Travel-Blog Day 15: Welcome Home

I am travelling back to paradise/Cape Town today. And while the charm of London and the English countryside, and more importantly my amazing friends and family, is something that I will miss, I am excited to be back in the sun and sharing the stories of my travels (by which I mean purchases) with my friends and family here. Like my sister who makes her debut on my blog today. Yes after 20 months of the blog my sister has finally raided my wardrobe sufficiently to put this lovely and flattering outfit together. I think that she looks beautiful.

Travel-Blog Day 14: I SAID SEQUIN!

I am quite sure I may have mentioned that EVERYTHING has sequin on it for winter '10 and here are some of my acquisitions. A tunic and a shawl waistcoat are two key items.

Travel-Blog Day 12: My Silk Blouse

Silk blouses are the mainstay of my work wardrobe and I found this glorious one at M&S in London. I loved it so much I wanted the one in purple too but they were sold out. Sad. Look at that draping. Only silk can do that.

Travel-Blog Day 11: My New Purple Tunic

So purple is the colour of winter '10. And leggings, treggings, jeggings and skinny jeans are the leg-wear de rigeuer. So what you need is a purple top to wear with said leg-wear (as we ALL know that leggings are not trousers) and so a tunic is required. And my friend Gilly bought me a belated birthday gift on a day trip to Bath the other day. Isn't she beautiful? Sigh.

Travel-Blog Day 10: My New Accessories

So you should probably know by now that pearls are having a fashion moment. But they are getting chunkier, as with all neckwear, they are now a statement. And so I bought into this trend, literally, with my new pearl necklace.
I also popped into Asda yesterday - I am in the countryside, far from a town centre and normal shops people - and making the best of what I had available, I found these BARGAIN but brilliant earrings. They are winners. £2 a pair.
And you know how much we are loving sequin right now. Well, this beret looks pretty cool atop my bonce. Especially when worn with my new earrings!
Anyone can shop up a storm in London, but I am showing my true fashion pedigree here in the countryside I think.

Travel-Blog Day 9: My New Studded Pirate Boots

So I mentioned on Twitter last week that what is on trend in boots for winter '10 is the lace up worker boot/Dr Marten or the slouchy buckled/studded pirate boot. I was in Office trying a pair of worker boots on when I saw these instead on the shop assistant. I liked them so much more so I got them and they are the most comfortable and hard/soft boots ever. LOVE.
Now if only I had kept my Docs from the 80s...

Travel-Blog Day 8: Happiness in Comedy DVDs

Nothing is more British than a good sense of humour and a multi million pound industry has now been built on the taping and selling of these fantastic stand up shows and comedy TV panel shows. And really nothing provides me with more laughter and the right sort of tears. Brilliant.
On this, the eighth rainy and cold day of my visit to the UK, here in the West Country, I have been watching and laughing. And laughing.

SA Style Awards?

I have got to say I don't really understand the who and why of the SA Style Awards, but I will tell you that while I was away, the very lovely and gracious Jennifer Su debuted a collaboration with Loyiso and rapper JR at said awards.
"Rise Up South Africa" is a tribute to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Jen's debut CD, "Africa Style", is a tribute to South African designers including David Tlale, Gavin Rajah, Thula Sindi, Kluk CGDT, Pallu, and Abigail Betz. Something to get behind, i think.
I will raise a glass to J-Su tonight here in chilly England and wish her the very best, as she deserves.

Travel-Blog Day 7: Happiness in Magazines

Ahhh, Grazia, Heat, Now, Look, Hello! - I've read them all over the past few days. Often in a Starbucks. And plan to all over again this week.
Elle, Vogue, Harpers, In-Style, Tatler and Marie Claire also in the mix. Yay.

Stiaan Louw Launches at astore

Let it not be said that Styel Guide takes a holiday abroad and forgets to keep up with what's happening back home. The big style news this week is that designer and friend Stiaan Louw has launched a collection for astore. At last we cry!
Stripped down basics is what makes up the collection. Stiaan says, "the line that was produced bearing the Astore customer in mind, aims to introduce them to the fit and subtle detailing synonymous with the ‘Stiaan Louw Menswear’ collection. This collaborative effort sees the first of many such projects for the brand while expanding our existing market."
How Louw can you go?

Photographer: Brett Rubin (www.brettrubin.com), Model: LeRiche from Shine, Stylist: Nicole van Heerden

All clothes currently in store, available in sizes and colourways
Store locator: www.astoreisgood.com
For more info contact: stiaanlouw@yahoo.com or (021) 465 5499

Travel-Blog Day 4: Anthropologie

While I was cruising down Regent Street I stopped in at the Banana Republic store and fell in love with a velvet dress. But I left it with its friends since I couldn't afford to keep it in the manner to which it was accustomed. I then stepped into the fairy land that is the latest store to move from the US to the UK - Anthropologie. It s kind of like Poetry in SA, only on steriods. The sheer volume of wonderful goodies makes it feel like Urban Outfitters but the quality and ingenuity are vastly higher. Just magical. Check out the 'living wall' and the chandeliers made by a South African from recyled materials. My favourite item was a necklace made with gold beads and a double layer of giant soft green crystals. Maybe next time.

Travel-Blog Day 4: Jimmy Choo for H&M

I did not stand in any queues. I did not have to fight with anyone. I did not have to buy an item off e-Bay at three times the original price. No. I sailed into H&M in Regent Street yesterday and popped downstairs to the Jimmy Choo section. There were about five other people there and a few shop assistants. I browsed the gloriously soft and buttery leather and suede pieces like the dove grey one shoulder dress in total peace. I carefully examined the shoes and accessories which were chunky and excellent quality - if a bit extreme for my lifestyle (not taste - I thought they were wonderful). And then I tried on a few sparkly items, eventually settling on this sequin zip up. As Stiaan will know I have wanted one for about 18 months. And there it was for me. Lovely. It shall be back in CT with me soon.

Travel-Blog Day 3: London on the Move

Travel-Blog Day 3: Joanie and Boys

Such a fun afternoon just hanging with the Middletons. This photo was taken especially for Dee Dee, aka Janet.

Travel-Blog Day 2: Saffas Abroad

How I laughed. I'm not sure why they needed to announce their nationality - there wasn't any sport on yesterday that I can recall - but Saffas will be Saffas! So for the first time on this blog, this is a style 'no'.

Travel-Blog Day 2: Happiness in Buildings

Some classic (by which I mean touristy, of course) shots of some of my happy places in London. The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, St Paul's, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, you know, the usual.

Travel-Blog Day 1: London Heathrow

So this morning I land in London town and head off to stay with my cousin in Wimbledon. Urgh. I am not a fan of South London, but I will be happy to see my lovely cousins and friends. The plan for this week is to check out the new range of Jimmy Choo for H&M which launched in the UK this past weekend. And to go and stroll through Selfridges and Harvey Nicks to get back in touch (literally) with all the latest gear. I will post photos as I manage to co-ordinate me, an internet connection and my camera. But since I am primarily on holiday over the next two weeks, it may be sporadic posting. Keep coming back to take a look.

Introducing 'Bert

We have recently welcomed a new member to the gang. Rob is a seemingly lovely commercials director who contributes to the laughs quite well. But more importantly, has excellent taste in jackets. This one is C2 from Carducci, single button which fits like a dream. Not bad for a first purchase in front of both the new girlfriend and my hawkish eye.

SA's Got Talent Thoughts

Ok, so let me share my thoughts on the recently completed series of SA's Got Talent. Now, I didn't watch it all, but I found the live shows quite compelling. I loved that Randall got to show his humour - and jolly good glasses. I'm guessing Extreme Eyewear?
I loved that the acts were generally quite good. Although I will say that I thought the kids needed their own show. But Darren, Louwtjie, the singing bros and George all rocked it. Props.
But for me the real winner was Anele. Rob too. But Anele emerged as a funny, accessible, relaxed and exciting TV presenter. And she is slowly but surely developing a style to go with her talent. It's not hits all the way, and the shoes need a lot of work. But she is winning the style battle and growing in confidence before our eyes. A real SA girl of our time, with bags of ambition and the skills to back this up, she is the real talent on this programme.

Yolande - Tunic Shirt

I really like how lovely and simple this outfit is. It maintains femininity through the tunic shirt.

WIN with Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo and Elton John AIDS Foundation have launched a global photo competition to support Project PEP, a charity collection that donates 25% of sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa. The overall winners will be announced after the competition close on 7th December. On offer is the ultimate Jimmy Choo VIP experience – the winner will be invited to spend a day of luxury and the Jimmy Choo HQ and choose 7 pairs of shoes and 2 handbags to keep. Plus over 100 exclusive Jimmy Choo prizes will also be awarded to entrants.
The theme of the competition is "You, Your Shoes and 72" and you can find out more and enter the competition by going to the web site - http://www.jimmychoo72.com.
Good luck Style Guiders.

Nicole - Fashion Designer

First year fashion design student at Fedisa, Nicole recently won the award for fashion design from Sanlam Private Investments. This is a real coup for a first year but considering she designed and made this dress as well, maybe easy to understand. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing what you do next.

Lindsay - The Fine Gold Belt

This is my 1002nd post so somehow in the midst of my dreadful sick week last week I missed a milestone. Yay now anyway. Sorry for the radio silence, but here today we have a lovely lady called Lindsay who wore a beautifully simple outfit and just accessorised it with a very fine gold belt and gold flats. Perfect.

WINNERS: Extreme Eyewear Night Out

Congratulations to Taahirah, Mari and Miranda who are all now invited to attend the very posh Extreme Eyewear store launch featuring the Chrome Hearts Jewelled collection which is being flown in for the night. Your names will be on the door and you should be there at 6pm tomorrow night. Dress is smart.

Behind the Scenes - Nabielah

Behind the Scenes - Anthony and Algria

Sorry for photo quality today gang, but I am too ill to work on these before I post them. Anthony was our Woolies World photographer and Algria our make up artist.

Photo Project 5: The Still Life

Shot at my artist friend Fritha's office at Michaelis, which is a treasure trove of interesting found objects.

WIN - Extreme Eyewear Store Launch Tickets

I have THREE places to give away to this sumptuous evening out in Cape Town this Saturday evening. Celebrating the new Cape Quarter store opening, the evening will offer the best glasses in the land, champange and oysters. You really can't go wrong.
To win, please comment in the post about your sunglasses fashion tips for the summer. The best tips will each win a place and I will announce the winners on Friday morning.

Behind the Scenes - Imaan

At the Woolies World shoot the week before last I took some candid behind the scenes shots for you. This is Imaan from arrival in her no-make-up-look through to ready to go out and shoot.