bryan boy x sunglass hut x marie claire

I was just on Milli's blog and saw how lovely the bloggers workshop was yesterday with Bryan Boy. Unfortunately, because I was working on some stuff for the meet and greet at Sunglass Hut I couldn't make it (insert hysterically sobbing face here).
Although I was busy at the actual Sunglass Hut event, I did get to Bryan, who is really lovely and fun to say the least. Watching him work the room and mingle with everyone was quite a sight.
Hopefully I'll have snaps from tonight's awards...
Let's just hope the champagne doesn't take over. Haha!
xx

i’m going to try to not be a groupie… vashtie kola at str.crd

Image via http://www.refinery29.co

STR.CRD is back again. I blogged about it on Pink Lyte, worked on the project last year, did some PR for it and got to meet Bobbito Garcia.

This year, STR.CRD has upped the ante (I hate that phrase… but I honestly couldn’t think of another way to describe the fact that they’ve basically stepped it up). They are bringing through some amazing guests this year. From the one who knows; Levi Maestro, to DJ and producer Masta Lee as well as my idol and the chick I won’t be able to help showing groupie love to Vashtie Kola, this years STR.CRD is going to be one of those “Oh, you missed STR.CRD? I’m so sorry. Your life must suck!”

I’ll tell you why I love Vashtie…Firstly, she dated Pharrel Williams: my prototype man. Secondly she has her own Air Jordan II’s and thirdly she’s super pretty. But the real and most important reason why I have a girl crush on ‘Downtown’s Sweetheart’ is because she makes me feel okay with having a multi-disciplinary based career because she’s basically done it all – worked as a director, produced parties, collaborated on a sneaker design and launched a signature brand Violette.

I have never thought of myself as someone who could be labelled as this or that, which is why it annoys me when people refer to me as a fashionista. Besides the fact that I hate that word and as much as I love clothes, styling, and fashion if you will, I don’t spend massive amounts of time thinking about or considering how the outside world sees me when it comes to ‘being fashionable.’
And I think Vashtie isn’t bothered by labels either, but I can’t be sure, so I’ll just ask her at the STR.CRD sessions. To me, she does whatever she wants to do. Is a true creative and collaborator and does it all in sneakers, heels, and great clothes. Girl crush.

Image via http://www.refinery29.co

Image via http://loud-culture.com

the moments amidst the chaos

poppy in avant apparel

Avant Apparel tassled waistcoat, vintage lace body suit and high waisted pleather panelled leggings from Religion

This weekend I'm styling another shoot for the lovely Poppy Ntshongwana and of course I'm going to get her into something from Avant Apparel. I can't wait to source from the girls this week and see what they have in store for summer... words like fun and colourful were used in describing what their summer stock looks like, so if you've been reading my dreams of summer posts you know I'm excited for Avant summer 2011.

one week to the 2011 marie claire prix d'excellance de la mode awards

I am really excited that this time next week I'll be stressing about what to wear to the Marie Claire Prix D'Excellance De La Mode Awards. I actually can't wait to get dressed up and possibly have a word or two with Bryan Boy who will be at the awards courtesy of Marie Claire and Sunglass Hut, to give out the award for best fashion blogger to Malibongwe Tyilo of Skattie What Are You Wearing?

The excitement is palpable... 

more from the woolworths re: campaign

vogue italia's irksome post

I’m not a very political person and I am sure some of you who follow this blog, have come to expect light hearted, “this is what I like”, “this outfit is cute” and ‘I love vintage clothing” posts from me.
Ever since I got a very heartfelt comment from Anonymous on a rather random and somewhat emo post, urging me to “step it up girlfriend” and pointing out that this blog is my forum, my voice and not my private diary, I have taken cognisance of the fact that people are reading this blog. Not to say that I curate my posts to the point where I’m just blogging for other people. The reason why this blog still exists is because I do actually have a voice and an opinion and I am not privileged enough to write for a magazine or newspaper, so in this space I am my own editor.

With all of that in mind I am still not one to easily and openly write on controversial matters, because I do like to post on things I like and things that inspire me, however Vogue Italia’s irksome trend forecast post this month really left a sour taste in my mouth.

I just find it really hard to accept that today (on the 22nd of August) it is still acceptable for this to be published and for it to be okay in the eyes of the publishers.
To quote: “Jewellery has always flirted with circular shapes, especially for use in making earrings. The most classic models are the slave and creole styles in gold hoops. If the name brings to the mind the decorative traditions of the women of colour who were brought to the southern Unites States during the slave trade, the latest interpretation is pure freedom. Colored stones, symbolic pendants and multiple spheres. And the evolution goes on.”

This is not a translation issue, but pure ignorant racism in my opinion. To openly reference one of the most repulsive occurrences in human history in some stupid trend forecast post it completely insensitive, ignorant and unacceptable.

*Literally as I was posting the links for you to see I noticed that they had changed the title of the post from Slave Earrings to Ethnic Earrings and that the copy had been amended to exclude the slave references.*

woolworths does it right with zoe kravitz

When I worked at Cosmopolitan Magazine all those years ago, the very first shoot I did was for Shop Like A Star, and the very first celebrity I did was none other than Zoe Kravitz.

The Elle Magazine South Africa's September issue cover star is also part of Woolworth's RE: Campaign. I think Jupiter Drawing Room and their creative director Fred Benistant made a genius move with this one. It feels authentic, it feels international, it makes you want everything shot in the campaign and I have a total girl crush on this girl... I think its because I love her father...
Go buy the Elle if you want to see the campaign. 

Image via Tattoologist

brown's cabins

Last weekend a couple of girl friends and I took the short drive out to Hartbeespoort to get away from the insanity that can be Johannesburg and drink lots of wine in the outdoors. We stayed at this quaint wooden cabin nestled in scenic property called Brown's Cabin. With amazing views of the mountain, and a brook (like the one in the movie Babe) as you drive up the driveway, this self catering cabin with its outdoor bush shower and outdoor jacuzzi, along with the massive amount of wine drinking had me wanting to pack it all up and move to a farm and wear plaid. But my Blackberry died after taking these photos and I didn't have a charger so I had to come back to the city. 

summer dreams in winter... number 2: bikini from seafolly at stuttafords

I’m sorry, but I think that it’s a little rude for winter to make a come back like this. I mean honestly speaking, here I am putting together a list of all the summer items I’d like to have in my wardrobe or beach bag and the weather has become so bitterly cold, its impossible to imagine a life without a runny nose at this stage. Nonetheless, I can’t wait for some colour in my life and with spring and summer collections laden with citrus hues this tangerine coloured bikini from Seafolly at Stuttafords is my number 2 must have item for summer. I want to wear this so badly when the sun finally decides to kick winter’s ass, I have resorted to printing out this picture and I’ve put it on my bedside table so I have something to motivate me when its time to go to gym (which I haven’t done in weeks and can totally feel on my heavy ass).

patta x warrior x staedtler plimsolls

Right, so I'm not really clear on what the prestigious Nike Tier – 0 account is, but Patta is the only store in The Netherlands that holds one. Opened in 2004 in the heart of Amsterdam, the store is known for making unknown or hard-to-find brands and items accessible.

Currently I know that my life is not going to be completed without the Patta x Warrior x Staedtler plimsolls: a collaboration project that brings together The Netherlands, China (via Warrior Footwear) and Germany (via Staedtler). I want. Can’t wait to see what Patta brings through when they’re here for STR.CRD in September.

summer dreams in winter... number 1: oakley caveat sunglasses

Once upon a time I used to love winter. From coats, scarfs, opaque stockings, to leather boots, woolen jerseys and gloves, winter just always felt more lady like and grown up to me. However, somewhere in between freezing at the Africa Day Concert, struggling with a broken heater and having my feet become blocks of ice at the opening of 54 on 6th, I gave up on my love for winter. All I seem to think about now is summer... summer dresses, warm rays of sun on my skin, denim cut offs, white vests and sunglasses.
Which is why I'm compiling a list of my summer covets. Summer in my opinion will not be complete without these items and if you see a dodgy looking picture in this feature, know that I did a sneaky photography stunt in a store and needed to desperately avoid security. Enjoy.. xx

1. Oakley Caveat Sunglasses:
The iconic aviator silhouette gets a fresh Oakley-style update in Caveat™. Up front, these ultra lightweight C5™ sunglasses are classically cool. Turn sideways and the sleek temple with modern cutout is ready to rock the runway.

Rose gold coloured Oakley Caveat™.

umbrella dreams

umbrella dreams by teeteenteta featuring flower dresses

Dolce Gabbana flower dress
£2,420 - brownsfashion.com

Miss KG bow heels
£45 - kurtgeiger.com

Leather frame bag
£28 - josephm.com

Vintage jewelry
$800 - amrag.com

Umbrella
$625 - cultstatus.com.au

Valentino bow glove
$395 - net-a-porter.com

Circle sunglasses
80spurple.com

Chloe Chloe Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz.
$110 - couture.zappos.com

ruby stained shirt collars

You know what I’ve discovered, but always knew?

There’s nothing sexier than a red lip.

Deemed the stiletto heel of make up in an article I found on http://www.dailymail.co.uk, red lipstick equals instant glamour and allure. It makes me think of Marilyn Monroe and Dita von Teese, love letters sealed with crimson kisses, scarlet lipstick marks on the rims of champagne glasses and ruby stained shirt collars.

And with my new and carefree short hair do, there is really no better way to feel feminine and like a lady who commands attention than a slick of sick Vixen Red lipstick from Bobby Brown on my lips.