Penn Badgley and Shiloh Fernandez for H&M AIDS Campaign

Greetings. You all know how we like a campaign here at StyleGuideCT. And the big, cheap and super-cool store H&M have launched a new 'Fashion Against AIDS' collection, the latest campaign for which Gossip Girl's Lonely Boy, Penn Badgley is the exciting face. He is joined by other influential young people including Ginnifer Goodwin, Selma Blair and the edgy Shiloh Fernandez - who this old lady thinks is the Johnny Depp for the new generation. Well, he is the 'bad boy' I would have fancied were I 15 years old right now.

This campaign is the Swedish brand's four-year-old initiative that aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS among younger people. The collection is totally unisex, which is a concept I love, and twenty percent of all sales will be donated to HIV/AIDS charities around the globe, including Africa. Which is something I love even more. Gossip Girl and doing good - now that is a total package.
Check these behind the scenes images as well, just for fun. Always good to see the process unfold.

My BEST Shopping ever: Bicester Village, UK

I am going to let you in on my BEST shopping secret. Fair enough, it is not on the shores of Africa, this secret destination, but it is GOOD. It is a wonderful place called Bicester Village Outlet Mall and it is located in the leafy fields of the Oxfordshire countryside, not ten minutes from my best friend's house. Every year when I visit the old country (well, the UK is very, very old), my first stop is to this mall. I shop up a storm at my favourite places and then head to my friend's house to pick over the spoils and count up all the money I have saved.
I have acquired some amazing bargains here. Many, many pairs of half- or even quarter-price Jimmy Choos. Two half-price Mulberry Bayswater bags, Gerard Darel silk blouses, Smythson stationery and Hobbs cardigans. I have also spent many a lovely day browsing Valentino, Marni, McQueen, Temperley and DvF - just to keep up with things you understand. I have always believed you can't really understand fashion unless you expose yourself to the best the world has to offer, and so I go into those stores and fondle the fabrics, check the linings and generally imagine myself in the frocks. One day...

I only mention this because I read a piece in the paper yesterday that the British Fashion Council are doing a second young designer pop-up store there at the moment - as launched by Thandie Newton yesterday. So now you know.
BTW: that's me up the top there, shopping up a storm at Bicester in February.

Best Dressed at Runway to Green: Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo

I do like an eco-fashion event. And this weekend I followed the Runway to Green fashion show on Twitter. I heard as each celebrity arrived on the green carpet, how the show progressed, finishing with model du jour Lindsey Wixson in the bridal gown. And then the surprise performer of the evening - Nicki Minaj with her green hair pouf. I have to say it sounded fabulous, so I was delighted to find some images online of all the elements of the show. I have picked out a few of the best for you.

Best dressed of the night definitely went to Diane Kruger in Jason Wu and Olivia Palermo in a Rachel Roy. Despite 29 different designers showing at the presentation, I have to say I liked the Rachel Roy collection best - it's the first time her work has really appealed to me. Of course, I was also quite fond of the Stella McCartney looks as well. Pieces from the show are available for purchase on Net-A-Porter and all proceeds from the evening go to  Alliance for Climate Protection, the Natural Resource Defense Council and the United Nations Environmental Program’s Billion Tree Campaign. Good works all round.

New Pictures: Alexa Chung for Superga

Today, I walked into work (going to pick up my new car this morning - in case you didn't already know..). So obviously I had to make the decision on which of my Superga sneakers to wear with my outfit today. What goes better with new car - white or gold?

I was thinking about this post that I did about book club-mate Alexa Chung being named as the new face of the Superga brand and then I came into work and saw these new pictures, released yesterday.
There is even a little video about the shoot that I found charming and in which Alexa just looks impossibly lovely. Click below to watch the video.

Rarely Worn Sale Starts Today - See You There

I am heading down to Woodstock at the end of the working day today, to do a bit of shopping. OK, so the fact that I am picking up my new car this morning somewhat indicates that I should probably be saving a few of my pennies for car repayments rather than dropping them on shoes or beaded tops, but let's just play that one by ear, shall we? You guys coming? See you there. Map below.

Royal Wedding Style: Local Celebratory T-Shirt from Habits

How much fun is this t-shirt? I am definitely going to get myself along to local store Habits in a couple of weeks time and snap up one of these to wear on 29th April as we all cluster around the televisual box to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Look, you may well think that it is all a pile of nonsense, this excitement around The Wedding. But I distinctly remember the wedding of Lady Di to Prince Charles. And for a few months there, I was transported to a magical place of romance and princesses. It didn't need to be a happy ever after, it was a distraction from the turgidness of everyday life for a while. A reason to have fun and celebrate. A reason to get giddy about fashion and flounce and frills and the fabulousness of what could possibly (maybe) be. Who knows how this one will turn out. But as a glass-half-full kinda gal, I am going to get involved. Get my t-shirt on and have a blast with it all. Who is with me?
PS: click on the image to see the details and go to www.habits.co.za for more

Is Sara Ramirez Sturdy?

So there was such a hullabaloo yesterday on the interwebs about The Sartorialist who posted an image of a lovely, lithe Milanese blogger and referred to her as 'bigger', 'curvier' and her legs as 'sturdy'. Yikes. First of all, shame. He really just doesn't get it. He is so entrenched in the 'fashion' side of the business that he has really lost touch with how women wear fashion, enjoy fashion, explore what it can do for them in ways that are so far beyond the precise aesthetic rules he lives by. He really is no Bill Cunningham in this regard who was, nay is, AWLAYS about the clothes, the trend, the expression, and would never be so gauche as to take the liberty of commenting on the frame work - the body on which it resided.
Second of all, sturdy? Really? Is that the word we are using for legs that aren't sticks? Aren't disproportionate to the shoes? Well, I just think that the word is rude frankly. But I am going to go with it and I am going to call your attention to this recent image of Greys Anatomy favourite, Sara Ramirez. Surely one of the sexiest, most beautiful 'sturdy' girls in all of televisual history? Along with Sofia Vegara of course. I love this look and think she is stunning and rather under-exposed in the fashion world. We want more of Sara!
PS: just one last point on The Sartorialist thing. Look, he clearly has control issues and it makes me very uncomfortable. There is a plethora of first person commentary around about how he tells his lovely girlfriend Garance Dore what to eat, what to wear, how to do her hair etc. But that's their thing. If you don't like his approach to who he shoots (too sturdy? too thin?) just don't go to his site. That is the joy of the internet, there is always something else to see. Go and breathe in the goodness of others. Lovely deep breaths now. Enjoy.

Louis Vuitton Windows: As Sweet As Honey

My mate Janet and I were wondering around the V&A Waterfront this past Saturday morning looking for gifts for a mate's birthday. As we rounded the corner at the Louis Vuitton store, we both involuntarily stopped and stared for a while. The window displays actually took our breath away.
I have made a habit in the last year of always checking out the LV windows when they change. There is always something special about them. Always a story, a surprise, a celebration of old school luxury. I love being transported into that world, if only as a visitor.
And this window really has surpassed the rest in meeting all my needs. And then I got sent the press release about them yesterday and I am told it is themed around "As Sweet As Honey". The story goes that Louis Vuitton decided in April 2009 to install three beehives on the roof of its headquarters, in the centre of Paris. The preservation of bio-diversity is one of the great challenges of sustainable development as 35% of food resources in the world are insured by nectar and pollen gathering insects. Throughout 2010 more than 200 000 bees gathered 75kg of nectar, from which a golden honey was produced. This honey, destined for friends and family, is Louis Vuitton’s inspiration for its spring 2011 store windows. As a celebration of the first harvest. How cool is that guys?
If you can, go and check out the windows for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed. Beautiful.

Joya Collection Teams Up With SA Models Dominique Piek and Candice Boucher

Here at O magazine, we always like to support local fashion designers in our stories. As long as they are high quality and some kind of glamorous, they are in. And one of the jewellery lines we have been featuring is Joya. Cool, stone and leather and bold statement stuff, all made in Africa.
As a coincidental aside, I follow both local models and besties, Dominique Piek and Candice Boucher, on Twitter. They, like us at O, are proudly South African.
And now the two worlds collide. Spotted on Twitter last night were tweets from both women about teaming up with Joya for something special. Dominique posted this image of my favourite bracelets from the Joya collection. I am looking forward to seeing what they all come up with. I imagine it is going to be exciting and I think that it is always good news when models get involved in creative fashion projects - especially those that are proudly local. Best of luck ladies.

Man Day: The Lesson in Short Shorts

I know, guy readers, that you almost certainly have not been watching The Bachelorette on Series unless forced to by your lady-partners. But, in the series that has just finished, the winning guy, Ed Swiderski has shown some dubious taste. I mean the guy was chosen by the otherwise-normal-seeming girl, Jillian Harris, despite wearing the worst green short shorts in the history of shorts. They are so bad, that a Facebook page "Ed's Green Shorts from the Bachelorette" has been formed. No lies.
Shorts are tricky. Dear Mr Tom Ford says ixnay on the shorts unless tennis or beach is involved. I say that's probs not practical here in Cape Town. But I do think that both Ronaldo and Jamie Hince (Mr Kate Moss) teach us a few things about what not to do on the shorts front. (aiming to cover sports guys and indie guys with these examples. Good hey?)
And please, sweet peeps, can we step away from those ubiquitous cargos that flatter NO ONE. In the dying days of this summer, do yourselves a favour and go with something tailored, something simple. And read this story about why next summer you may decide to nix the shorts altogether. Click here.

Man Day: History of the Trucker Jacket

I know I am not a bloke, but the quest for the perfect denim jacket (aka the Trucker Jacket) this winter is a top my mind as I am sure it is for you guys everywhere. I mean a classic wardrobe is not complete without one. And this year, when wearing denim on denim is not only acceptable, but encouraged, it is so much more essential. So I asked my mates at Levi's about denim jackets and found out that the classic jacket has actually had several iterations over the years.
Can you believe that the first denim Trucker Jacket was made in 1905? That's over a century ago, chaps. And yet it still looks so fresh and modern. What I found equally interesting was that the last revision on the classic shape (after Iconic Type I in 1936, Type II in 1953 and Type III in 1967) was the addition of the side pockets in 1984. It was this version that I bought myself on my first visit to London and wore throughout the Bros years and well into the early Maroon Five decade. How I wish that I had hung onto that jacket now as this season really begs to have it back.
And I don't think that there is a leading man in Hollywood or Nashville or London who doesn't own one. Just starting with the delicious Jake Gyllenhaal and hipster actor Ryan Gosling. Obviously I have not missed an opportunity to celebrate Kelly Slater again in his. Or popped a cheeky pic of Becks in here too. Fun. Click on the pic to make it bigger for a closer look.

Man Day: Kelly Slater, King of Surfing, Turns His Hand to Fashion

I went through a 'surfer' phase once. I am not going to dwell on it too long. But let's just say I dated a string of surf boys at one point in my life. For about a year. And then, just as soon as it began, it ended and I left the sands and returned to my more familiar stomping ground of the mosh pit where I took up once more with drummers and lead singers. But somewhere along the line, I accepted the beauty and prowess of one Kelly Slater. And once you have witnessed this, you never, ever forget it.
Just last November in Puerto Rico he won his 10th world title, something unsurpassed in surfing. And at the age of 38, he became the oldest ever surfing world champion, 18 years after he became the youngest, in 1992. GQ listed him as one of the 25 coolest athletes of all time, joining Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Björn Borg and Arnold Palmer. Kudos indeed. And, let's be honest, he is so pretty.

Kelly Slater's main patron, surf apparel brand Quiksilver, has sponsored him for more than 20 years. In fact he now owns three per cent of the company and recently signed on for another five-year deal. In addition, Quiksilver has now asked him to design his own range for the company, which is still in development. I was relieved to hear that the dude is going to take a different sort of approach to the whole thing as he describes his personal style as 'trying not to smell and wearing things that match'. He says, "my input with the clothes is more about a lifestyle and a philosophy rather than me actually trying to style or design them. We're looking at organic and eco fabrics - mainly for travelling clothes, which is something I know a little about." I'll bet you do Kelly. Rock on.

Man Day: David Beckham is a Fantastic Gentleman

You probably knew this was coming. I mean, to quote the men's glossy, Fantastic Man, Mr David Beckham is perhaps the most famous man in the world. So it stands to reason that this rare magazine cover opens another "Man Day" on the blog. I was alerted to this potential goodness by a tweet from his wife, my mate, Victoria Beckham. She tweeted, "David looks AMAZING in Fantastic Man by Alastair McLellan!!!!!!looking soooooo good!!!! X vb X"

Well, it's not like we are going to disagree. But what I find particularly of interest is the retro styling. A 1960s, East End respectable gangster look. And it works. That coif is a particularly good use of the latest hair too. I was rather wondering how it would manifest next. And I saw in some pics yesterday that he has carried the side part into his real life too, which we can all celebrate since it means the middle part is gone again. Phew.
The story was shot in a pie and mash shop in London, apparently one of David's favourite places to stop by when he is home to remind him of his youth growing up there.
Like most things that are nostalgic, however, pie and mash shops in London have gone rather up-market these days and are totally worth eating the next time you are other there. Although, for photo shoot purposes, I am pretty sure that this one is not one of those 'posh' ones. If you will excuse the pun. Enjoy.

English People in New York in Photographs

Photographer Jason Bell has recently released a collection of photographs of famous and non-famous English people who reside in New York City, entitled "Englishman in New York". It's a good thing that Sting is one of his subjects then. And Kate Winslet, seen here.
Other than the fact that these pictures are really beautiful, I rather liked the way this project paralleled our own Andrew Brauteseth's local Portrait of a Nation series of photographs, in which he has captured various South Africans in character for a riveting reflection on our society.
Please go and have a look at the Portrait of a Nation site if you haven't already. And keep going back because he adds people regularly and you never know who you are going to find there.

For more photographs from Jason Bell you can go to the Jason Bell website.

Whitney Port and Friends Demonstrate Why It Is Better To Be An Individual

I was having breakfast at Loading Bay the other day and spotted a large table of very attractive young women, all dressed beautifully in brightly coloured kaftans and maxi dresses. And while each of the outfits was something I may have been interested in (and wondered where to get), the net effect was of a very, very homogenous group of girls who were all exactly the same.
The ongoing quest for fashion individuality, which inevitably leads to hipster homogeny is well documented. But not ever so well captured in a photo as here with Whitney Port and her friends. Seriously interchangeable, no? And really, who wants to have a famous friend at the centre of a samey bunch of mates? How will you ever stand out?
If this isn't motivation to define your individual style, I don't know what is. Now go.

Are Fashion Models Too Skinny or is it Actually All Facebook's Fault?

In the past week there have been two articles that I turned my attention to. Each taking a different side of the "too-skinny" debate. And no, I am not talking about Kate Middleton. She seems just fine to me.
The first was a piece on Franca Sozzani's blog post pointing the finger of blame at Facebook for the rise in anorexia and disassociating it from the pressure of modern models and the image they portray in magazines. Now, bearing in mind that Sozzani is the editor of Italian Vogue, of course one must take this with a pinch of salt. It does feel a bit like defensiveness rather than a well thought through argument. However, there has been a study published showing a relationship between time spent online and the decrease in girls' positive body image and rise in eating disorders. But what are these girls looking at? Could it be online images from the magazines? Or is the time spent online a consequence of the eating disorder? Who knows. but I think that it is better to take responsibility in all that we do to assist these girls rather than to try and shirk this responsibility, pointing fingers elsewhere. It just seems more proactive and positive that way.
And then I read a piece about designer Hervé Léger, who thinks that the girls on the runway these days are "too skinny, too sad" compared to the original super-girls like Cindy, Claudia, Naomi, etc. Looking at runway images from the Max Azria-designed Léger range shown this season, it does rather give him a point. The good news is that the current retro-trends look so much better on a healthy-sized figure, so hopefully we will continue to see the rise in the less-skinny model. And I am also embracing this trend, looking for more beautiful, healthy, 'plus' sized models for my magazine stories. Anyone keen to get shot for O magazine?

American Idol's Pia Toscano's Style Watch

Last week I mentioned that I was keeping an eye on one of the chap's style on American Idol. That would be quirky and cool Paul McDonald of course. But I also mentioned that one of the girl contestants, Pia Toscano, was taking some interesting fashion risks. I thought we should get in early on this one and review her style to date - looking specifically at how it is changing and offer some suggestions moving forward.
She started out short, shiny and tight. In black. This is marginally tasteful. In that the black off-sets the shiny and mitigates the tight just a bit. And thankfully she never went too short. But, let's face it, it was acceptable only in as much as she is a stunning-looking person with a very modern-attractive body shape and can sing the tonsils off Mariah.

But in the last few weeks we have seen a shift from a young-girl-perception of hot to a more fashion-hot approach to her outfit choices. Still sexy, but now with an edge that will appeal to women. Very smart. To get the women voters to invest in a female contestant is almost impossible these days. But the fashion angle is a refreshing approach that could actually work.
Moving forward let's see more fun, more colour and more edge. I would like to see them capitalise on her very curvy, yet trim, body shape, maybe playing with retro styles a bit, hmmm? What do you guys think?
PS: Obvs I still think that Jacob Lusk is a singing-god who must come and live with me and sing to me all day long in his hot-oil-voice with backing from that gay gospel choir I am making him form. Good. As long as we are clear on that.

Selma Blair: Cool Maternity Style

I am not sure I have ever seen a woman who has looked this cool, pregnant. Selma Blair is near full term right now, and in the last three months has schooled all the other (millions of) celebrities in how to do maternity in style. These pics at the top are from the past two weeks alone.

She is probably not the smartest or best dressed preggie around (Vicky Becks? Rachel Zoe?), but she certainly is the coolest. Who knew that this is how it could be done?

Even her dress at the Grammy Awards was awesome. And not short, tight and shiny like women twice her age and not swanger. And she still looked cooler.
I think I may have a style-crush on her. How about you?

Old Age is New Age: Advanced Style

There is a street style photographer called Ari Seth Cohen who shoots the streets of New York City. But only men and women of a certain age. His blog is called Advanced Style and I came across it this morning whilst perusing a Nowness.com.
You know how it is. Ulrich Knoblauch, a fashion photographer we work with, told me to check Nowness out. And it is brilliant. And then that takes you to another blog which you fall in love with and then before you know it, you have spent two hours checking out new blogs and you have missed your deadline. Sigh.

Anyhoodle, back to Advanced Style. There is a great little video that you can watch that just makes you want to be an old lady with crazy hair and have the most delicious collection of brooches and hats. I can't wait to be them. They are what is truly cool.
Watch the Advanced Style video on Nowness here.

Nairobi The New Fashion Capital?

There are a few people that I would like to be when I grown up. A few people I really, really admire. Hillary Alexander is one of those people. And this week she totes hearts Africa. Not only did she publish a piece on the winners of the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week showcase for New York Fashion Week, but her paper The Telegraph, has also published a great round-up piece about how Kenya has become a place of influence in the western experience of fashion - called Into Africa.
Nairobi is at the centre of a bunch of fashion developments. I posted a while ago about the label Suno, that is part-based in Kenya and shows at New York Fashion Week. I have also posted several times about Edun, the LVMH owned project by Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson, that also does some business there.
Now there are new projects by the great Dame Vivienne Westwood like this bag, and UK high street store Whistles who are producing these accessories in Kenya. There is so much going on it begs the question, is Nairobi the new Istanbul? Ah, the vagaries of fashion. And this time it works for us!
Read the full article on Into Africa here.

The Classic Trench Style: From Royalty, um, to WAG?

Royal bride-to-be, Kate Middleton, sold out that £650 Burberry trench in a day. Well, let's be honest, it looked fantastic. And obviously her cousin-to-be and also Royal bride-in-waiting, Zara Phillips thought so too as she decided to make a thing of the trench last week at the posh horsey event, the Cheltenham Festival.
She wore some kind of plain affair the first day, but bust out the latest in Burberry the following day as she donned the leather-inset coat and paired it with hard-core ankle boots and a special-forces-style beret. I'm not completely convinced, but I think it heads in a well-intended direction. I like that it is a considered 'look' and has her own personality stamped all over it. Isn't it interesting that two girls, with so much in common, can occupy such different places on the trend map?
Of course, anything the Royals can do, the WAGs are sure to try and do better. Just a day later, Christine Bleakley, TV presenter and girlfriend of Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard, was spotted in the exact same Burberry trench. And while I super-love her handbag, I think that those boots are kinda weird. I was just about to like that she played the whole thing differently, using the trench as an actual coat with a retro vibe underneath, and then the footwear felled me. But I may be wrng. What do you guys think of the trench trend? How would you wear it? Let me know.

Dita von Teese And Her Vintage Umbrella

When I saw these images of Dita von Teese out and about in LA and on the long weekend, they brought happiness to my heart. Let me count the ways.
First, I love her shoes - patent black ballet pumps with the bow detail. I have very similar ones from Jimmy Choo that I am saving for the new season. I can't wait to break them out.
Second, the wider leg pants are a triumph. Dita seldom wears the trousers, as you will know, so it is great that she selects the wider leg when she does. It is more flattering, more retro and more ladylike.
Third, and most importantly, the divine pink vintage umbrella. With the black lace detail. And this is what brings her entire outfit back to her signature style. Just that one detail. Perfection. Well played Dita.

Brad Goreski Styles Adele for US InStyle

Here is a double helping of fun blog post. First Adele. Well, we just love her don't we? I can't tell you how often her music is playing in the O magazine fashion office. It makes us happy, and unstressed, and all lovely and good. And she is in the new US InStyle (you know the one with half of Tina Fey on the cover).  Hers is a beauty story all about strong violet eye makeup. So nice.
But here is the double trouble. The shoot was styled by none other than Brad Groreski. Ex of Rachel Zoe project. You know him. (BTW, it is back on Vuzu channel if you are not already watching the second series...) And he wrote all about his experience of styling Adele on his brand new Brad Blog. Check it out.

My Missibaba. Yes, Mine.

I posted some months ago about my love for local bag label, Missibaba, designed by the lovely Chloe Townsend. How I longed with my whole heart for one of her bags. A couple of weeks ago, she launched her new range. And I was equally in love. So many people have already posted on the launch and you might as well check out the Missibaba Facebook page for all the deets on the Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds collection - no need for repeats here. As I have much more important news.
This bag. That you see here in the photos. It is mine. Yes. Mine. I now am the proud owner of a Missibaba bag that I LOVE and that people point at and ask me about in the street. Perfect strangers. Loving my bag and being jealous of me. How much more perfect can a bag-girl relationship be?
Yay me. And the 'Baba.

Anna Wintour Covers WSJ and Loves Michelle Obama

I am not the only crazy lady in fashion who has cool people she wishes were in her book club. The mighty Anna Wintour is on the cover of the new Wall Street Journal and in the accompanying online interview reveals how deep her love is for US First Lady Michelle Obama.
"Previous First Ladies seemed to feel the need to wear a sort of uniform, whereas Michelle Obama likes fashion and is very comfortable in fashion. She's happy to mix high and low, and she loves emerging designers. That will do nothing but good for our industry. She wears clothes beautifully. They always look like they belong to her. It's extraordinarily refreshing, and it's empowering for women all over the world... and she is going to send that message to women all over America -- they can wear beautiful clothes and still be taken seriously."
She also hilariously talks about an anti-consumerism aesthetic that she sees at the moment, "to be honest there's been too much product, too much copy-catting, and, probably too much consumerism. I think a sense of clarity, a sense leveling off and a sense of reality is needed. I don't think anyone is going to want to look overly flashy, overly glitzy, too Dubai, whatever you want to call it. I just don't think that's the moment. But I do feel an emphasis on quality and longevity and things that really last."
Too Dubai? Really? Is that how we are describing things these days. Oh Anna. SMH.
Read the interview in full here.

Facehunter. Yup. Soooooo. That was that then.

Yvan Rodic aka the Facehunter swept into Cape Town last week making the whole industry giddy. And then left yesterday. While he was here he toured the city, concentrating on the hipster stop-offs like Vida on Kloof Street, Old Biscuit Mill market in Woodstock and Long Street. He also had the luxury tour via the Winelands and Camps Bay. Very nice. Oh, and he 'hosted' a meet and greet, book signing and party.
I attended the meet and greet. I also read this scathing account of that party on Pretty 24-7 and can attest to the truth of it as I witnessed it while I was trying to get the sneak pic you see above. All due to the fact that dear old Yvan did not seem keen on meeting or greeting anyone other than the obvious. It was all a bit of a damp squib really.

Look, don't get me wrong. I like a small exclusive party event where I can see all my peers and take some snaps and generally catch up with the bloggers and fashion folk. That's cool. But if you are going to be the host of said party, rustle up some charisma, slap on a smile and look interested in your guests. No matter how they look. It's just good manners.

Michelle Obama's Style in South America

After a rough start to the year, what with all that McQueen dress hullabaloo, US First Lady Michelle Obama has come back super strong on her current visit to South America. She has trotted out outfits by Tracy Reece (red African print frock), Naeem Khan (gold shift), Marc by Marc Jacobs (colour striped dress) and Sophie Theallet (burgundy evening dress). And has looked comfortable, appropriate and stylish in them all. Who wouldn't want this for a wardrobe?

But my favourite has got to be the DvF blouse and grey/blue palazzo pant outfit that she wore with the family in Rio. Of course. Sears guys, I really, really want this one. Please.

Did You Know: Some History of Women's Jeans

I am a total sucker for trivia. Especially fashion trivia, it must be said. And I just found out that the first denim that was made for women, specifically, was back in 1935 and was a jumpsuit! Seriously. A Levi's denim jumpsuit. Super cutting edge today, let alone in 1935.
Up until 1935, the women of the day had been wearing their man's 501s and so it was decided that there had better be some jeans for the girls who rode horses and that kind of rough stuff. So they then made the first of what we now know as the 'boyfriend' jean, which was called the 701. Cool hey!
And this season, there is a new version of the boyfriend jean coming in. It happens to be my absolutely favourite style so you can imagine where I will be going for my next pair of denims. Well, you know that anyway since my religious experience of a couple of weeks ago. Hallelujah for women's denim! I am a true convert.
PS: Please note that as much as I admire the women of yesteryear in their newfangled denim, I will not be wearing them belted quite so high in the waist. Let's keep the modern styling of loose and low this season.

O Magazine Fashion - Portrait of a Lady

In this April issue of O Magazine we shot a fashion story aimed at the ladies among you. Well, to be fair, most of the mags have shot a ladylike story for this month. But let me tell you why you should go and buy the O mag to see more of our story.
First, it is so very pretty. Second, we support local designers so you can see how to get the look locally. Third, I was so incredibly sick at the time and dragged myself out of hospital, literally, to do this shoot, going back in the next day for surgery. I kid you not. It was 40 degrees in Paarl where we shot this and not even the healthy on the team loved that. So we actually sweated and bled to bring you this story. Is that enough to convince you?
If not, I hope these images, which we didn't include in the story, do. The best of them are in this month's issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, on shelves now. Go. Run. Don't miss out. Good.
Photographer: Anthony Friend
Model: Natalia from Max Models
Make-up and Hair: Sylvie Hurford (L'Oreal Paris)

Is 1940s Style the New Black?

So I have noticed something in the last few days. Something that may shape the way we shop for next season. Of course we all know that the '70s are back for this winter and into next summer, but what decade is nipping that their heels? Well, it seems to be the war-time '40s.
The new West End play that Sienna Miller is killing it in at the moment is set in that time period and the tabloid are lapping up her style in the show. Also, this past weekend, actress (and ex of Marilyn Manson) Evan Rachel Wood turned up to her latest premier in this burgundy number that I think looks staggeringly beautiful.
A small diamante brooch here or there. A kiss curl in your hair and a little bit of elegance will be the necessary ingredients to achieve this style - time to start practicing, I think.

I Heart Palazzo Pants

You guys are all going to thank me come next summer and you will be able to buy wonderful palazzo pants from local designers. I have made it my mission over the last month to encourage the ones I think will do a good job. I go up to them and say, "I have two words for you - palazzo pants." Then they look at me blankly. And I say, "palazzo pants, that's what you need to be doing for next collection." And then they nod, a little shell shocked, and say, "oh OK".
And that, my friends, is how it is going to happen.
Well, not quite. Some designers are already dancing with the palazzo. And some will do it quite without my provocation. But one thing you can be sure of is that you will be wearing palazzos soon enough.
Just look at January Jones and Kourtney Kardashian rock out in theirs. I will be honest and say that a blue and white silk polka dot (or stripe) pair is a top my list of desirables...
Yay to the palazzo.

American Idol Contestant's Style - And My Winners

Much is being made of the female contestants' style on this season of American Idol. I am guessing they have to because, with a few exceptions, the boys are MUCH better singers. Right?
But I did like the gorgeous, minimalist Zara dress that Thia wore this past week very much. Restrained, on-trend and pretty perfect for this young girl. I was also interested in Pia's choice of jumpsuit. I didn't think that it really flattered her figure (although it did contrast beautifully with her 47 layers of fake tan - yikes - ease off a bit there, maybe) but I was pleased that she was taking some fashion risks as she is the stand-out female singer in the competition and we haven't really had a fashion plate contestant on the series to date.

But let me nail my colours to the mast for this tenth season. Any person who can make a rock song from 1987 sound like it is was made to be sung by a gay gospel choir (not sure if those exist, but they should), is a winner in my book. Jacob can sprinkle his Lusky stank all over my aural receptors any time, I tell ya.
Also, loving the quirky Paul McDonald, defs more my speed, and I will overlook the travesty of Casey trying to screech Nirvana and say I  have his back too. But best dressed of the boys must go to Paul. I will keep a running eye on his style for you.