CORSET TOP OVER SHIRT TREND

Challenge convention by wearing your corset top over a button up shirt, ad a sharp pair of heels and combine it with the hottest trend being the culotte, no stranger to the fashion scene. When Jean Paul Gaultier discovered this oddly shaped device in an attic, it inspired him to pursue a fashion career. When I first laid eyes on it, and tried it on, it felt like a weapon of mass destruction as it throttled life out of me and made me feel as if I was spilling over my cup. So what's the cue? Why would I then promote it? Be mindful of buying it in your size, not leaving any chance to spill over, and if you lift your arms, it should remain in place without moving around, almost like well fitted bra. It wears beautifully as a top with tapered pants or full skirts, and worn on it's own with the addition of a long and extended scarf draping down your back, it adds a quick dash of French flair. After all less is more if you hail from that part of the world. My favourite way of sporting the trend is to wear it with an all White crisp cotton button up shirt and a culotte, high mules and a felt hat. How do you style the trend?

GREY MATTER

It is cold today. Not bitterly cold, but cold enough to layer. I've never really liked Grey, but somehow I developed a fondness for the shade. All of a sudden I realised how much fun is to be had when playing around with metallic shades.  It's a neutral colour, capable of being worn with many other colours. So why not wear Grey? Besides, it doesn't have to match. It's amazing how many options are discovered when you suddenly let yourself open for a change. Grey with Taupe, Grey with Camel, Grey with Teal, Grey with Grey...... so get on with it and play with your clothes to make new discoveries. When I bought this jacket, with it's unusual pattern and texture, resembling felt being piled and flattened, hidden  away in a store in the village of Como, Italy, it was an instant love affair, but one that died a sudden death since I had no idea what to wear with it. I then embarked on a playful  discovery with endless possibilities laying it out on a flat surface, mixing it up with other things in my wardrobe. I allowed myself a style challenge and all of a sudden I have a plethora of new outfit options. Moral of the story, don't think of Grey as being pale. Play with your clothes to make new discoveries.

 

 

Coat - Sarah Chole

Pants - Country Road

Shoes - Topshop, (Old)

Handbag - Tods

Scarf - Unbranded

H&M in SOUTH AFRICA

The well known Swedish chain known as H& M is finally coming to South Africa. So what's taken them so long? When H& M hit the runway during fashion week in Paris a few years ago, it raised many eyebrows as it's generally perceived to be selling fast fashion and cheap clothes. Most of it is, but unless you've been lucky enough to browse through their flagship stores around the globe, you would be unaware of the fact that the chain collaborates with well established designers from time to time to present a limited edition of premium quality. Unlike the multiple rails of average quality meets average price items, the Conscious and Studio collections are a little more expensive and exclusive, made of much better quality fabric, good enough to last much longer than just one season! I have had the pleasure of stumbling onto the Conscious Collections a few times and took advantage of a few higher end items, still to be found in very good condition. The exact opening dates are not known yet, seemingly kept a secret to ad to the hype! It is rumoured that they will open two flagship stores, one in Cape Town during October, and another in Sandton during November! It would be interesting to see if the brand will share the limited edition items including the likes of Balmain, the most recent collaboration. Now sit back and enjoy a sneak peak of the lastest lookbook!