CORSET TOPS LAYERED

The culotte has come and gone, but always remain a welcome trend. I completely surrendered to the phenomenon and could practically  live in them. Wearing it with the corset top as seen during fashion month, takes it to the next level. It is worn just about every way imaginable,  and most successfully done in layered looks, combined with oversized shirts and dresses. The longer the sleeves of the shirt, the better. This look is left entirely to your imagination, leaving you free to move boundaries. I've even seen a shirt tied as a corset top worn over another bulky shirt, with the sleeves tied together to form a neat bow at the front. Let go of your comfort zone and experiment with the trend. I jumped with joy  in these pom pom lace up shoes.... adding some more fun with John Lennon inspired shades.

Culotte - Witchery

White Oversized Shirt - H&M

Corset Top - Country Road

Shoes - Asos

Blazer - Stuttafords, old

Sunglasses - Prada

GIRLS DAY OUT

Cape Town is abundant with shopping malls and streets, and when two Stylistas set out to play, with both having  a penchant for fashion and extravagant shoes, the only constraint would be wearing the wrong footgear! Beware when going out shopping not to destroy your venture by wearing uncomfortable shoes. Hence my decision to step out in wedges that provide ultimate comfort. Ever heard anybody say "I'd rather be dead than seen wearing ugly shoes?". I could do more justice to the culottes by stepping out in high  heels, but wasn't in the mood to squeeze my already tormented feet  into a  mould that resembles the pyramids of Giza. 

 

There is a certain stage in your life when comfort starts taking preference, especially after having subjected your poor feet to the misshapes of certain sought after shoes..... painted Red on the soles for extra dazzle. It might be cute to succumb to the luring aspects of those triangular shapes walking on stratospheric heights,  but it's poor punishment to your feet. Take my word for it, been there, got the T shirt. And the surgeon's knife to undo my indiscretions of the past...... It's hard to find a shoe that is both befitting to a shoe fanatic and allowing your feet to be enveloped in it's natural shape. So for now, I am settling for comfort.

 

So what's the style point of departure ? When wearing culottes, you need height. Strutting the cropped pants with  flat shoes is like squashing a chocolate cake into a pizza shape,  so the solution is to find balance between a slight heel that instantly gives a more slender look to the legs. If higher heels is not an option for you, opt for culottes that are slightly skinny and tapered down, and be mindful of the length by carefully studying your profile before you embark on a mission. Best is to take a photograph to look at yourself and adjust the length from a distance. Perspective, that's what it's all about. The kimono jacket is a staple item in my wardrobe, and this cropped version in animal print Suedette by Michelle Ludek, is a perfect workable piece. To get an honest picture, I  admit that I look somewhat shorter than my statuesque 1,78m in my lower heels.  Shop Michelle Ludek at the Watershed, V & A Cape Town.

 

 Cullotte - Country Road

Shoes - W Collection at Woolworths

Kimono Top -  Michelle Ludek

Tote - Michael  Kors

Sunnies - Prada

Make Up - Bobbi Brown

WIDE LEG PANTS

The high waisted wide leg pants is a no stranger to the fashion scene, and comes and goes in different styles. This is a great trend to create height, wear them longer with high heels to even elongate long legs more! At a statuesque 1,78 metre tall, I take pride in succumbing to this trend, towering over the rest of the world!  This is not a style that suits every body shape, but very forgiving to pear shapes. I often take shelter in wide legs as it conceals the accentuated and well rounded shape of my child bearing hips, and it creates a little drama to the look. It's a great trend for work clothes as it could be teamed with a crisp White cotton shirt to create a more serious look. I sometimes wear heels that give you vertigo extending the impact of wide leg pants to a dizzy height. It leans itself to a multitude of styles, and if the length gets to much, don't feel shy to cut it to size to give a cropped look and turning it into culottes instead.  To avoid creating to much bulk, keep the top to fitted styles when wearing this trend. My look was inspired by flamenco dancers for SA Menswear Fashion Week.  I knew it was  a little dramatic when I bumped into someone who asked if I was going to a theme party. I replied "yes", I'm on my way to fashion week..... after all, challenging convention is what fashion is all about. My flare sleeves contributed towards the drama and the hat was carefully shipped as hand luggage all the way from Ronda, Spain. I added some hoop earrings and a low bun with flower embellishment to resemble the flamenco dancer. 

 

 

A GRAND OLD DAME

In the heart of Woodstock, Cape Town, stands a grand old dame who was once rescued from destruction, and lovingly restored to her former glory during 2008. She was given life during 1927, and came close to falling apart. She was beautifully restored with even the Burmese teak windows being stripped down to reveal it's original beauty. Today she accommodates the Bread Boulangerie, Cafe and Deli, proudly sharing space with a Fashion Mall showcasing some of the best of South African design, from fashionable garments to artwork. It is here where I discovered the miraculous Myri dress, the secrets of which will be revealed on this site later on, so keep your eyes fixed to share in the secret in our next post. 

The variety of designers include South African master of design, David Tlale, who has a pret a porter range in store. The list include the likes of Leigh Schubert, Ruff Tung, Erre and a multitude of other well known designers. The variety is small but exclusive, allowing the shopper to find something unusual for that special occasion. My previous visit was very brief, and followed by a scrumptious lunch at the boulangerie downstairs, serving a most delicious meal with a hint of Thai spice. The proof is definitely in the pudding here. The Bromwell Mall, a landmark leaving us all in awe, and not be missed if you are in the area. With it's imposing Red colour, it's hard to miss.  

A GRAND AFFAIR

If the previous post was not enough to convince you to attend this lavish event, this review sure will make you reconsider next year! The winelands hosted a grand affair with the annual Le Kap Lifestyle Fair in association with Lamborghini, becoming one of South Africa's premier lifestyle events. With a free flow of  Veuve Cliquot for VIP guests,  and delectable fair prepared by our very own celebrity chefs, the event was meant to stimulate just about all the senses. When the invitation says "Royal Ascot," hats are almost obligatory. Taking shelter against the heat, we were lavishly entertained by the sounds of Sterling EQ, a trio of musicians needing very little introduction. The music was followed by a stunningly beautiful parade of fashion, all by local designers. Craig Port presented a feast for the eyes showing his latest swimwear collection, modelled by bodies looking like they've been chiselled to perfection. With perfect summer weather, guests had the option to picnic in Victorian style on the well manicured lawns where they could indulge in fine food and a choice of wines presented from various estates. Like usual, Jacques Le Grange Couture held us in awe with his spectacular collection in Black, doing the industry proud. The classic Italian label, Luisa Spagnoli, displayed a beautiful collection that would have been the envy of Grace Kelly. Our own Thula Sindi hosted an equally beautiful collection with some pieces that might become collectables. Guests were not in the least deterred by the heat, daring it out in the open, only to be scorched by the rays of the unforgiving African sun to watch the show jumping event. The tents were filled to the brim with chic and glamorous attendees enticing their taste buds with the delicacies on offer.  The multiple aspects of the event, the scenery, combined with life's finer things, translated to a superb event, a true showcase for style. 

The charming Jacques La Grange,right, with one of his bevy of beauties who modelled his collection.

Conversing with guests, wearing Belle Epoque, Trenery and customised hat.

Sterling EQ

The power behind the throne, Le Kap's Steve Swanepoel 

The beautiful Pnina Fenster, Editor of Glamour Magazine, and Tawela Twala Ngambi, radio host and self confessed fashion addict!

Thula Sindi Collection

Craig Port, Swimwear

Feathered Dress by JacquesLaGrange Couture

Neem Abra wearing Naeelah Jumat

Esther Meshoe, entrepreneur and philanthropist 

Winemaker, right, Jean Vincent Ridon from Clos d'Oranje

The elegant Roshan Isaacs