ALL CLOGGED UP

It’s one of the hottest accessories for summer 2010 and could be potentially one of the hardest to pull off successfully without looking like a backward yodeler strutting on the streets! Yes, you guessed it – clogs have been seen in all major fashion shows around the world of late – from Chanel to Miu Miu – clogs are on every fashionista’s radar.

Why you may ask? I can only guess that it’s a new shape and can be adorned with pretty prints or studs and tassels – so they will definitely make a statement even worn with your plain LBD or black trousers.

I love them simply because they’re so different. Many bloggers around the world have dismissed them and shunned them off their fashion blog-roll. I say if you’ve got the confidence and the need to try a new-shaped shoe (aren’t we all a tad tired of the stacked heel or dare I say it – peep-toe?) – then go for it! I think all major chain stores (Foschini, Mr Price and Edgars especially) will take note of this retro trend and South African fashionista’s can clog around on our streets and shopping malls. Let’s wait and see….

Let me know what you think of this Nineties come-back, and please email if you have any fashion queries or dilemma’s on kirstenb@caxton.co.za

New threads and old favourites

VELVET BY GRAHAM & SPENCER

My number one wardrobe essential has to be a white T-shirt – simple and classic – perfect to slip on underneath a chunky knit when the weather starts getting chilly. Over the years, as style and designs have changed – so have my preferences, so when I’m faced with an array of T-shirts: V-neck, oversized, slim fit, or pocket detail – my mind boggles as there are simply too many choices!

Help is at hand with Velvet by Graham & Spencer – an international brand brought to the sunny shores of SA by the fabulous ladies of Fine Cotton. In their boutique located in Illovo, Johannesburg you’ll find those wardrobe essentials that are oh-so wantable: luxe T-shirts and vests, tunics, leggings, jackets and coats to fabulous draped and ruched dresses made from light-weight fleece, feather weight wool to cashmere blends – an absolute feast for the senses! A neutral colour palette is dominant throughout their range – you can choose from charcoal grey, ink black, warm chocolate to touches of butter and snow – my favourite colours that work seamlessly well with your existing wardrobe. And there you have it – It’s amazing how a simple white T-shirt has so much power over your wardrobe dilemmas! Phone Fine Cotton on 082 858 0186 (Tori) to get your hands on these beauties!

SEX AND THE CITY II (Preview)

I simply can’t wait for the return of the fab foursome! I saw a preview the other night – as always the girls were in the finest clothing and highest-of-heels – what can you expect?
You can’t help but admire the chic yet daring (and sometimes a tad OTT) fashion that costume designer, Patricia Field creates time after time – I would love to be inside that fashion closet on set – me thinks a few items would go missing!

I adore this dress that Charlotte is wearing in the movie – frills coupled with a summer bright – the ultimate statement dress!

So while my boyfriend groans with despair (I pulled him along to Sex and the City last year – like all men he simply didn’t get the ethos behind this fashion spectacular!) – I will dutifully book my seat for the 28th May at my local cinema. See you there!

Please email if you have any fashion queries or dilemma’s on kirstenb@caxton.co.za

PRETTY DARN FABULOUS

This past long weekend ticked all the boxes for pure relaxation, quiet and good ‘ol fashioned R ’n R…yes the suburbs of Jo’burg were blissfully quiet, shop queues that much shorter and generally an air and mood for a good long weekend ahead… I divulged in my favourite pastime: flopping on the couch and watching a good movie.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was on DSTV (I PVR’d – ahhh the perks of technology ;) and couldn’t help but be bowelled over by Tilda Swinton playing Elizabeth Abbott.

She is disarmingly plain yet pretty (even chisel –jawed Brad Pitt, playing Benjamin comments on this) – yet she’s been the face of Pringle of Scotland for over a year now and has recently made the cover for Dazed Magazine. This is what I love about fashion – they’ll splash the usual suspects of ‘prettydom’ all over magazines and fashion editorials, yet here is Tilda Swinton, a statuesque beauty in her own right that stands tall and proud over all of them. It’s her air of quiet assurance about herself that I find inspiring and empowering. Bravo Tilda!

Visit your nearest Pringle store to not only gaze at Tilda but drool over their autumn/winter range – it’s classic with a twist – our favourite here at woman&home! I have my beady eye on a pair of quilted leather gloves that we used in a main fashion editorial last week – perfect for those morning drives to work when your hands freeze to the steering wheel! Happy shopping!

Kirsten

Please email if you have any fashion queries or dilemma’s on kirstenb@caxton.co.za

WOOLWORTHS WINTER 2010 CAMPAIGN AND THE STUNNING ALEK WEK

If like me, you were scrolling through the channels last night – desperately searching for something to watch (what has happened to DSTV lately? Am I the only person is struggling for some good couch potato viewing?) – I finally stumbled upon All Access on Mnet with the ever chippy Pabi Moloi. The team went behind the scenes of the fantastical new Woolworth’s winter campaign with the statuesque Alek Wek as prime front woman. She is a stunner – with a cheeky grin and endless energy – and I can’t help but note her beautiful ebony skin – to die for!
Aptly named ‘Play the World’ (it is after all +- 76 days till kick-off whoo!), internationally renowned Italian photographer, Oliviero Toscani snapped away at Alek Wek, international football legends Luis Figo (he’s eye candy as well which is a perk;), Lucas Radebe, Lira, Gina Athens and Gerda Marie showing off some superb Woolworths winter fashion.

My favourites have to be the bomber and biker jackets – Woolworths have made very sexy silhouettes this year – so they’re very form-fitting and feminine. And of course the ever faithful riding boots and I also saw trendy over-the-knee boots at Country Road – thank goodness for Woolworths! Christelle (woman&home’s Art Director) and Frith (woman&home Editor) have already bought themselves a pair – lucky things! I can’t wait to see them strut them around the office ;)

Ciao
Kirsten

STYLE IN THE CITY AND PURE MANIA

There is only one word to describe the past few weeks in our offices at woman&home – manic! The whole team has been rushing around, drinking countless cups of coffee and had a few tearful outbursts (that’s me!) to get our May issue subbed, layed out and finally off to the printers… I can’t wait for you all to see it (in a few weeks!) – it’s a bumper issue packed full of fashion and beauty trends as well as our usual features for some ‘sit back and kick back’ reading – exactly what we all need!

This past week I jaunted off to good ‘ol Durbs for the long weekend to see my family and to get away from the madness of the past few weeks – (thank you to Frith and Robert for giving me a day off!;).I know that Durban is notorious for its laid back attitude to everything including what fashion they like to wear – yet today I stumbled upon what looks like a promising boutique called Gorgeous de Luxe on 366 Florida Road, Morningside. Stocking local and international designers and labels, Gorgeous de Luxe is the perfect one-stop shop when you’re looking for that special something to wear to a glam event (Reine by Kathrin Kidger is superb!) or those wardrobe essentials that you simply have to have.

So all the Durban ladies go have a squiz at Gorgeous de Luxe – let me know what you think! You can contact them on 032 946 0035/ 072 997 6740 or email nickola@simplybuzz.co.za

I am a notorious fashion blog fanatic – I’m constantly scouring both local and international to see what’s hip and happening and to get inspiration on some street fashion – it’s amazing what stylish folk can put together! That being said, Jacquie Myburgh-Chemaly posted a blog (http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/) on inspiring ‘older’ street fashion – yep you guessed it – I clicked on the said link with lightning speed… Advanced Style is quintessentially ‘Proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age’ – bravo I couldn’t agree more! I love these pics of New York ladies and their effortless style and confidence – everything I would like to be when I grow up!;) I think the key to their style is knowing what works for them – either sticking to all-rounder LBD or adding accessories that add that extra dimension to an outfit.
Check out http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/ to see more fashionably-forward people…

Please email if you have any fashion queries or dilemmas on kirstenb@caxton.co.za

CHILL IN THE AIR ANYONE?

Am I the only one who has felt a certain chill in the air lately? Winter is certainly looming which means wardrobe dilemma’s in the mornings (should I wear trousers? The weather report did say 27C – but I was freezing in the office yesterday!) to scouring the stores for the IT item that will finish off your winter wardrobe to perfection.

Certain stores have been catching my eye lately on their take on winter trends: Foschini (I love their trendy brights and statement shoulder jackets), Jo Borkett (I saw yesterday their new range of the dress suit available in a variety of colours – perfect to ward off the autumn chill and to look effortlessly chic) and lastly I snuck a peak at Country Road’s look book for winter/autumn 2010 – sheer perfection! (I am biased on this one – I’m known around the office to lust over anything from Country Road!) If you love Country Road and Trenery as much as I do – they’re having their sale on now !

TREND ALERT – TRENCH COATS
I trawl shopping malls nearly every day when I’m sourcing for the fashion pages of woman&home… One trend that is very dominant and perfect for the coming autumn is the illustrious trench coat. In palatable beige, belted and with a chic cut – your autumn come winter wardrobe will be hassle-free with this little number!

It’s wearable, chic and polished – to be thrown on over a pair of trousers or jeans when you’re hurrying out the door. What makes it even better is the temperature factor: it’s not too warm as a winter coat is nor too light to freeze in the early morning chill. That’s what I call a good buy! I saw Jean Paul Gaultier’s take on the classic recently on the catwalks…

Visit Urban Degrees, Hilton Weiner and Country Road to get your hands on their version of this great buy!


Please email if you have any fashion queries or dilemma’s on kirstenb@caxton.co.za

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK TRENDS: ACCESSORIES

I stumbled across these beauties while looking for more awesome trends showcased at New York Fashion Week. Cinched-in waists were seen all over from Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors – wide belts create a sexy hour-glass silhouette, and are the perfect addition to your pencil skirt.
Statement boots were all the rage. I love the different textures and finishes that were shown: suede, lace-up’s and stacked heels are still a firm favourite with designers. I liked the chic ‘country’ feel to the boots. My favourite? The stunning Marc Jacobs mid-calf boots!

High-drama neckpieces gave a polished look on the models sauntering down the catwalk. I loved this jeweled piece at Vera Wang – too beautiful! Accessories such as these are perfect addition to any outfit – even a plain black t-shirt! Look for inexpensive, yet trendy necklaces at your nearest Sass Diva or Accessorize. Bags are another way to instantly jazz up your outfit – Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren agreed. Structured, two-tone and mock-croc were the trends seen…quite corporate, but oh-so chic!


Watch Out For…
Speaking of fabulous accessories, I received a press release of the upcoming bags and shoes from Furla. Yes, they are a tad expensive – but so worth it! Think of it as an investment for your wardrobe and a treat to yourself for working so hard as a mother, wife and worker… Go on! We know you want to! All of these products will be available in March. Big trends seen in the Furla Winter 2010 Collection is the warm colour palette of citrus shades like camel, marmalade, fresh tangerine and dusty sands in traditional leathers and warm influenced suede’s. Don’t forget about animal prints this winter! From cheetah prints, reptilian prints to the favourite of mock-croc – get ready for the wild side of fashion!

Contact Furla on 011 325 6468 or visit them in Hyde Park Shopping centre.