that speaks volumes about how you feel, make her swoon and gift her a pendant this Valentine’s Day; it’s as romantic as it looks.
Channel the true romance of classic hearts and put the sparkle in your future together with clip-on charms for Pandora Reflexions bracelets. Shaped as romantic hearts, they’re available in cool sterling silver or blush-pink Pandora Rose, polished on one side and set with stones or embossed with our logo on the other. She can look at it and think of you. From everyday signatures to date-nightworthy styles, we’ve got you — and her – covered.
I can’t do a gift guide a day or break it down to one for every person in the family. The one thing I don’t want more of this year is more stuff taking up space in my house. With this post I’m taking the guessing work out of gift-giving if you need to buy for someone like me…
Hours of word fun
A book with crossword puzzles! I started doing crosswords again while my mom was sick and I’m almost done with my first book with 50 puzzles (but have started a new one in the meantime). This is probably one of the most relaxing things in my life. It is a “not so expensive gift” and if given to the right person, you will make someone very happy.
Snap Happy!
If there is a Secret Santa out there that would like to spoil me, buy me film for my Instax Mini LiPlay! You don’t even have to think about it – film is always appreciated.
If however you feel like spoiling a very special person in your life, get them the Instax Mini LiPlay or printer – or even an Instax Mini… or any Instax camera. I have yet to meet a person that won’t love one.
A spa day – at home
Get them something from Matsimela. They have the most amazing products and you can pick up something really great without having to break the bank. You can read about their newest products here.
Burt and the Bees
Just joking… When you order something from Takealot and would rather add something else to your cart than pay for delivery, put in a hand or lip balm from Burt’s Bees. Whomever you gift it to will think you’re the Bees’ Knees. (I’m so sorry about trying to pun it out!)
Pandora, always Pandora!
Did you know that Pandora and Warner Bros. have teamed up to
launch a Harry Potter inspired collection? I still can’t believe that Harry
Potter is still this popular, but apparently it is – according to my nieces.
You don’t have to be a witch or wizard to wear these
spellbinding charms, but you definitely need to know that you’ll make a Harry
Potter fan happy if you gift them one of these charms!
Harry Potter X Pandora
I’m more of a classic Pandora charm girl so I would probably appreciate something from the Festive Collection more… The Celestial charms speak to me but I wouldn’t say no to Shine Bright or Blue Dreams charms either!
Pandora Festive Collection – Celestial
A tipple
I can throw a lot of beautiful content on how drinking a gin will conjure memories of South African landscapes, the scents of earthiness, fresh dewy florals in the veld or even the way thatch smells in the sun – but to be honest I’m just going to tell you that when you support local, you are the absolute best. When you wrap up and give a Wixworth Gin the recipient will know that it is a thoughtfully chosen gift and enjoy it more. #BeAClassic #wixworthgin
Just to twist your arm a little, look at www.stoprhinopoaching.com… when you can support a local brand that also gives towards the preservation of endangered species, you get double the gift glow satisfaction.
A meaningful gift
You can donate time or money to an animal shelter (hint hint), be kind to your fellow humans or support brands that give back. I heard about TOMS… and this is what you need to know:
TOMS was born of a belief in a better tomorrow. Since 2006, the TOMS community has been providing shoes, sight, and safe water to millions of people around the world.
Since its inception, TOMS has given over 93, 000, 000 pairs of shoes, over 770, 000 sight restorations, over 720, 000 weeks of safe water to deserving communities and over $6,5 million in impact grants.
I wanted to put a lifestyle pic, but then decided that maybe sharing exactly what I would choose would make it easier for people to visualise what they should buy me 🙂
Visit www.shoptoms.co.za to view and shop up a storm. #tomssouthafrica #shoptoms #standfortomorrow
For kids
I’m not going to lie, in our house there are more Barbies, My Little Ponies and LOL Dolls than anything else, but I’m guilty of spoiling my girls rotten because I want to play with their new toys…
You seriously don’t have to go big. I bought an egg with a packet of sweeties and a mini My Little Pony for Lexa as part of her advent calendar (and it costs R20) and she LOVES IT! I’m going to put it out there, for most kids as long as they can unwrap it, they’ll love it.
Ideas for your kids’s presents
Books and that includes colouring books
A toy from their favourite TV show (we have PJ Masks, MLP… Fancy Nancy)
A T-shirt with their favourite animals or TV characters
Puzzles
Fingerlings – these things are so cute
PlayDoh
The super new Color Reveal BARBIE (please I want one)
A pet LOL for their LOL Dolls
Nerf gun…
It doesn’t matter how much or how little you spend. Just spoil someone with a thoughtful gift – or just put down your phone and have an actual conversation.
