Imprint Your Style

From graphic checks, houndstooth, and fabulous florals - printed fabrics are everywhere this season. Even though this is a Spring trend elsewhere in the world, prints can easily be translated for Winter. All you have to decide is how bold you want to go. 'Clash and match' or Aztec with arty for a riot of expression? Whether you're tempted to play around with pattern or prefer keeping it simple, there is a way to ace this trend in every way possible.

Clashing prints

When taking the ‘clash and match’ approach to pattern, choose prints with matching colours and a similar scale, creating a more complementary combination. Worried about your shoes? Go for gold and neutral colours to make your outfit pop.

Office print

Think prints are too bold for the office? Think again! Simply opt for tailored prints for a more office-chic look. Take a page out of Valentino’s book to make Mondays fabulously blue, by pairing soft azure blues with a white shirt. Alternatively, make like Mary Berry and grab yourself a floral bomber jacket. Perfect with slim black pants – or a matching skirt.

Houndstooth

Originating in Scotland in the 1800, houndstooth was worn by shepherds, and in the 1930’s it moved up the social ladder to become the pattern of choice for the wealthy. Personally, I’m in love with this print because it can be worn casually as a knitted sweater, or for business as a shift dress. Always accessories this print with a bold colour. Red shoes are super chic.

Print has been making rounds since 2012 and doesn't seem to be leaving the fashion scene any time soon, so jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the freedom that this trend brings.  

www.allaboutyou.com

www.glamour.co.za

Read more »

That's a Wrap!

I often look at other women and admire their personal style elements; particularly the way they find new and inventive ways to wrap their scarves. With temperatures dropping in the capital, I thought it befitting to show you cute and stylish ways to take your old boring scarf and modify it into something different every day.

The scarf has been around for more than a hundred years, and comes in many styles from thin and filmy silks to knitted, bulky winter warmers. Before the scarf was associated with glamorous icons like Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day, it was primarily used to keep a woman's hairdo from being spoiled by wind, rain and (yes ladies) ‘mince-weather’.

This versatile accessory can be shaped and molded in a variety of ways to flatter different outfits, hairstyles, and even different temperatures. Here are my four favourite wraps for this season:

The Infinity Scarf  

1. Recreate the look made famous by Jennifer Aniston, by taking two opposite corners
2. Tie them together
3. Move the tie to the back of your neck to disguise it
4. Twist the scarf once and loop it around your head.
5. Adjust
6. There you have it. Wear this wrap with a vest and cool jacket

The Long Ascot

1. If you know how to tie a knot, you'll know how to tie an ascot. Start by draping the scarf around your neck, with even lengths of fabric on either side.
2. Crisscross the ends.
3. And bring the other end around the back and up through the top. The trick is to keep the knot laid flat across your neck.
4. Pull it all the way through and adjust.

The Neck Brace

1. This full-scarf look is extra warm and cozy. Position the scarf asymmetrically around your neck
2. Loosely wrap the longer end around your neck, stopping to style and "plump" it as you go.
3. Once you've run out of scarf, tuck the ends into the mass.
4. You may need to do a little more fluffing and adjusting once it's done, but a haphazardly wrapped look is super-chic, too!

The Challah Braid

1. The Challah Braid is both structured and relaxed. Start by folding the scarf in half and draping it around your neck. Reach through the loop to grab the two ends of the scarf.
2. Start pulling the scarf through to create another mini-loop.
3. Pull the two ends of the scarf through the other mini-loop you've created.
4. Voila! It's a warm, braided scarf look that won't move around.

Connie Wang- Refinery29

Photographed by Jacqueline Harriet

Read more »

Urban Fashion Photography Shoot

You've heard me say once before that 'fashion is visual art come to life', and because one art form attracts another, I decided to go artistic for this week's post. Fashion photography has been around since the days of Napoleon, evolving into the glossy magazine covers and spreads we know and love today  I do not in any way claim to be a professional, but this week I wanted to shed my insecurities and expose my amateur photography skills. I grabbed one of my model-type friends, came up with a 'urban' concept and went trigger happy on a Sunday afternoon. Here's what we got up to.... 

Model/Make-up: Anka Hansen 
Photographer: Elzita Beukes (me)
Location: The Marcus Manor 

Read more »

Namibian Fashion on the Rise

Finally, I have time to sit down and write my review of the 99FM and Jameson Autumn/Winter Fashion Show.  I can honestly say that the media-hype and publicity was totally worth every printed line. It was both well organized and beautifully put together. The sound, decor and venue were professional beyond the usual Namibian standard. The runway, scattered with crunchy autumn toned leaves, took my breath away. I was excited to see the show.

This excitement soon turned into a dismal near-coma experience with the opening collection by Hemline. The first dress down the runway was a cobalt evening gown that was atrociously tailored.  The collection sported a selection of hats; fedora, Victorian, and bowler. All of which could have been done away with. The hats made no sense at all and made the outfits look frumpy and out-dated. The collection lacked class, consistency and the basic designer skills needed for a show of such magnitude. All-in-all the collection was a complete snooze fest.

Hemline’s collection was followed by MC Bright and I loved this collection! Although it also lacked a clear vision, I enjoyed the innovation and skill of the costume-like apparel. My absolute favourite was his use of capes; they are so in vogue for winter right now. Even though some of the capes seemed more runway than real-way, they can easily be modified for a cold night out on the town. He mixed textured fabrics and prints, and incorporated them beautifully into his designs. Big thumbs up for MC Bright!

After three, very over the top performances by Lize Ehlers, the final collection by Nikola Conradie graced the runway. The crowd was wowed by beautifully tailored clothes that made the heart sing. Her use of romantic clothes inspired by the 40s made me think of bourgeoisie Parisian style. The upholstery-like fabrics were rich, warm and soft, and the beige and subtle mint colour combination made the collection a delight to see. Nikola had a clear and consistent thread running through her collection, showcasing her designer talent unmatched elsewhere in Namibia. Bows, berets, soft masculine suits, elongated silhouettes, and sleek necklines made Nikola Conradie’s collection superior over the other two designers. If I had to describe her collection in two words, I would say… top class. The perfect end to the night.

Read more »