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