Fashion News- Banana Republic Arrives In South Africa

South Africans are really getting spoiled lately with a lot top fashion brands arriving on our shores. The latest fashion brand that is about to drop is the San Francisco based Banana Republic. The luxury clothing retailer was established in 1978 and has 600(!!!) stores internationally. The brand was acquired by GAP in 1983, and is now known for its luxury and timeless items. The Banana Republic store will open its doors on the 7^th of August in Sandton City.

The brands spring collection, called “True Outfitters” is a reflection of what the brand is all about. The collection is filled with wardrobe staples such as chinos, trenches and soft-coloured blouses and stays true to its California roots. The campaign is something that really caught my eye- it features real life couples and families. The campaign captured true emotions and special moments caught between loved ones-a family cuddling with their toddler son, a same-sex couple embracing their love for each other, and two lovers going on a road trip together. Granted, none of us will look this gorgeous doing these things, but it’s nice knowing that these “models” on the campaign are real people, just like us (just with a lot of make-up and pretty clothing ;)

The colour pallet for this collection is very soft having lots of neutral and beige colours with hints of Safari tones. No surprise here as one of the first collections from Banana Republic was Safari-inspired. I wouldn’t mind owning this whole outfit that the lady is wearing, and dressing le boyfriend in the same style as the guy. 

What do you think of this brand? As I am growing up and reaching the stage where I will soon be working (eeek do I have to?), Banana Republic items would make the perfect wardrobe staples for a young lady, don’t you think?

Beauty News- Dermalogica Concept Store

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you would know of my love for Dermalogica. I was first introduced to the brand last year November when I was treated to a facial at one of the Sorbet Salons after which I started my skin routine with Dermalogica- read more about my journey here(right now I am using the ultraCalm cleanser, toner and moisturizer). So of course I am super excited by the news that Dermalogica has opened its first Concept Store! I got a sneak peak of the store last week when Zebra Square invited the media over to have a look at the store followed by delicious breakfast at Europa café, which is now also open for visitors.

The Concept Store has just recently been launched in the new Rosebank Mall (all of these hot new shops opening there, I am thinking Rosebank is the new Sandton). The store purely stocks Dermalogica products and does Dermalogica treatments.

The fab new Micro Zone treatment that is offered at the store is for those on the-go, it takes only 20-30 minutes but has the effect of a full facial.I had one done yesterday and it was simply divine.

 There is also a treatment room if you are in need of a more extensive facial or treatment.

I really enjoyed the Product Pool, where you can play around with all of the different products from Dermalogica and test them out for yourself. And of course there is also a Skin Bar where your skin would get face mapped and prescribed the right products, if you don’t have time for a facial.

The concept store is now open, so pop in for all of your skin needs! :)

Giveaway- Win A Fabulous L'oreal Paris Hamper

Boy do I have a sweet giveaway in store for you guys today! I have loved the L’Oreal brand ever since I was a teenager, and when my mom used to take me shopping to the L’Oreal counters it was the best day ever. I started using the brand when Mila Jovovoich was still the face of the brand, and have not lost any love for the L’Oreal products at all. I recently shared the So Couture Tutorial and looks over here and reviewed the mascara and super liner from the So Couture range over here. And today its time for a giveaway where there will be 2 winners!

So what’s in the hamper? A selection of L’Oreal’s newest products! The hamper is worth over R1000 and includes treats for your hair, eye, lips and face!

For your luscious locks: the new Colour Ombres Preference hair dye in the Red Ombre shade- perfect if you want to achieve the ombre look at home and..

A silk pillow case which will help with the untamed or frizzy hair- and just feel luxurious to sleep on.

For your eyes- 2x Super Liner Gel Matic in Deep Violet and Taupe grey

So couture mascara and Superliner, both in black 

For your lips- The new Lip Extraordinaire in Rose Finale

For your nails and face- the new Infallible Nails in Fuchsia for Life and the Infallible Foundation

Some of these babies are not even in store yet, so here’s your chance to add some Parisian flare to your life!

But wait… there is more !:)

 There will be two winners- the first winner will win the whole hamper and I will draw a second winner who will receive the So Couture Mascara and Super Liner!

So how do you enter? Simply follow me (@irinadoman) on Twitter and tell me why you want to win this hamper! Don’t forget to also tag @Loreal_RSA in the tweet.

Some Terms and Conditions

1.       The giveaway will run from today(29.07) until next week Monday(4.08)

2.       The giveaway is open internationally

3.       Please allow 4-6 for delivery. The Post Office is on strike again so I am not able to send through some of the previous prizes. But they are waiting for their owners as soon as the Post Office gets their stuff together.

Good luck!