Its all Possiblle with Volvo...

... See what I did there with my Title. So, a certain three designers have been talking Volvo lately on twitter, the inquisitive side of me needed to know more, after all 140 characters is not enough and I refuse to read any tmi on twitter. I believe if you want to tweet a novel write it on facebook. Anyway... so I did some investigating and found out that while I was sleeping, on 1 June to be exact, something exciting was launched, something slightly brilliant that I wished I was part of the Volvo team and came out with it myself. It's like one of those why am I not Driving a Volvo Already kind of things. Three designers, Three Volvo models and something you will definitely see via Volvo Possible and hear everyone talking or tweeting about it.

 Volvo has teamed up with Gert-Johan Coetzee, David Tlale and my queen Nkhensani Nkosi. They have the simple and fun task of creating items that would make life in their car fun, sexier easier or safer. Since Volvo is already the like safest car in the known universe, I would so kit it with sexy crazy things like changing the gear to look like a shoe. But then again I'm not a designer and that might cause a few accidents so maybe not. It all looks like this: Mr. Cotzee got the C30. How amazing is this car, I can't speak for it's torque and horsepower but its so amazing to look at, it makes me think of a party, party in my car woop woop. Fabulous Tlale got the sleek, I'm so serious but have a naughty side S60, enough said. My queen Nkhensani got the only SUV the XC60. I love girls in SUVs it makes me think of a dominatrix. The whole "yes I've got power and I'm not afraid to use it" thing. It all sounds too exciting for word that's why I had to mention it. Cant wait to see more.

Party in my car tonyt!!!!

Too suave to talk to just anyone

Whips and chains all the way

The pair I found

 I went to Asoka last night. I had one too many Espresso Martinis and ended telling everyone that I'm a jazz singer, which I'm not. Everyone had a sexy boho vibe which I was too envious of. I found a pair of shoes attached to a person of course which I really enjoyed. Other than that, after the music started playing I kind of got lost in the vibe, which is always a sign of a good night. I also put my superhero skills to good use and saved a glass of red wine from the ultimate doom of falling to the floor.

Lord Lagerfeld's Latest

I have a secret wish that one day Karl Lagerfeld plucks me from obscurity and teaches me how to take a perfect photograph. Short of the hugest miracle since the parting of the Red Sea, that's not happening anytime soon. I've had my little cry over it, drank 1 too many Vodka and limes over it, then came to terms with reality. I'm OK now, and I realised I can still enjoy Mr Lagerfeld's work, right now in the form of the Fall 2011 Chanel Campaign. It's a little different this season; no gaggle of models, only Freja Beha Erichsen, his long time muse. Former Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue Carine Rotifeld Styled the shoot, to be honest I've always liked her randomly brilliant quirky sense of vision. I have to say I do enjoy these images, they naughty, half dark, and lacey. The vintage photo booth makes it a little dreamy and the half naked body covered in lace makes me think of things I shouldn't.

Replacing Cuddles with John's Phone

I love my iPhone, I named her Cuddles. I sleep with her under my pillow every night, I'm sure that's bad for you but hey. I once attempted to knit a sweater for her, aka a phone sock, but my ADD kicked in and I ended up organising all my coins at the bottom of my hand bag by the year they were created. I have to admit though, I have a little crush on a little (or big in this case) phone, not the crackBlackberry. I am in love with the simplest phone since the first cellphone was invented or created. I'm in love with John's phone.

The creators, known as John Doe Amsterdam, described it as "the birth of the no nonsense phone." I just think it's so simple its genius. There's no camera, no bluetooth and gasp fall down the stairs and brake a nail, no sms, but I'm not worried because the keypad locks. When I saw it I couldn't help but think of all the cellphone adverts. Everything is about, connecting, global this, social networks that, connecting connecting connection. The only connection I'd have with this, is via the modest phone call. The only thing global about it, is that any sim card can work in it. The best thing, I swear, is it works on a single charge every three weeks, and it has a little note pad for your numbers, which means no digital phonebook. Takes me back to days when numbers had to be scribbled on serviettes with lipstick when a pen and paper was no where to be found.

This phone belongs in a novelty shop, I have a feeling that if a thirteen year old saw it, they would hyperventilate, pass out, wake up in the hospital screaming for Mxit. When I described it to a certain someone last night, he stopped speaking to me and  and dramatically said his good nights, all because I said the phone had no features. To be honest I'm secretly yearning for it. It comes in Pink and there's a limited edition gold version what more can I ask for. The keys are so huge I have a feeling my cat who ran away could use it. It's like that incredibly hot but very dense guy I had a crush on in high school, I knew it would be so frustrating, and borderline excruciating, but I just had to have him. I find it stunning, it's like a chunky iPhone, its cheeky, it's giving the middle finger to technology. I need one, I have to have one. I guess if my phone ever "got lost" I will be visiting  John's phone store and in the time it takes to ship a phone from Amsterdam I will have a fun new phone.

I love you Cuddlles, I love you Cuddles, I love you Cuddles!!

Pics: John's Phone

Snow White and me...

In my mind; I wake up in the morning, open my window and birds come flying in. These birds fly in and pick out what I'm going to wear, while chirping a happy tune. Butterflies flutter in, they whisper inspirational and general good things in my ear so I always have a happy thoughts in the morning. Talking mice from out of no where magically poof in front of me and ask me what I will have for breakfast. I always have cloud flavoured muffins, they taste like marshmallows and laughter. I worry about nothing because the magical cleaning elves make my bed and sprinkle dust that smell like spring on the finished product. Before I go out fairies come in and sprinkle me with fairy dust for luck and fairy mist so I smell like rainbows.

In reality I might be a little insane, but that's OK I watched Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and learned that all the good people are a little insane. I think I'm a fairy princess, actually I have a tattoo of a fairy for that very reason. Whenever I'm sad I ask myself what would  Snow White do, then I find myself humming a tune, sometimes I accidentally sing out loud (but that's only on days when I forget where I am.) The thing  is I don't see the world through rose coloured glasses, I was just born with a vivid imagination, I really did play with Barney the dinosaur sensation.

I've been told on many occasions that I'm strange, my answer has always been "so what." So what if I'm strange. Yes, OK, all these things are only real in a Walt Disney Production. All these things are a five year old's magic dream, sure, that's not reality. I love reality and the smell of freshly laid tar. Reality is, we all have our happy place, clearly mine is a Walt Disney Fairy tale with a splash of the Brothers Grimm. Everyone has their quirks, I'm not afraid of mine. I realise that I create a killer fairy tale in my mind every time I wake up....

...Maybe I should be a writer.

"And we were dressed from head to toe in love..the only label that never goes out of style"

I watched Sex and the City the movie again this weekend(hence the quote). I pretty much watch it for one reason other than sheer enjoyment, the Vogue photo shoot scene. Every time Carrie wore another gown and she went through the designers' names I got goosebumps. I've probably watched the movie 5 times and that scene still has the same effect on me. Clothes, a mere form of warmth for some, for me have always been much more. I can't even put into words the feeling I get when I see something so beautiful, so breath taking, that I literally stop breathing for a split second. It's about the appreciation for the design and the designer's vision which they have immortalised in what some might see as a simple piece of clothing. I took a moment to think of some SA designers that give me goosebumps every time, who's clothes aren't just seasonal trends but timeless pieces.

Gavin Rajah

Stoned Cherrie

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Kluk CGdT

Heni

Thula Sindi

These are some old and new pieces, that's the whole point, new collection or old its still the same effect, it's still clothes I can wear this season and next. These designers inspire my whole wardrobe daily, there's just something indescribable about them.

pics: AFI

I AM NOT A TERRORIST, please dont arrest me

I was once asked which designer do I most look up to (my fashion designer period) it was an easy question to answer, Dame Vivienne Westwood. It's a no brainer, she's my rebellious side. A side i love. A side that makes me wear combat boots I stole from my brother one night while he was passed out from an excessive amount of alcohol consumption (he's still looking) and pearls I inherited from my grandmother which was a precious gift from my late grandfather all in one outfit. Today is the 8th of April thus I say Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This incredible woman in not safe, she named her shop Sex and made punk high fashion. She sees beauty in everything, who gets inspired by pirate wear as was her first catwalk show in 1971. She's got a rare mind and her inspiration isn't just fashion related. If you ever felt different and ready to explode look to this amazing lady, she was a rebel when the world was going through their hippy stage. Happy happy birthday.

Born: Vivienne Isabel Swire in 1941
Had her first runway show in 1971
First named her shop Let it Rock, then she went through a biker leather and zip phase and named it Too fast to live, Too young to die. In 1974 it was renamed Sex, today it's called Worlds End.

Shes has a number of looks, her Red Label, Gold Label, Anglomania and a men's label. They all amazing

Gold Label S/S 2011

Anglomania S/S 2011

Shes such a brilliant mother that her son started the ever amazing Agent Provocateur and her other son is an erotic photographer. (I'm sure they couldn't have done it without mommy) Whats there not to love.

Granny will you tell me a story about the old days

I enjoy things that make no sense yet make sense. Yes it's an oxymoron. There are some things that make no sense but when you do them, taste them, see them (depends on what it is) makes all the sense in the world. Dipping your McDonalds chips in McDonalds ice cream (only works with McD's). That is an amazing creation. Jumping in the pool with all your clothes on. What's amazing about that is, it's so liberating, yet being in the pool with your clothes on pulls you down and is generally heavy. The best I swear, watching TV on mute while listening to the radio. I know that it isn't PC as it's killing the electrical supply, but it's so much fun making up words to what people on the TV are saying while listening to amazing music. Fashion wise; granny chic. Whats amazing yet insane about this is everything. It's high fashion the way your granny would do it, but I bet you my yet to be acquired vintage Birkin bag that your gran would not be caught dead in this style. Lace, doilies, tea cups, crochet...

the deco

Miss Marple: the muse

Grannies always have coins

....and Prada come to mind.

The Granny wears Prada (too easy I know)


The Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, and Tavi Gevinson inspire me to the core(today anyway). I'm sure everyone has had their granny moment(socks with heels anyone) Granny chic is purely about the expression, think editorial of the Voguee pages. It's about being confident with who you are and your style. I think you haven't made it (fashion wise) until you've graduated from your granny chic moment, even Vogue had their granny chic moment calling it their "senior years." This to me separates the true fashionistas from the fakes (you know the people who just buy designer labels because they cost so much money - poo on u). I'm not saying to be a fully fledged fashionista you have to wear go go around in your gran's outfits 24/7 (that's just impractical), its more than then that. Granny chic is all about breaking the rules while following them, being true to you fashion feeling. If you feel like wearing something, go for it, no one is judging you but you. That's granny chic all about owning your look no matter what, isn't that what you gran told you anyway.

Taking it to the extreme

how it's done in SA: Errol Arendz

50's inspired dress from foschini

Alexa Chung the subtle approach

pics:shoerazzi, apartment therapy, Elle and Blair, foschini, uk daily mail, foliosociety, AFI

Love of my life (for now anyway)

The beauty of life is that, every so often you fall in lust. Lust is not forever, I like to call it seasonal love. Lust, if you lucky can turn into love, and well where would the world be without love. I never expected this to be my seasonal love. It's so strange how I once glanced in that direction and said 'no that's not for me.'  Now the one thing I could do with out, is the one thing I cant live with out. As I've grown and seen the world through my pink shaded eyes, I've realised that really it's ok to change your mind where lust is concerned. Many relationships have grown from mutual loathing to love, like Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz in What happens in Vegas. My seasonal love is simple that's all, simple, long and whimsical (well that depends on your interpretation of my lust) the maxi skirt.

Loin Cloth & Ashes

Joburg fashion week saw some designer's interpretation of this marvel, Loin Cloth & Ashes had the easy going, "oh I just threw this on and looked amazing in it" feel to theirs. Tart had the "I'm a fabulous borderline diva but you know you love me" take. Whichever girl you are, there's a skirt for you. I'm in love with all takes of this piece, its all mood dependent theres a skirt for every mood, no wrong way to wear it (unless you really try hard to mess it up) i'ts effortless chic.

Tart

Wearing this is easy. Firstly; bangles lots of them, that is on every fashionistas must do this season anyway, so you can never go wrong.

Get these babies at Truworths

Ballet flats, heels or sandals take you pick. Since it's winter I'm going for ballet flats. Uncomplicated and cute.

Ts not too much: Shoe HQ

I'm big on accentuating my waist. I will find any excuse to wear something that says look here. You can't go wrong with a belt, it will always flatter your figure.

Ginger Mary

The rest is mood and weather dependent. Knits are big, so if you find the perfect knit top, it done. Cable knit tops are the best. A blouse is always feminine, it always makes me want to sip on a cocktail and pick up hot males, it's flirty, it's fun. My ultimate is how Drew Barrymore did it. This shirt is amazing, it's not safe, it's adorable in that it kind of says "I'm not trying too hard to look styled but I'm styled' and if u low on cash you run to your boyfriend's or dad's closet pick a shirt and you styled. I pretty much live on stolen shirts. My icing on this:  big sun glasses and a cuppa coffee from Vida e Caffe (it's like our Star Bucks I love their coffee).

I'm in love

Pics: Truworths, AFI, Shoe HQ, People Style Watch 

I had a Dream That One Dday...

I had a dream. I know I sound all Martin Luther King, but truthfully that is the magnitude of all my dreams. For some reason all my fashion related dreams come true. which has led me to test a theory. Theory being: if I verbalise my dream, will it come true. I don't want it to be a lotto dream, (when you dream of lotto numbers and you forget to buy a lotto ticket and those exact number come out) instead of lotto numbers I dream of fashion trends, and before I can say "maybe I should buy that it" it becomes fashionable. This has happened with wedges and brogues.

Two days ago I had a dream, not about a fashion trend but an article of clothing. It was amazing, I had never seen anything like it, I can only wish to come across it soon as this is my dream literally. Now, to describe it; this article of my desire was golden yellow, darker than canary yellow, lighter than mustard yellow. I'm swear this is the next 'it' colour. This desire of mine is a skirt, a long; think maxi, ankle length, cascade of colour and material. The visuals are alive, I describe it like this as this is how I saw it in my dream. I was drawn in by the colour then the length.

My dream skirt has to be admired from the bottom up, its like admiring the statue of David, you look at that magnificent piece of work from his feet upwards. Take in each limb, then the torso and finally the face, this skirt is such a masterpiece I do believe Michelangelo could have designed it. Chiffon, flowy, layered, pleated. In short, feminine and fun. As the eyes move up, the waist alone is another piece of art. Think high, very high, rib high waist, in the most flattering material I can barely describe. It stretches so it fits snug, the back has a buckled bow, and that's it. That's the statue of David in skirt form. If I am ever blessed enough to find this skirt my life will be complete because there's nothing better than a girl's dream coming true.

Freedom

I have an obsession with one pair of boots that I own. I have taken to living in them. Forget food, water even shelter. These boots are the future or rather the past. What I mean is fashion goes in a cycle, boots like this were once so huge that if you didn't have a pair people would cease all communication with you. The boots in question Doc Martens.

The Originals

My boots aren't Doc Martens but the creator of these babies was definitely inspired by them. I understand why these boots were such a craze. I'm also so grateful fashion believes in recycling. You can wear them with a dress, you can wear them with jeans, you can even wear them with a tutu.(the excitement overwhelms me) Now I have to admit, these aren't the most aesthetically pleasing of boots, but I realised its not about the boots but the feeling, the liberation they bestow upon the wearer.

The liberation

If Dorothy's ruby slippers had the power to take her home. These boots have the power to give me confidence to dare to wear anything. OK not anything as I am not Ke$ha who tried to make a bin bag couture. I just mean adventure, these boots honestly whisper things to me in the morning, they tell me o wear polka dots, stripes and a giant sun hat all at the same time. They've allowed me to actually say to the establishment that I will not be ruled by rules. Seriously there should be a monument erected in their honour. So thank you dear boots for waking me up.

What does it smell like Kurt?

What are the latest trends?
 I found myself asking this question in recent weeks. The trends for Autumn Winter as I've picked up from magazines and endless scrolling of pictures from the recent Joburg Fashion week, I can definitely say are:

1) Leather - I'm going to say pletha as I am animal friendly

2) Fur - I prefer the faux variety (Save the Fox)

3)Neutrals - Camel as in the colour not the cigarettes

4)Full Skirts - I love this because of the effect you get when you twirl around

5)1950's - Think Marilyn Monroe

Happy Birthday Mr President

 These are the trends in black and white but will anyone actually adhere to them. If the editors used to be the sole dictators of what was worn, and that power is slowly being drained by bloggers and free will ( yes we have evolved to fashion free will) what are we going to be wearing this Autumn? My thoughts - might I add I dream of clothes 6 out of 7 nights a week - are micro trends. Fads, things that come and go like that scarf everyone took to wearing for 2 weeks in 2007.

Is it that simple? Is fashion is becoming less about rules and more about free will? If that's the case what is the point of magazines? Major question overload! I mean every single publication on average is peddling at least 5 of the same seasonal trends at the same time. No jokes! I took to buying every fashion magazine in circulation in one month and counted, needless to say I went bankrupt for the month and had to survive on crackers and cheese. Oh the joy of the student allowance. But hey who says fashion isn't food.

 So if we have evolved to rebelling against fashion ala Kurt Cobain 'Smells like Teen Spirit' grunge era what really is the point of the scary editor in chief judging our every fashion moment. It's not like we going to be following the guidelines of fashion, because the truth is we now making our own rules. And if you not, well, its either you haven't taken that deep breath and owned your look, or you waiting on that last breath of confidence.

Literally: come as you are is the new fashion philosophy

Pics: Google

Confessions: I am a mother

As of yesterday's post, I had declared to wear the skirt that changed my life. It actually has, it's allowed me to view getting dressed in a different way, but that's a different post for a different time I recon. I guess a 'Coming Soon to a blog near you' is in order. Upon getting dressed this morning I decided to take a photo of myself to upload, but since I'm yet to buy a tripod (all donation welcome, just send to the M.E. foundation) I have to take a picture of my reflection in the mirror. Easier said than done. I did so this morning but the flash blinded me so much that I walked into a wall, tripped over my bag and banged my head on the table (in that order). They should put a warning on these things. I mean it could have been worse, I could have cut my head, then I would have to walk around with a bandage on my head and pretend to to be rocking a new look called 'accident chic' a  new take on rocker chic. I had to resort to just to taking pics of the outfit instead. so here goes:

I got this top free when I bought a Wonder bra
Yay me!
The 'pearls' are from China City



I saw this at Michiko London I had to have it.



The only thing missing is a sash and tiara: Miss Universe





The leggings were an impulse buy at Woolworths
darn those queues and their mind control!
Ballet flats from the amazing Mr Price

 Together with these random items of clothing we created a love child. I call her the Emo Ballerina. 

My love child, Emo Ballerina

I'm thinking of investing in a mannequin to do all my clothes modeling, will see how that goes. And yes, I could have taken the picture with out the flash, but since I was channeling a semi demented ballerina I decided that my colour pallet would be black. Without the flash I resembled a burned marshmallow on a stick, I guess my next outfit will be inspired by camping.

1997 is an Inspiring year

Upon getting dressed this morning I found myself heavily inspired by Tavi Gevinson. You know that amazing girl whose being compared to Anna Wintour. Her blog .The Style Rookie is amaze! Now I've been obsessing over her for a while. Not in a creepy stalker kind of a way, but in a WOW kind of way. This girl is 14, can write and gets fashion. Embarrassingly enough, when I was 13 even 16 I was too filled with teen angst and self doubt to even attempt to wear a wig the same colour of my hair let alone a blue or pink one. I still don't think I have the moxy to pull it off. That alone speaks volumes about this 'Style Rokie' she is amaze! What I love about it, what I love about her is; she says shes inspired by an array of things but at the end of it all, they way she dresses is just a representation of who she is. For me that's style in its simplest form and that's all it takes.
THAT'S THE MISSING INGREDIENT FOLKS.

I've seen many girls read a fashion magazine religiously then buy the outfits in the pictorials, and wear them exactly as is. "Cut and Paste" is what I call it. I'm not claiming to be the Messiah of style but logically that's not style that's not even fashion. That's too much disposable income and too much LBA (Lazy Brain Activity). Be inspired by magazines, FTV, everything! Just don't lose yourself in the process. Fashion (well to me anyway) is about self expression, in the sense that take what you see, take who you are, please take the weather into account (suede shoes on a rainy day-not happening) put it in a blender and mix for however long it takes you to get dressed. Finally: SERVE i.e 'That's my incredibly inspired ensemble world, take it or leave it, but I love it.' Magazines, people, blogs, are guidelines, maps (you know its leading you in the right direction but the scenic route is always better). The true measure of a fashionista is not how many trends are hanging in your closet, but how many amazing inspirational outfits you can create and recreate using what you have.

Pics: google

A Matter of Style

I read an article in the Sunday World about Uyanda Mbuli. This was going on about the fact that Ms. Diamond Face Couture was parading around the J&B Met in fake red soled shoes. Yes, Christian Louboutin heels. Now whether or not they fake her statement being 'I bought them in Dubai' is a different story. So, fake or real only Mrs Mbuli knows and quite frankly I'm not interested. Yes it shocking and against all fashion morals to engage in fake designer label buying. I believe True Love Magazine has an article about this in this months issue. My question is this; when did style become solely about designer labels and not the creative genius that goes into putting an outfit together that's look amazing unique and effortless.

Mrs Mbuli @ J&B Met 2011

Here's a thought, if you've ever watched Sex and the City, you would know how Carrie Bradshaw would indulge in her love for designer labels, but when it came to her outfits it was about mixing vintage, bargains, high street and personally. Yes, this was the work of Patricia Field, but this was style. Style isn't about how much a pair of shoes costs its about how much you make an outfit worth. I worry that this is becoming a major sub culture is the fashion society. It's simple, if you can't afford a piece of desirable you have 2 options. The first is, Save, every fashionista worth their grain in fashion magazines knows there's no harm in saving. Secondly go with out that simple. It doesn't make you less stylish it makes you admirable. As some people who feel they cant go with out feel they need to buy FAKES!! Shame on you! Mr Louboutin did not slave over an idea for you to go buy some cheap carbon copy. Its like buying a Fake da Vinci hanging it on your wall and inviting people to come ogle over it. Fashion doesn't define status its an extension. An extension of who you are, and what you believe. That is: fake = bad, real = good, style doesn't only mean designer. Fashion doesn't make you its a 50/50 kind of thing.

The woman behind Carrie Bradshaw's style

I grew up with a style obsessed father, I mean the man has over 100 pairs of shoes, his closet is over flowing that he needs a room just for his clothes. I swear I'm not exaggerating, on an average day it takes him an hour to pick out his outfit finding the right shade of what ever the colour of the day is. He's not even remotely metro sexual he just loves clothes and being well put together. I've never been shopping with my mother, only my dad at the start of each season. Every time we embark on our seasonal trips he tells me the same thing. 'Style is not about designer labels its about artfully mixing pieces to tell your story. See today I'm wearing a top from Mr Price, Guess Jeans, My belt is from Markhams, My sneakers Hang Ten, and my man bag Louis Vuitton.' obviously the outlets and labels change according to the story telling of the day. I always complain about me deserving the latest LV bag, the reasons for me not being allowed one varies, but at the base of it is that there's no greater fashion pride then being able to buy your own genuine high end item with your own hard earned money. That's too true. Fashion is about pride, having that pride shows in your style. Its not about labels or fake labels, its about a combination of everything. Its what Patricia Field did with Carie Bradshaw. So if you can't afford, wait for a sale, if you still can't, find an artistic way to wear your R100 heels and strut. Fashion is your art work. Do it properly, do it well, because its all about you.

Pics: google