Candy Floss

As a final goodbye to the hot weather I love, I thought I'd post my final full on summer number.

This candy pink creation from Foschini was one of those impulse sale purchases and I must admit, after putting it on, I thought it reminiscent of candy floss! I do however love the one shoulder net sleeve and wide net skirt - this is after all why I bought it. My nude sling-backs from Charles & Keith with the bow detail on the shoe fitted the feminine mood of the dress like a glove.

I kept the accessories simple and wore a dainty pair of Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings.

I wasn't the only lady in pink that day: my oh-so-stylish mother donned a pink cotton-knit dress from Studio W.

So here's to winter - boots, coats and lots of leather!

Until next time...happy shopping

Allora

I went to the most charming restaurant in Franschhoek the other day called 'Allora'. A divine menu, great company and good wine all made for a rather fabulous evening. It also provided an opportunity to sport my new gold leather jacket from Studio W.

I paired this wonderfully versatile item with a white blouse from Foschini (one of my last year's finds). The awesome bow detail on the front is of course why I love it!

Pics by Carl

Like with any good creation, from buildings to make-up, the foundation is important. My dark blue skinnies from Forever New were the perfect base - nice and tight but completely discreet.

And to round off what turned out to be a pretty chic ensemble, my trusty, much-loved tan courts from Aldo. Still one of my favourites after almost three years of friendship.

Franschhoek really is a pretty place, so next time you feel like doing something different why not take a drive out that way and be sure to pop into Allora.

Until next time...happy shopping

Sushi. Cocktails. Neon.

Sushi, cocktails and a good ol' chin-wag with two of my oldest friends at the V&A's stylish Sevruga restaurant - that's how I roll on a Tuesday afternoon. And one's definitely got to do it in style!

One of my favourite looks this season is the sleeveless blouse with collar detail. I bought this neon coral ovoid blouse at the YDE sale and paired it with a black tregging from Studio W. It must be said that these trousers are pure magic and are certainly up there as one of my best buys!

Pics by Nicole

I absolutely adore stud detail on anything from bags to shirts to shoes, so the studded collar on this blouse totally made me swoon. And my trusty patent black and leopard print flats from Woolies completed the 'relaxed yet stylish' look perfectly.

But the best accessory of all - a pair of D&G shades. No self-respecting fashionista should be without them!

Until next time...happy shopping

Something Old

There's nothing quite like a February wedding - the sun is shining, the location's breathtaking and the bride, well a woman seldom looks more beautiful than on her wedding day. And, of course, the guests certainly rise to the occasion.

So when I was invited to a February wedding on the stunning Oubaai Golf Estate, I had to find something to wear that would not disappoint. And so I thought of "something old" - a dress I'd bought 3 years ago and just never got to wear.

I remember it like it was yesterday, walking into Monsoon and falling absolutely head-over-heels in love with this dress. I had no idea where I was going to wear it but knew I had to have it. And 3 years later, here we are...

The shoes make up the "something new". From Zara, these patent pink numbers were the

perfect accessory.

There's something about a wedding that gets everyone really excited and it's always wonderful to see how stunning everyone looks.

Some of the lovely ladies...

And the handsome best man... 

It was a stunning occasion and the weekend away at the beautiful Oubaai Golf Estate did 

me the world of good!

Of course another important event took place this week - The Oscars, and a fashion feast 

it was indeed. I loved the wide dresses and soft colours - feminine chic at its finest.

My favourite looks of the night:

Jennifer Lawrence in gorgeous Dior

Anne Hathaway in a beautiful Prada creation

Jennifer Anniston in always elegant Valentino

And there were so many more, a fashion extravaganza!

Don't forget the Woolies Sale is in full swing, great bargains to be had. 

Until next time...happy shopping

Made to Fly at the J&B Met

The 2013 J&B Met was, once again, a fabulous affair at Kenilworth Race Course, where horses and haute couture came together for one of the season’s most celebrated events. Of course one of the highlights of the day is the Most Elegant Couple competition where participants are invited to enter and stand in line to win fantastic prizes.

So, drumroll please…my partner, Callen Petersen and I made it to the finals of this most coveted competition! Given that one has to be invited to enter and then endure a round of preliminary judging before the finals, this was a marvellous feather in our fashionable caps.

Although the ‘Made To Fly’ theme lends itself to feathers and flowing fabrics, we opted for a bolder fashion statement: buttons. The rationale behind this: “even though we’re covered in buttons, you can’t hold us down ‘coz we’re made to fly.”

Callen wore one of his own creations – a spectacular jacket complete with almost 3000 buttons. This work of art took approximately 9 months to make as each button was carefully hand stitched. He accessorised with a gorgeous buttoned briefcase and velvet bow-tie to complete the look.

By contrast I wore a simple lace dress from New Look, London but enhanced it with a net slip which made the skirt wider and more feminine. 

I’ve always said that accessories are the spice of life and mine did not disappoint. Callen did a fabulous job buttoning my shoes…

And my bag…

And my hat! Which complimented the blue veil and feathers beautifully.

The J&B Met also attracts celebrities from all over the country. I grabbed a quick pic with the Yfm twins, Hlelo and Ntando Masina.

After a day spent walking about it was great to be able to kick my feet up at the fabulous SABC tent which boasted a ‘sweet’ table second to none. And before I knew it, it was time to go – the J&B Met really was ‘Made To Fly’.

Until next time…happy shopping!

Pep(lum) Talk

I went to a fantastic birthday party a little while ago and couldn't wait to don my new peplum dress. The peplum has taken summer by storm - on jackets, skirts, dresses and t-shirts - you'll find it popping up everywhere. Not only is it ultra feminine, it also works really well if you're pear-shaped - like me!

Since I'm a textbook 'pear', I didn't think twice before whipping up this pale pink dress from Zara complete with peplum detail and sexy, low V at the back.

Pics by Carl

I paired it with a pastel green lace jacket from Foschini that is as great with jeans as it is with a dress. Add to that a chunky necklace (another great trend this season) and you're good to go.

Of course no outfit is complete without the right shoe candy. Even though these are 'so last season' (from Woolies), they still work! And I do love them.

I'm sure you all checked out the red-carpet fashion at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. These are some of my favourites:

Anne Hathaway was elegant in Chanel couture with a strapless white beaded column gown designed by Karl Lagerfeld.

Kerry Washington looked stunning in a sheer and embellished gown by Miu Miu.

Taylor Swift wow'ed the crowd with a low-backed Donna Karan dress.

Summer is flying by so I hope you're soaking up as much sun as possible. And don't forget to check out all of the end-of-season sales - there are great bargains to be found.

Until next time...happy shopping!

  

Lace Up

There are few things more enticing to a shopper than London's Oxford Street around Christmas time. I had the privilege of spending some time there in late November and it left me quite speechless - words failed me! The fashion is out of this world, the clothes, amazing, and the shoes, bountiful. On my first visit (there were many) I couldn't buy a thing, I was just so overwhelmed. But by the time I left, I certainly made up!

One of my many amazing finds was this gorgeous lace dress from Forever21. With its soft pink lining, delicate black lace and velvet bow, it's feminine chic with a vintage spin. 


Pics by Carl

Just when it seems all chaste and ladylike, the dress surprises you with a low-cut V at the back - spicing things up a notch or two.

Of course finding the perfect shoe was crucial - something that compliments without competing. Well I struck gold (or is that nude?) a while ago at Charles and Keith with this mesh peep-toe sling-back. The nude colour fitted perfectly and don't you just love the bow?

And as luck would have it, the dress was just in time for Christmas! 

Wishing everybody a fashion-filled 2013 with good health, happiness and many new pairs of shoes.

Until next time...happy shopping!