How are you liking the rain girl?

Rain, rain, rain. It's time to put 'umbrella' and 'fashion' in one sentence.

Who said that an umbrella cannot be a fashion piece?

I've been looking for the perfect umbrella for weeks. Too many to choose from though, but my personal favourite is the plastic/bubble umbrella sported by Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit series Gossip Girl.

The great thing about this umbrella is that you can see through it. It's just great! Yay good hair days and hot guys, nothing will be blocked out. You can pull this baby over your head without missing a thing, or falling over your feet.

Some umbrella trends at the mo include zebra stripes, polka dots and sailor themes. Your umbrella does not have to match with your outfit -then you'll have to buy a million umbrellas - so just get a black one if your worried about outfit clashes.

Best thing about the plastic/bubble umbrella? It matches with everything!! And it's really hot.

International Suit Up Day, 13 October 2010. University of Pretoria.

Jweats

Jeans + sweatpants = JWEATS!!
During NY Fashion week, jweats were introduced by designer Michael Kors. This is a new trend that will be huge in 2011.

It is a very casual, funky look.
Can't wait for the trend to start!!

Crimping

I am so excited that hair crimping is back! When I was about 9 years old, I had a crimping iron. I threw it away though once I got older, never thinking that I would be able to use it again. Crimping is huge on the fashion catwalks this season.

Crimping actually looks like a weave to me, so black ladies would pull this off easy.

If you don't have the guts to crimp your whole head, crimp sections and leave the rest straight.
You can even pull your fingers through your hair after crimping big sections to create a loose wavy effect that's more friendly if you're not as daring.

A crimping iron is key to create this effect, but if you don't have one, don't go running to the stores to buy one. Crimping will, like most hairstyles, disappear. Just make a few plaits in your hair and run your straightener over it, once hot leave it for a while to cool down and take the plaits out, you will have a crimping effect, but with a bit more wave.

Crimp away!

Suit Up Day

Thanks to How I met Your Mother, we now have International Suit Up Day.
According to the always on track Facebook page the next Suit Up day will be on the 13th of October 2010.

So what am I getting to? 'Suiting Up' is easy for the guys, most of them just throw on their Sunday best, or the brave ones will wear their old matric dance ensembles.

Some tips for the ladies.

Eccentric- wear a fitted tailored suit, it can be your own suit or even your guys suit. Leave the first 3 shirt buttons open for a sexy look. You can even try an all jeans 'suit up' look.

Pretty, fashion forward- wear a black pencil skirt with a crisp white tank and awesome heels.

Safe- pair of jeans with a tailored jacket, button shirt and long necklace that can work as a tie.

'Suit Up' day is fun, it is something to be apart of, take a million pictures and laugh at funny suits. Now you have an excuse to wear something fancy to the movies.

Just say that it is 'Suit Up' day!

Campus 'Suit up' pics will be coming soon.
xx

Softlips South Africa Stylista Search

Ladies this is a chance of a lifetime. Softlips South Africa has a nationwide competition going on.

They are looking for a fabulous, fashion forward lady who will represent Softlips as a fashion reporter at major fashion events in South Africa. This is a chance to get behind the scenes and interview fab celebs.

There are fantastic prizes up for grabs.

If you think that you have what it takes visit www.softlips.co.za to enter.
Entries close end of September!

I myself have entered, it is a really great opportunity! Seize it.

4 things every fashion forward lady should be able to do

I'm not talking about pulling off a pair of yellow heels with green make-up.
This is the 'Oh my crap, my button broke off' moment.
So what are the 4 things every lady should be able to do? (I don't mean do well, just do).

1. Sew a button

Right, so apparently there are a lot of tricks on getting this trick right. My opinion? Just get the yarn through the needle, make a knot at the end, and get that button sewed on. You'll need to impress your man one day, and buttons will fall of because of various reasons.

2. Fix a ripped seam

This happened to me last week. My attempt to patch my dress back up? Well, at least I could wear it. The trick is to turn the garment of clothing inside out and work on the inside. Keep the stitches small.

3. Iron clothes, without an iron
Thank you flat iron. I have ironed dresses and jeans with my flat iron. It really works, just don't burn your clothes.

4. Remove stains

My gran taught me this. If you have no time to wash something that has one measly stain, take a bar of sunlight soap (that green bar), rub a bit on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, and rinse off, dry the area with your hair dryer and there you go!


So go ask your mother to show you the sowing ropes. Imagine my embarrassment when my boyfriend ended up fixing my dress, and he did a pretty good job!

Floral - Stripes

Just a note that floral prints and of course stripes are going to be a big trend this summer.

So get your floral on, with a pretty dress. Incorporate a striped shirt dress with leggings.

The floral print just gets better every year. I'm not talking granny prints this year. The floral prints are very feminine, subtle with pretty pinks and reds.

The stripes are of course sailor inspired with white and navy blue themes.

Be sure to get something floral or with stripes soon!

Pencil Skirt

Every lady should have one. I have a few, this is what i swear by.

Now the idea is that a pencil skirt cannot be worn casually. It can. Pencil skirts aren't just made for a formal dinner, occasion or the office. It can make you look hot with a casual flair.

Casual pencil: Try a light coloured skirt, or one with a pretty print in bright colours, pair it with a darker t-shirt and flats. Keep your hair down and curly for a sultry look. Accessories should be bulky.

Formal pencil: The main key? Heels. Nothing makes a pencil skirt (and your behind) look better. Keep the skirt in a black or dark colour like navy or grey, pair with a crisp white sleeveless shirt.

A pencil skirt draws the eye to a tiny waist, it's tight and really classy but hot at the same time! It's a 'must-have' forever.

J-J-J-EGGINGSSSS

Leggings + jeans = JEGGINGS!!!!!

It is always good to see that something new is welcomed into the fashion world. Jeggings have been around for a while, but it has only been embraced recently. What a relief, something better and tighter than skinny jeans.

Jeggings not being just a pair of leggings or unbelievably tight jeans, makes it very difficult to wear correctly.

Sitting on campus over these past few days, I have noticed what the wrong ways and right ways are to wear jeggings.

Firstly, it's not a jean, so a very shirt top, is not flattering, no matter how thin you are.

Secondly, it's also not flattering pairing it with a shirt dress or dress that stops at the knee or under.

The perfect pairing for jeggings are about halfway down your thigh, about 8 to 10 fingers above the knee. The shirt or dress should just cover the bum, but it's unnecessary to cover great legs.

J-j-j-jeggings! I love saying that!

Doing the matching thing

Matching shoes and bag, matching red shoes and red bag. I love that. Red is a warm colour.

Like most girls I am a safe matcher, black on black. That is why this red is such a relief to the outfit.

Red is amazing, very daring, striking. This girl has dark features to pull the red off graciously. Pairing the red with the denim skirt and white cardigan of course made me happy - sailor inspired! This is a very casual but still pretty look for campus.

I also like the yellow shades that Mr. Right in the corner has on. He looks like he is walking around in Paris.

Not even trying

JP can get away with anything. I've seen him wearing a, black plastic trash bag raincoat, and he made it look cool.

I told him he always looks cool without even trying. JP's not trying to be emo or weird, he is just JP.

What I liked about what he was wearing today, is his slippers and blue socks. When I laughed at him, he just said they stayed out late and that he was in a hurry. The slippers were just the most comfy thing to wear. I loved that.

Sometimes (like me), people spend forever to get ready and make things perfect, then old JP comes along, throws on some slippers with his all black ensemble and the blue socks. Imagine yourself wearing this, you'd look ridiculous, but not JP.

Student fashion is unique, that's for sure!

White Jacket

To most girls, wearing a white jacket, is like walking around pretending you are a snowman. I'll take my cardigan off to any girl who can get away with wearing a white, tailored jacket.

Inge, a journalism student, pulls this look off beautifully. The white jacket suits her perfectly, and the dash of green is just calling for the spring and summer to arrive. Pairing the white jacket with a dark pair of jeans is a more classy look, where a light wash would be more laid back.

Her hair pulled back, rounds the look off as sleek and stylish.

I love this look mainly because I can't wear it myself. I love the classy styles for campus. Crispy white is going to be a big trend during spring and summer. Don't be afraid to incorporate it in your look, especially if you can get away with a white jacket like Inge!

Bringing some summer to the winter

After critically inspecting pictures from the 2010 spring/summer collections from the catwalks of Paris, I have noticed that most trends were 'sailor' inspired. The great thing about sailor inspired clothing is, it is cool, fresh and beautiful in the summer (perfect for the beach, or for channeling the Cape if you live in Gauteng),but it also works great in the winter.

I love summer, and bring my own little sunshine to the winter with this ensemble. Crispy white and navy are going to be big this upcoming spring and summer. I translated this look from a laid back pretty summer outfit to something that keeps me warm in the cold.

I absolutely adore the sailor inspired dress, I long for yachts and champagne when I wear it. I paired the jacket with the dress for a bit of an edge. The opaque leggings are just for the cold, and the heels gives me some length.

Make sure to buy something sailor inspired soon. It works well during these cold days, and will transition beautifully when spring and summer arrives.

Ladies can bring the 'sailor' trend in with white, navy and red striped frocks and dresses with crisp white skirts. Guys who can pull white pants off can pair it with a navy blue shirt or jacket. It's about taking your own style and adding a 'sailor' inspired piece.

Soon to come

My apologies for not being as blog active. I would like to blame it on the Soccer World Cup, but as a student I am simply enjoying doing nothing.

I am starting an amazing fashion section on my blog as soon as I am back at university. The aim will be to seek out great fashion amongs the young adults. Something fun to seek out the latest trends and to see how the promising student takes that trend to an unique level.

Very excited for that.

Been seeing some interesting world cup fashion statements. At times I wanted to kick myself for not having any form of camera with me.

BOOT(legging)

Hehe. Bootlegging. Boot(legging) get it?

That time of the year to zip on those boots.

Pair your boots with a good legging. Just stay away from leggings and boots that end up looking like your going horse riding.

Knee length boots are absolutely strange if you're not 1.8m tall.
Shorty? Wear ankle boots. They are gorgeous for the winter and look hot with leggings, don't pair them with jeans especially skinny jeans. Normal boots can pair with jeans, and keep the jean in a dark wash and skinny.

Do boots in a solid colour. Don't go crazy whacking like a cowboy. Cowboy boots are cool though, if in one color. Keep the detail minimal on the boots, unless you want them to be the key item of the outfit, then you can get a pair with studs and zips.

Boots gives that playful edge to an outfit. Pumps are so expected, just change it up a bit. If you have model legs, or normal legs. Boots work.

Boots were made for walking.....

the 'UGH' feeling

I had mine yesterday.

Did absolutely NOTHING with my hair, was just sleek and unwashed. I was rocking my giraffe pyjamas for the day. Put a bit of mascara on to feel better though.

I realised that I needed the unglam. It let me breathe for a bit.

In our society it's important to always look your best, but yesterday I looked like crap, and I was fine. I actually enjoyed it.

I think that everyone needs that 'UGH' feeling. When you feel horrible and tell yourself that it's okay to walk around in your pj's. It breaks the 'I'm always pretty' routine.

Something that's needed, I think.

Putting colour on that face

I know this girl. When I see her, I always cover a chuckle.

Her mom obviously taught her how to apply her 80's style eyeshadow. She ALWAYS has this weird blue colour eyeshadow on, and I'm talking avant-garde, clown style.

Make-up can honestly highlight your features, or destroy them.

If you can get away with not wearing make-up, do it.
If a bit of eyeliner and mascara helps to make your eyes pop, do it.
If you need foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, blush and something for the lips, do it.
Just don't over do it.

It's easy to say that you should choose between a dramatic eye or bright lip. It's very hard to actually do it right - like blue eyes above. The horrible thing is, she is so set in her ways, and convincing otherwise is not possible.

I don't believe that if you think you look good, when its actually bad, you still look good.

Natural beauty, natural make-up is key. It's very subtle.

Throw away that blue eyeshadow ladies. Really look at yourself, and ask yourself if it's really making you look better or clowning you up?

Dresses, in winter? YEAH!

If we are anything alike, well, then you despise wearing pants.
Jeans can pass,
once a month.

Yes, you can rock your summer dresses in the winter months. It's called LAYERING.

First rule - keep the dress colour solid, don't let it look like you should be frolicking somewhere sunny. Purple, navy and grey are great dress colours for winter.

Second rule - add leggings. Preferably black.

Third rule - layer with a jersey, cardigan, coat, whatever works for you. Just make sure that the dress is still visible, otherwise there is absolutely no point.

Overall ideas
-you can pair great boots with this look
-add scarfs for a playful touch
-don't over layer, that ruins everything
-do not do this with a skirt, it looks weird
-wear peek toe shoes

This is really a life saver if you love dresses, its very fashionable. It looks cute and you can rock the sex appeal if done right.

Happy winter DRESSing =)

Inspiration

I see girls daily who do not embrace their femininity.
Women are blessed.
Apart from having boobs and major sex appeal we can wear dresses, and bright colours (without looking weird). We can spend a few extra more minutes on our appearance without being judged.

Embrace yourself. Do your hair in the morning, put on some eyeliner and perfume, shave those legs and floss.

Be the girl that you were made to be.

If you cant rock dresses, it's fine, just show the world that you love yourself, your feminine side and the cleavage you received =)

BE A LADY

Rocking the scarf

Okay, so the worst thing to do is wearing a scarf that's almost your length and makes you look like you have no neck.

Sure you wear it in the first place to keep that neck warm, but looking like a penguin won't help.

There are lots of ways to tie your scarf around your neck. I like to twist the scarf around my neck once and to pin it with a pretty pin or brooch.

Jessica Alba is getting it right with the light weight scarf. Very sophisticated, and it leaves a bit of neck open (okay so she ain't wearing this for winter, but points to her). This look could definitely be done with a thicker winter scarf.

A scarf is an accessory piece, so it should compliment not be overkill.

Happy scarfing =)

Rainy days

Some people don't get it, but even an umbrella can be a fashion piece. Fashion has spread to the boring umbrella - and thank goodness.

Sporting a cute, striped one myself. Believe me, you actually get umbrella compliments.

Gone are the days to just cover yourself, and hair from the rain - Woolworths has a fantastic umbrella collection, with good and affordable prices.

Try going for an umbrella that either makes a statement or that matches your clothes.

Let it rain!

Chilly Winter Ladies - what to do with that hair

Okay ladies, it is winter time

.

Gauteng is freeeezzzzing and the rain ain't doing anything for the hair - but that is no excuse to put it up in a bun or anything remotely close.

Winter is all about rocking fab, gorg, loose flowing, curly hair. The big news is, if you haven't seen, sleek straight hair is yester year. It takes a few more minuts to rock the curly look, but once mastered you will never go back.

My tip is to devide your hair in no more than 5 sections, grab a curling iron or flat iron and curl away. Remember product (mousse and spray) is key to keep the locks locked in. This hairdo goes from day to night and can be changed with a nice accessorie piece =).

Thing about loose curly hair - it drives the men crazy. Nothing like getting their hands in there. It looks hot too and keeps the neck warm.

Remember, your hair can make or break you and your outfit - just do it right.

Happy styling

What this is all about

Currently a second year Journalist student - with of course my focus on fashion (oh how I would love to become a fashion editor in a few years!), I really feel that there is this issue that needs attention, well in Gauteng anyway - no idea what's up in the rest of South-Africa (though I believe that Cape Town has everything under control.)

Okay, walking on campus everyday, sets this need on fire.
Please, oh please, take my number dear, kind, student - I will go shopping with you, I will help you.

Sure fashion is all about being an individual, but at times some (most) people just get it wrong. Fashion always changes, so keep up with it. There is no need to look like every second shopoholic. Fashion is about knowing what is new. Finding the key items in your store of choice and lastly making it your OWN.

My aim is to keep you up to date about whats happening in fashion world (more like student world - frankly I never get what is up with some of my fellow students).

This will be interesting - keep on visiting my blog!