Trend Alert: Female Tuxedo

Just watching both the Habits and the Alexander McQueen fashion shows this morning, I noticed that the female tuxedo seems to be back on the agenda. Whether in homage to the late great YSL who pretty much invented it, or whether it is just that time in the cycle, the tuxedo for the lady is being reinterpreted and reinvented this season so keep your eyes peeled for a good one.

AMQ had it as a tailored jumpsuit, while Habits had several interpretations, including a dressed down version pictured here.

Virtual Fashion Shows - Habits & Alexander McQueen

I have been lucky enough to attend many fashion shows over the past few years. Some have been fabulous, and some slightly disappointing. But they have all requied some effort on my part. And a massive amount of effort on the part of the organisers, designers and crew. And yet, none of this hard work really takes us on a direct path from catwalk to actually pulling out the credit card and snapping up that fab little dress or a tailored jumpsuit.

Of course it has come down to the intergalatic webatron to do this for us. I remember watching Roland Mouret's first independent collection being launched via Net-a-Porter about a year ago - on my computer from the comfort of my office. Within days the collection was sold out, thanks in part to dear old Pixie Beckham who had bought about 8 frocks to wear in roatation on her bid to conquer LA.

This year, Net-a-Porter has brought us a virtual fashion show capsule collection from the magnificent Alexander McQueen. As a devotee of his trussed up, womanly, slightly eccentric English wear, I am delighted to be able to view his new collection, see backstage to the fittings and makeup, take a gander at his retrospective and have the pieces explained to me by some useful styling people. But the best bit is watching the looks on the runway and being able to click on a button and buy the garment directly.

And it is not just the international designers taking this path. Jenny Le Roux from Habits was absent from the summer catwalks this season, opting instead to have a virtual fashion show. You can click here to have a look at her spring summer collection, and simply press the button to go and buy the looks you like. Sure, there are the usual loose garments for ladies of a certain age, but there are also some wonderful little dresses and some fresh accessories, just waiting for your credit card details to be filled in.

Online will never replace the excitement of the front row when something totally unexpected grabs your fancy, but it is a very servicable and practical way to get a glimpse of what it out there in the world of fashion - and how it can find its way directly into your closet.

Priscilla - Accessories Rule

I love the scarf of course. And the hat. And it has been ages since I have seen such a casually thrown together outfit that works so well. Sometimes less really is more.

Sunny Weekend - Lions Head

Sunny Weekend - Old Biscuit Mill

This weekend was wonderfully sunny. Rather than just look for people who were stylish, I decided to pick out places in our beautiful city that were pretty stylish too. So I walked along the Sea Point prom, went to the Old Biscuit Mill for a mooch and rose at the crack of dawn this morning to walk up to the top of Lions Head. Here are some posts with photos that go beyond the usual style stuff.

Red, White and Blue

I just love this colour combination for the new season. Part french tricolor, part nautical chic, you just can't go wrong as long as you don't take it literally. My friend Vicky shows us how as usual.

A Day Off

I took yesterday (Heritage/Braai Day) off from work. I didn't check email. I didn't contact a client. I didn't write anything. Instead I hung out with my mates. I went to the wonderful Cafe Neo opposite the lighthouse in Moullie Point and had hot chocolate with Neil and Isabella and with Vanessa. I bumped into Vicky in the car park. I saw Devon at the waterfront and Al my pal arrived safely in the Cape. It was good and just what I needed.

News: iafrica.com Lifestyle Column #13

This one is for all my preggie girls. Having been there in support for many of my divine ladies as they go through the complexity of dressing stylishly when pregnant, I thought I would share the basic guidelines with all you other ladies who are busy with the breeding thang. No excuses now for poor maternity style!

Go and have a read in full by clicking here.

And congrats to one of my inspirations, Keri, who had her little boy, Jamie, yesterday. All are well and happy.

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu

Men's Health Menswear Collection 2008

Having spent the last three days in Jozi, I really wanted to get back to Cape Town to my home and the vain hope of some summer weather one day soon. Sadly what it meant was that I had to decline the invitation to this year's Men's Health Menswear Collection. Not only are many of this blog's favourite men's wear designers present and correct, but the invite includes a very gratuitous photo of The Mighty Beckham - in a photo that looks suspiciously like it was taken from his new, and definitely yet-to-be-released, calendar.

So for those of you up in The Big Smoke today, head to The Roundhouse on Constitution Hill at 7pm. You will be able to see Stiaan Louw, Artistic Soul, Craig Port, Darkie and C-Squared - the vibey stuff from Carducci. Also, they are showing the new Country Road Collection for Men - and it is pretty much as good as the ladies.

Let me know what you think.

Jeremy: Before Picture #2

Here is another one of Jeremey's classic stage looks that we have recently restyled. I have to say that I am in equal parts amused and touched by the boy's fans stepping up to 'defend' his style. First of all you need to remember that a restyle is not necessitated by something being wrong, simply that it is possibly time to move something on. Jeremy is very clear on wanting a look that matches his personality and lifestyle - one that has some built in longevity and individuality. He is also wise enough to know when something has been done and needs to be laid to rest. For someone who is not a mindless fashion follower, it is pretty important to make these changes. And it was fantastic fun.

Tartan Hoodie

Waiting for the Show to Begin

Front Row Faves

Exhibition: Feast

Opening last night in Observatory was another very cool exhibition called Feast at favourite art space Curious Whetstone and Frankley. Breaking out the cheque book once more for these glorious porcelain mobiles and tea light covers, I also spotted some easy style. Karen's tuxedo jacket and Lisa's volume skirt and grey jelly shoes were both worth a closer inspection.

SA Sanlam Fashion Week - Cape Town Regionals

Well, it was a dark and stormy night in Cape Town when the fashion folk decended on the Old Biscuit Mill for a look see at what the big boys up in Joburg saw at the last fashion week of the season. Lovely hot tea and cupcakes were on hand to make us feel a bit better - as were some of my gorgeous friends with Glamour.

Neckwear

As the cold weather persists, it is imperative to sort our your neckwear. Last night there were several excellent and diverse executions on offer.

Bright Tops

I think everyone needs a dash of colour in their wardrobe sometimes. But, when the weather is still undecided about joining us in the spring and black seems so damn safe, it is confusing how to do it. Take a look at how some of my friends at the Mac launch were rockin' it.

Mac Launch: Winter 2008

Mac lauched it's new collection of make up yesterday at the Runway. Obviously timed for the northern hemisphere seasons, it was never-the-less actually quite compelling. I do feel a need to get some wonderfully creamy eye shadows, and I am definitely going to try out the black lips - although that just may be the old goth in me.