ZEMP Influencers, Bloggers and Brand Ambassadors
SPANX & ZEMP: AN IDEAL TRAVEL COMPANION
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My love for an impromptu weekend away is no secret. Especially if the destination in question is the Cape West Coast. In the few years I’ve been a travel writer, I have become somewhat of an expert on packing light. No longer content to carry myriad pieces of luggage containing multiple outfit changes, my ideal weekend bag holds a few considered essentials – leaving of course, sufficient space for my camera equipment and styling props.
I recently had the opportunity to rethink what I consider to be my weekend away must-have items after being approached by international shapewear icon Spanx. Although usually not one for fancy functions and high-brow occasions, I decided to put two of their best-selling pieces – the Brallelujah bra, the Higher Power panties and the Essential legging – to the test to see if I could get away with wearing them over the course of one very relaxed weekend away.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not one for body-conscious dresses or barely-there slips, and feel more at home in a simple sheath dress and sneakers. But the curiosity of wanting to see yourself looking your best is too tempting to refuse. And I can’t deny that after three years of being involved in the cooking, styling, photographing and ultimately eating of many delicious dishes, I’m certainly no longer the size 8 I was in my late teens. Now a comfortable size 12, with a bit of extra padding here and there thanks to many a grilled cheese sandwich, I reasoned that I could do with a little shaping. You know, into a form other than circular.
Cue two outfits created to fit into my weekend up the West Coast – I had already planned to be shooting a few recipes for an upcoming project of mine and so comfort and freedom of movement was key. My fitting for the shape wear listed above took place at the V&A Waterfront branch of Inner Secrets, with their trained corsetières expertly measuring me for the correct size. While fortunately I was already wearing the size I was supposed to, having a professional bra fitting makes for a reassuring experience – one that I can certainly recommend to every woman. What sets Spanx aside is undoubtably the fit. There was none of the restrained movement associated with shapewear, but rather a seamless amalgamation between garment and one’s own natural form. Fastening in the front and offering wider straps for added comfort, the Brallelujah bra shapes and supports your assets without detracting from your natural cleavage – perfect for those fitted dresses or plunging blouses. Able to attach to the Brallelujah though a clever hook and eye system, the Higher Power panties become a bodysuit. Finally, my personal favourite – the Essential Legging – shapes and lifts my derrière t0 the point where it would seem that I’ve been climbing stairs nonstop for the past three years. What’s not to love?
Essential for travel, the leggings can be easily rolled up and packed light. Dress them up with block heels, an oversized tee and a blazer or down with flats and a canvas parka. Packing light also needn’t mean piling your curated collection of clothing into your old gym bag; I recently stumbled upon ZEMP Lifestyle – a purveyor of classic leather luggage and quality timepieces. In desperate need of a new leather holdall after my vintage Brazilian bag finally packed it in (hehehe), I opted for the Bobo weekender bag and used ZEMP’s optional monogramming service to stamp my surname into my bag. Set in silver against the rich chestnut hue of the leather, this added extra personalised my luggage and made me feel rather posh using it. Completed with the minimally elegant lines of my ZEMP Eleven Eleven watch – perfect for keeping an eye on the time when shooting at dawn or dusk – meant that I was ready to hit the road. When juxtaposed against my late grandfather’s film camera, this stylish watch proved that it was certainly a case of classic against contemporary. Apart from the luxury of time and being able to capture moments within it, my only addition to the perfect weekend getaway would be the ability to eat all the grilled cheese sandwiches without putting my waistline in detriment.
Putting the snacks aside for now, since it was Velddrif I would be off to I kept things casual and paired my Spanx Essential leggings with a voluminous shirt, parka and sneakers to explore the picturesque harbour and its colourful fishing boats, and a simple striped shirt dress perfectly shaped by my Brallelujah bra and Higher Power undergarments clothed me while capturing the pastel pink sunset from the jetties at Bokkom Laan. While not the most glamorous of locations, Velddrif holds a very special place in my heart and I’m always grateful to return, explore and experience it’s charm.
Making the ideal travel partners, both Spanx and ZEMP prove that all one requires for the quintessential weekend away is a good base collection of quality items. If you have those, then all you really need is a tank full of fuel, a brilliant Eighties playlist and a couple of loaves of fresh farm bread for those aforementioned grilled cheese toasties.
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SPANX & ZEMP: IDEAL TRAVEL COMPANIONS
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They say that once the travel bug bites, it’s an obsession that never stops. After travels abroad in my early 20’s, I slowed down on trips away for many reasons but this year I’ve decided to make it a priority again. Luckily for me, reconsidering my travel essentials to keeping packing light, smart and multi-functional has been easier thanks Spanx.
I’m going to be completely frank here, I’ve previously been the kind of girl would rather haul extra luggage around and pay for extra baggage weight than leave that ‘one little thing’ I might need at home. But my mindset has started shifting to less is more generally, so learning to pack lighter was a given. I got to put this to the test on a quick road trip to the Waterberg to view some game and catch the last of the summer sunshine, before spending a night staycationing at the incredible Pablo House, Melville.
Leggings that are comfy enough to travel or chill in and easy to dress up are a godsend. They also take up nearly no packing space and slim you down in all the right places. Whoever wrote that meme about children and leggings never lying, clearly hadn’t tried a pair of Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. I arrived at our staycation in sneakers and a parka jacket, then freshened up and changed into a knit and pointed flats for sundowners and dinner. For date night or cocktails, block heels, a floaty v-neck blouse and longline coat would be all you need.
Spanx Bra-llelujah Bra is something worth writing home about. I’ve stopped wearing underwire bras because I find them so uncomfortable. This has to be the first underwire bra I’ve worn in living memory that doesn’t dig into my rib cage, the back of the bra is made entirely of soft-touch hosiery so there’s no prodding or bulging there either. I didn’t believe them when they told me I’d forget I was wearing it… but I did. The cups sit smoothly like t-shirt bras should and the front clasp sits low enough to work with a lot of different necklines. Plunging, scooped or crew neck, Brallelujah has your assets covered just the right amount.
Spanx High Power Shorts are the shapewear choice for me because of a little gripe I have with my thigh and bum area. Now, what I love about Spanx is that it’s about empowering women to feel more confident. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of cellulite or some extra weight. Those are things are not the enemy- they are things that nearly every woman has! And if shapewear can give you an extra boost so you feel good in a fitted dress or something body-skimming, then I’m all for it. You do want to be careful while getting them on and roll them up as if you’re putting on fine stockings. Once they’re on, they’re surprisingly comfortable. The fabric is really thin on the legs so you don’t feel like you’re being ‘squeeze’ but don’t let that fool. These shorts are small but mighty. While on this trip I was hanging around in sneakers more than anything, I’ll be taking these shorts with me whenever I need to get dressed up and smooth out my curves for an evening look.
I’ve (previously) been using an oversized beach bag type of thing as my overnight bag and it (kinda) worked- but it wasn’t great. Then I found out about ZEMP Lifestyle and got that situation sorted. Zemp Lifestyle is run by a husband and wife team who started small (on their kitchen table) and over time, became known for their high quality and innovative bags and watches. The Bobo Bag is really the ultimate travel bag. It’s spacious without being bulky, has inner and out pockets that I find handy for tech, like camera cables and chargers. The over the top zip double straps keep everything secure and there’s a detachable shoulder strap if you opt out of using the handles. Zemp’s handmade touches also include a monogramming service. I went for my initials in the beautiful blind embossed finish but they also offer motifs and metallic finishes.
Zemp recently added a curated collection of minimal watches with an emphasis on contemporary design and quality finishes. Picking just one design form them was a rather difficult task but they have a range interchangeable straps. The simplicity of the Eleven Eleven‘s geometric face and understated mesh strap came out tops for me. I prefer the type of relaxed travel, where there aren’t times to stick to be we all need to be on time for flights at some stage. This last weekend in the bush, my Zemp Eleven Eleven come in handy when I needed to make sure I was shooting during the morning and afternoon golden hours- and get to our game drives bright and early.
Spanx and Zemp show that ideal travel companions- no matter the destination- are well selected modern classics that will stand the test of time. My only other addition to these travel essentials would be sunscreen (always and forever), a yoga mat to stretch out after long trips and a loved one to share the memories with.
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Twiggy Moli
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Tshepang Mollison – Personal Style Blogger from South Africa – Travel – Fashion – Lifestyle – Beauty – take snaps (#thetwiggycam)
and eat a lot (#twiggyisafattie)
www.youtube.com/
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My travel companion for the weekend. Obsessed with how spacious my Bobo Weekender bag is!
Now I never feel guilty for packing more than I should.
I’m not always there when you call, but I’m always on tiiiime!
Sechaba Gqeba
Talk Show host on Motswako SABC 2. Radio Presenter. MC & VO Artist. Speaker.
www.datenightblog.co.za
Travel essentials for a quick out of town trip for work. Loving my @zemplifestyle leather duffel bag & watch.
#zemplifestyle #travelcompanion
Sundays in Robertson.
Sheena Bagshawe
Fashion Stylist by DAY | Yoga Teacher in the making by NIGHT | JHB
http://thestylistsnotebook.co.za/
#tbt to packing for my last couple of weekends road tripping @spanx and @zemplifestyle show that ideal
travel companions- no matter the destination- are well selected modern classics that stand the test of time.
My only other addition to these travel essentials would be sunscreen (always and forever),
a yoga mat to stretch out after long trips and a loved one to share the memories with @_dominiquejade_
Mrs Sarah Langa Mackay
Proudly South African | Discovering the world, feeding the mind and finding the heart | BA Psychology (Wits)
My personalized @zemplifestyleleather travel bag has me so ready for a weekend away. day.
#SpanxSA #TravelCompanion#TravelEssentials #ZempLifestyle#shareyourstylejourney
My new @zemplifestyle Manana Watch is my perfect companion and keeps me on time all the time at a very good price.
#shareyourstylejourney #travelcompanion#spanx #jingerjack #zemp
Lesedi Ramonyane
Lifestyle | Travel | Beauty | Cape Town & Johannesburg
youtu.be/hY1QQ-ab8tk
How good are your packing skills? I’m definitely more of an over than an under packer. Cos what if the weather or my mood changes?!
Glad my @zemplifestyle Bobo weekender bag has more than enough space to accommodate my cray packing habits.
Also waking up early to repack so I can get more should become my new jam.
#solowithramone#TravelCompanion #TravelEssentials#Zempliftestyle #ShareYourStyleJourney
Getting a head start on mails and making sure I still have time for a caffeine boost with some help from my Eleven Eleven timepiece.
Who’s a morning person? Please send tips on how I can be better at being one.
Sbahle Mpisane | Fitness Bunnie
Wellness & Fitness Online Coach •For fitness programs and meal plans
youtu.be/u0TbzZ2aHPM
Getting lost in time. . . .
#Beach #SunKissed #TravelCompanion#TravelEssentials #ZempLifestyle #Tatts#shareyourstylejourney
Georgia East | East Afternoon
Writer, food stylist, photographer / I eat and I travel, preferably at the same time / Cape Town
eastafternoon.com
Classic meets contemporary.
The former is my late grandfather’s film camera that to be honest I’m still coming to understand (slowly and frustratingly) while the latter is the beautifully minimal Eleven Eleven timepiece by @zemplifestyle.
Apart from the luxury of time and being able to capture moments within it, my only addition to the perfect weekend getaway would be the ability to eat all the grilled cheese sandwiches without putting my waistline in detriment.
My love for an impromptu weekend away is no secret. Especially if the destination in question is the Cape West Coast.
In the few years I’ve been a travel writer, I have become somewhat of an expert on packing light.
No longer content to carry myriad pieces of luggage containing multiple outfit changes, my ideal weekend bag holds a few considered essentials – leaving of course, sufficient space for my camera equipment and styling props.
I recently stumbled upon @zemplifestyle – a purveyor of classic leather luggage and quality timepieces. In desperate need of a new leather holdall after my vintage Brazilian bag finally packed it in (hehehe), I opted for the Bobo weekender bag and used @zemplifestyle’s optional monogramming service to stamp my surname into my bag. Set in silver against the rich chestnut hue of the leather, this added extra personalised my luggage and made me feel rather posh using it.
Find my full post on the ideal travel companions (apart from someone that loves to drink slightly too much red wine with you) up now on eastafternoon.com
