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.