The Style Awards 2008

I made mention that the prestigious Style Awards were returning to Sandton but sadly I could not attend the much-anticipated event as I was in Cape Town.
The fashionistas, stylish, chic and trendy hit Nelson Mandela Square on Saturday 15 November for this fabulous event that ensures an opportunity to oogle latest trends, nab top-class goodie bags, dine on delicious cuisine and just be all-around glamorous.
Hosted by founder of the Style Awards, Jill Grogor, and MCed by Nikki Greenwall it seemed like a great event to quaff Mumms bubbly and shimmy with South Africa's celebs.

And the winners are.... druuuuummmm roll:

Mandla Sibeko
David Tlale
Noni Gasa
Jennifer Su
LeeAnn Liebenberg
Katja Kelhoffer
Louise Carver
Oscar Pistorius
Christian Gabriel du Toit & Malcolm Klûk

Some opinions:
David Tlale is quite inspiring. He pushes boundaries in both his designs and his general style. I think it’s great news that he was awarded.
Noni Gasa is always dressed to the nines. She looked particularly gorgeous at Fashion Week.
Jennifer Su is always immaculately manicured - she goes to a great deal of effort in her appearance and always looks picture perfect.
I have particular affection for Lousie Carver's style, I think she always looks effortlessly great. Whether she's in leather pants and a sequined camisole (a tough combination to pull off) or in a dressy cocktail frock, she just seems so at ease and comfortable in her skin and clothes.
I have a teeny crush on Oscar, I went to an event last year where he was one of the guests of honour and he is CUUUUTE! He dresses well too!
Christian and Malcolm - is there anything they touch that isn't fabulous. Their cuts and fabrication are outstanding.

Look at the pics and be the judge...

Make-Up Bag Confidential

I decided to do a follow up on the cheapy beauty products today and post about my make-up bag staples. I have downsized considerably in the past couple of months in the interest of saving cash and time. I still have a sizable basket of products at home but I have found myself using these all the time for day and night. So, from the top...

Benefit Benetint: A cult product that lives up to its status. The dark red tint is scary in the bottle but gives the a really natural I've-just-been-to-the gym flush. And it lasts!
Smashbox 'flirt' and Body Shop '32' eyeshadow: These are nice for a natural smoky eye with a bit of shimmer. Not the best quality so I'm thinking of investing in the Bobby Brown 'essential eye palette'. It will be a little Christmas present to myself.
Revlon Beyond Natural lipgloss in 'rosy': I have been looking for an affordable creamy gloss in a natural pink without shimmer for ages. I'm not a Revlon fan usually but I'm sold on this gloss.
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in 'black': I think BB2 mentioned this a while back. It's gives you a very full lash and doesn't clump or flake. Hate mascara flakes.
L'Oreal Contour Khol in 'carbon black': I sang this pencil's praises a few weeks back. I don't think I'll be straying anytime soon. This is a winner.

And finally, my pharmacy issue eyelash curlers. I've only been a eyelash curling convert for a few months and I finally understand what the fuss is about. Eyes really do look fresher and more awake after a few presses.

And in other beauty news, iconic UK fragrance and body care brand - Jo Malone - is launching in SA. Yay! I had the look at the website and the prices are on the steep side. R500 shower gel, anyone? But, I have been invited to the shop opening in Joburg this week so will test and report back.

Kate Winslet in Vanity Fair

Kate Winslet on this month's cover of Vanity Fair is my girl crush of the week. I love love love the Catherine Deneuve styling. Catherine Deneuve is a beauty and fashion icon of note (and still a sexy smoker...). I remember obsessing over the big hair, bedroom eyes and timeless trenches and LBDs she wore in 'Belle de Jour'. Another example that style is always in fashion (like we needed reminding).

Revisiting a favourite

Feeling a bit deflated on Sunday I decided to pep up my spirits for the coming week by watching one of my favourite films, “The Devil Wears Prada”. I won’t delve into how I could relate to Anne Hathaway’s character since I am presently experiencing a similar work experience. However, I will mention how I love the clothing. The movie is over two years old, yet I still desire some of those beautiful wardrobe pieces. I love the way the clothing is put together so effortlessly, I love the individual pieces, gosh I just love everything about the movie.

And why are we not surprised since the wardrobe stylist is the same guru who inspired us each week on the small screen on “Sex and the City”, Miss Patricia Field. Isn’t she amazing? Wouldn’t you just love to pick her brain? She finds inspiration in everything and has undertaken costume design for such diverse projects – from “Mother Goose Rock and Rhyme” to “Miami Rhapsody” and “Ugly Betty”! She’s been in the fashion scene since the 60s!

What is her top tip: never force anything, try to contrast different and unexpected pieces but don’t look forced.

The fact that I still drool over these clothes two years down the line proves that Miss Field is definitely a master!

Pictures: Courtesy of Yahoo Movies

Accessory dilemma

Both BB and I have a very sacred spot for accessories. We adore them. Have long conversations about them. I think we even put together outfits around them. So, as you can imagine, accessories were very, very important for me when I was making the final decisions as to how I would wear my fab new silver-grey dress.

BB and I discussed that yellow satin would be perfect as grey and yellow is one of my most favourite colour combinations. I was desperately searching for shoes like the above pair I spotted on shoewawa. I was even considering that a satin bow headband would really polish things off.

Alas, I had no luck and ended up using faithful black peeptoes and wore my beautiful silver flower-inspired earrings and cuff. I think it worked well, but I shan’t give up on the yellow satin dream.

In other news, BB and I are drooling over the arrival of Sass Diva in Sandton City. My first encounter with this fabulous store was in Canal Walk during a visit to Cape Town in January. I was so excited to find a great accessory store and abused my credit card – even buying a somewhat kitch, but so cute Eiffel Tower pendant for my trip to Paris.

Visit Sass Diva for beautiful, affordable, on-trend accessories.

Fashion Film: Brideshead Revisited

I watched Brideshead Revisited on Saturday and I have to say I was blown away by the fashion. The film is based on the Evelyn Waugh novel set in 1930s UK and Italy. It's a classic epic of unrequited love, class struggles, WWII, undercurrents of homosexuality, arranged marriages - it's all there! I love the drama but I know its not every one's cup of tea so I wont bore you with all the details. The fashion is another story though. Being set in the 1930's, the costume designers obviously took full advantage of the sumptuousness and beauty of the decade. I find something very fragile and sad about 1930s fashion. I think its a lot to do with WWII. All these beautiful girls flitting about in their silks and beads, right before all the lights go off.

The picture at the top shows heroine and heart breaker Julia Flyte relaxing in Venice with her alcoholic brother and scoundrel father. This is the kind of vintage I dream of finding. That silk top has a Japanese style bird of paradise embroidered on the front. I was mesmerised by it in the film but unfortunately I couldn't find a better picture - there are also some gold and turquoise tassels attached to the sleeves that aren't visible in the pic. That top would look beautiful today, 70 years on paired with jeans and a small gold clutch.

And in the bottom pic, our girl Julia makes a grand entrance at her 21st. Note: there's no theme dressing. And those are gold swallows appliqued to the front of the dress...aah. I love any bird motif/theme/whatever. I think its whimsical without being twee.

I'm feeling very short on inspiration when it comes to project: update summer wardrobe. I'm not sure if its all the doom and gloom news reports on the economy or just being snowed under at work. I have been buying little things here and there but its mostly really boring and basic work clothes - having clothing angst every morning for two weeks will make anyone yearn for a black pencil skirt that actually fits. So, in an attempt to get the fashion juices flowing I trawled though the spring summer ready to wear collections. This is how I would like to look this summer.

This is Elie Saab RTW 2009. I love the pastels - they are underrated. I remember going overboard on pastels a few years ago and have shunned them since, fearing the dreaded cutesy factor. But that top in the last picture is to die for. I can imagine myself pairing it with dark skinnies and wearing it for drinks or dinner (and then getting marina sauce all over the ruffles, being the picture of poise and grace that I am... ).

The challenge

I am off to a fabulous wedding in the Natal Midlands this weekend, which I am very excited about as I know both the bride and groom. They are both such fabulous people, I really can’t think of anything more exciting than seeing them walk down the aisle together.

The bride has been totally calm and cool during the whole planning process and is hardly anything close to bridezilla. But I happen to know that she does not like wearing all black to weddings so I decided that out of respect to her sentiments I would not wear black to her wedding. Now, this is easier said than done. All of my faithful cocktail dresses are black. So this meant hitting the stores and finding the oh-so-perfect dress for the function.

I was on a budget and would’ve loved to invest in a beautiful flowing maxi dress, but I knew my budget would just not permit it. I tried to go retail but didn’t find anything alluring (and non-black) at any of the retail outlets.

And then one of my favourite South African brands delivered the perfect dress. Leigh Schubert is a wonder with cut, embellishment and fabrication. This silver-grey T-shirt-style dress fits fabulously. I love the neckline pleats that extend into the slightly puffed sleeves. It is understated but stylish and the shorter hemline gives just the right amount of cheeky attitude.

Her collection at The Space is beautiful and I hope to buy some more of her items.

Wardrobe Malfunction

No, that is not a photo of my closet. The contents of my closet at the moment are largely scattered on my bedroom floor. I tried to take a photo to post but the situation was just too pitiful.
In other words, summer is here and I hate all my summer clothes. Especially my summer work clothes. Anything strappy, low cut or shorter than the knee is just not ok at my office. At the moment I'm rotating a couple of wrap of dresses, a pair of white pants and a few tops. And I am bored beyond words.

I have decided that I need a plan. Come end of November and I need to have an organised summer wardobe with good basics that work together. So, I am going to keep a diary on this here blog of what I have, what I need to get and what I like in the shops. Any help or comments are welcome!

Tips

Well I’m going to start by thanking BB for keeping this blog fresh. Thank goodness for team effort, there’s always something new to read.

I’m also going to thank to BB for inspiring this post. I loved her list of budget brands that offer fabulous returns. I always refer to myself as a walking contradiction, because although I love and lust after luxury brands I can’t resist a bargain.

Recently I managed to swipe a gorgeous pair of gold round-toe shoes for just… R25. It’s rather crazy and while usually I can’t be bothered with burying my head in bargain bins, I do shop around occasionally for a good price.

So in light of this I decided to share some idea of where I skimp and where I splurge.

• For me the rule of thumb is, if it is an investment piece – like a classic pair of black shoes – I’ll spend the money, otherwise I’ll look for a cheaper option. So the R25 shoes are a fun fad purchase so I can put my money towards a good pair of black shoes.

• I often find great basic black dresses at cheap retail stores such as Mr Price or Legit. I dress them up with a good pair of shoes; clutch and accessories… so if you’re shopping for a function on a budget, don’t overlook retail.

• Try not to save by buying fake leather belts, a bad belt can really break an outfit. Rather invest in one great belt instead of buying a myriad of cheap looking plastic belts, especially if you want the belt to be a focus piece in an outfit.

• For your core wardrobe, Woolworths is always a win. Particularly for white and black basics.

• If you need to save when buying underwear, rather buy cheaper knickers and save up for a good-fitting bra. A bad-fitting bra can really ruin the line of your outfit.

Some hints I follow to cut corners:

• Good nail polish is always worth it because it doesn’t chip as easily, however if it’s a bit pricey for you invest in a good topcoat like the Essie Good to Go. It’ll help your nails dry quickly and it’ll protect your cheap brand from chipping.

• It you’d like to make your foundation go further and appear richer and creamier, mix it with you moisturizer.

• Accessories, especially scarves, can jazz up any outfit.

• The Labello lip-glosses are great; very moisturizing and only cost R25-R30.

• If you just wish you could afford Dermalogica but the prices are a bit steep, you can try French brand, Bioderma products which are available at Dischem. They are very well-priced, internationally recognised and recommended by a host of dermatologists.
NOTE: If you really want to cut costs in your facial products remember that your most important product is the moisturizer. So invest in a good one and ensure that your face wash cleans your face and is not too drying.

• If you have a beautiful pair of leather, neutral shoes that have gotten scuffed and you’re ready to bin them, try dying them. You can do it yourself or have it done professionally for between R100 and R150.

I think that’s enough for now, I’ll keep thinking and offer more where I can. I always go by BB’s word and if we are in for two lean years, us glamour gals will only cope by sharing hints and secrets!

Lean Times

I dont know about you, but I am rivetted by the crisis unfolding on the markets in the past six weeks. Maybe its because I dont have any money invested (or any money to invest, full stop) but I am secretly fascinated by the money drama. There's bailouts, rescue plans, massive losses, wild fluctuations on pretty much every financial instrument. So, while no one actually knows how events are going to unfold, consensus seems to be that we are in for at least two lean years ahead. The lights have been on the South African shopping party for a while, what with high inflation and interest rates, but an economic slowdown could mean that we'll have to change our swipe-happy lifetstyles (for a while anyway).

I know I have been getting major guilt trips when thinking about buying frivolous items lately. Even if they weren't that expensive. Take make-up, for example - I seriously can't justify buying R200 lipglosses, R400 concealers or wearing designer perfume to work every day. And I am serious cosmetics junkie. But on the plus side, I have been rediscovering all the 'supermarket' make-up brands (aka Clicks favourites) that I abandoned after I finished varsity.

My fav budget friendly better quality cosmetics:
- Body Shop perfumes. These retail for around R100 for 30 ml. I love the Neroli Jasmine...
- Kair Hair serums. It doesnt get cheaper than the old Clicks house brand. But its mostly silicone anyway.
- Clicks has a new house name make-up brand. Its called LaLu. The glosses look kinda garish but I did buy a concealer for R60 and it works. Seriously. It works
- L'oreal, pretty much anything. IMHO, this is the best of the super market brands. The Crayon Kohl eyeliner is so soft, dark, long-lasting that I can't sing its praises enough. It's miles ahead of many of its expensive counterparts (I'm looking at you Clarins, Chanel and MAC).
- Body Shop Shampoos and Conditioners for around R90 each. When you can't afford salon and are scared Pantene will make your hair fall out. Plus they smell great.
- Nivea body care. Have been a convert for a long time.

Sugar High

It all started with the Magnolia Bakery in NY. Cupcakes are hot and sexy and glam. Not to mention fattening. But hey at least its not a whole slice of cake; plus a little refined sugar never hurt anyone. And Joburgers looking for a fashionable carbo hit now have the incredible cute 'I love Cupcake' in Parkhurst.
I couldn't resist posting these chic little cakes - a label whore's dream - from http://cookingismypassion.blogspot.com/. Yum...

New It Bag?

First up, I have to come clean about being a bag whore of note. And it gets worse, my taste in bags is a short whistle stop away from Footballers Wives land. Plainly said, I like external labels, I like flashy hardware, I like logos, I like patent. I covet 'it' bags and my feelings towards the Chloe Paddington were, to put it mildly, obsessive.

So, here's a bag that's kinda new. I read about it in this month's Elle US, which hails it as cult bag for fall. Its Prada, its lacy and its really fussy. It comes in lovely autumnal colours like sage and a soft burnt gold. I thought I'd never meet an it bag I wouldn't love, but I dont get this Prada number. Its a biggish, daytime size but the lace cut-outs make it impractical to carry around. I get that lace is a major trend for fall, but on a daytime bag?

Top picks

While I continue to hunt for that awesome pair of summer sandals and a new pair of skinny jeans. I've decided to list my top picks in my wardrobe at the moment. I love these items so much I have to try to restrain myself from wearing them everyday!

1. Coral nail polish. I love it for all it's summer brightness.

2. Fun, whimsical earrings. These make me happy when I wear them.

3. Boyfriend cut jeans. I need a new pair of skinnys but I haven't had much luck so I find myself wearing my relaxed boyfriend cut jeans more often.

4. The simplicity of a white shirt/t-shirt or vest is timeless. I love white shirts and I love this particular sleeveless number.

5. Scarves! I have always had a serious love affair with scarves and with them making a huge impact on summer and autumn trends I'm making sure I stock up!

Calling on the stylish...

The 12th annual South African Style Awards ceremony has been scheduled for 15 November. And you can witness the glamour, glitter, and of course rate the dresses by booking a table at your favourite restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square.

The awards will return to Nelson Mandela Square this and is sure to showcase the most stylish fashionistas in SA. It has never failed to impress – two years ago, this event was hosted in a sparkling gazebo in the square complete with chandeliers and of course Moët & Chandon champers and Lindt chocolate... you don't get more decadent than that!

Last year's award winners are feature above, and in 2006 the Style Awards agreed with me and awarded the fabulous Aspasia Karras.

Who do you think should win a style award?

Belinda relocates

Belinda, the inspirational boutique which launched last year in Parkhurst has relocated to Hyde Park Shopping Centre. This shopping mecca stocks the likes of Stella McCartney, Marni, Chloe & Miu Miu. Fashionistas and shopaholics congregated last week for the relaunch of this marvelous store. Hyde Park also took the opportunity to announce the top Spring/Summer looks and trends.

According to gurus, the top four international looks to wash onto our shores are:

Country Heritage, which borrows strong influences from the sometimes frumpy, rather unlikely fashion icon, Queen Elizabeth I. It should be clarified that we're talking about the queenie when she's off duty. This would inlcude trousers, headscarves and preppy twin sets and pearls.

Next is the look is global traveler, from Brazil Carnivals to Inca Trails, Russian influences and Hobo chic - rather strangely dubbed Tribal Council. (I think it is a bit far flug to include allthis in one trend, and I think it's a bit of confusing name!). The icon for this look is model, the breathtakingly beautiful Jordan Dunn.

Next we have Soft Goth (a trend which first hit several seasons ago, egads Emo has infiltrated mainstream!) The icon for this look, Katie Holmes - I'm guessing that one of the top looks is the combination of her sharp, ebony bob with the red armani dress she wore to The Met Costume Institute Gala.

Architectural Tailoring. The new austere strict and sculptured. Icon models for this look are Agyness Deyn, Victoria Beckham, and our own Liezel van der Westhuizen. (I'm not sure how these three ladies can be said to be following one look! And, austere refers to plain in style... I DEFINITELY would not describe Agnys Deyn as plain in style. Androgenous, perhaps... Cutting edge... definitely, daring... absoulutey because few people can go out with an eye-patch and pull it off but austere, hell no!)

Check out the pics of all that attended... Uyanda Mbuli was as elegant and gracious as ever, she is just such a wonderful woman. And I'd like to state that I think Aspasia Karras is just about the most chic woman in the media, she always looks so effortlessl fab!