Happy Birthday Luisa

Life is too short not to celebrate the important things in life. So today I will take Luisa out for lunch to say happy birthday, thank you and congratulations. I also like grey, black and maroon as a winter colour combo. Winning.

Welcome to the Family New Choos

Say hello to my new Choos. Bought them yesterday to replace a very similar pair bought at a major retailer that just WEREN'T THE SAME. Totally gratuitous, I know. But a die-hard fashionista has to do one thing like this a year, at least.

EDUN World Cup T-Shirts

I popped in to the Neo boutique at the One&Only Resort Cape Town the other day to find out about how they have joined forces with EDUN, Bono and Ali Hewson’s ethical apparel company, to promote sustainable development in Africa. This Soccer Ball t-shirt (which I was lucky enough to get one of) forms part of a larger range of organic cotton tees that is available from NEO.
I have been a bit of an EDUN supporter for some years now and can be found wearing an original ONE t-shirt at home or in the gym, so I was pleased to see how this charitable and socially-concious organisation had translated their work from supporting Africa, to actually retailing here for the first time. And I wasn't disappointed.

The Soccer Ball Tee retails for R550. For more information, call NEO on 021 431 5195.

Akona (Again)

The success of this outfit is based on a) great proportions, b) cunning disguise, c) toned colours and d) an awesome belt. That's all.

Jocelyn

Long, skinny legs, great heels and a razor sharp hair cut make this look a winner.

Karen

Hard working O Mag features editor, Karen, looked so cute the other day in her military jacket, leopard print scarf and lace-up shoes. Another fashion trifecta on the blog.

Behind the Scenes: O Mag June

Relationships on a shoot are key. The fashion editor and the photographer need to be creatively in synch - each pushing the other. There needs to be a chemistry that infects the whole team so that the most exciting options are captured.
There also needs to be a good relationship between the model and the photographer. They need to be able to understand each other and work in tandem with each other. Rue and Anthony have worked together several times so it was a pleasure to capture their energy for our fashion story in O June.

Behind the Scenes: O Mag June

This is the team for the June fashion story. You can find out more about back story if you pick up your very own copy of O, The Oprah Magazine, from your local store. Go on.

Behind the Scenes: O Mag June

It really does take an army of people, all knowing their role, to get the shot done on a location. Considering how you preserve the clothing, keep the model comfortable, get the hair and garments all just perfect to tell your story - and that's not even thinking about lighting, cameras and other technological requirements - all requires many hands and a few brain cells. It is also the best fun of the job.
Off to shoot main fashion story for August today so will keep the behind the scenes glimpses coming.

Behind The Scenes - O June Fashion

The June issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, is out on shelves this week. So I thought I would take you behind the scenes of a wonderful story we shot at Monkey Valley Nature Resort in Noordhoek. The team was amazing - Rue from Max Models was our beautiful face, Anthony Friend our photographer (assisted by Ian and Patrick), Luciano dos Santos our hair and make-up guru and then my team of Luisa and Miranda. It was hard work, but everything went really smoothly and the results of the shoot are to be seen on the pages of O in the story, Have Style, Will Travel - a story of utility wear that has never looked so chic.
This week I will show you what went on behind the glossy pages of the magazine.

August in May

I am not sure if you guys have picked up on a relatively new label that I seem to wear quite a bit - called August. She is available from www.africhic.com and some Desray stores. These were shot at the africhic champagne shopping party a couple of weeks ago and I just remembered how much I like her style.

Monochrome

Alex and Sylvia having a giggle and looking stylish.

Merry Monique

Gorgeous silk blouse, draped skirt and a large smile. Now that's good style.

Star Scarf

While we are on the subject of accessory trends, how about this star print scarf? Jolly nice, I think.

I Think I May Have Said Studs Are a Trend

All in the same place at the same time...a trend do you think?

The Fashion 2010 Trifecta

1. Strong shoulder...BAM
2. Stretch lace...BAM
3. Flesh or nude tones...BAM BAM BAM
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you score a fashion trifecta.

Nike Launch True Colours Collection

We don't see the national football side in CT very often. And this launch was no different since it was in Jozi. But as we are coming up to that big international competition, you know the one, I thought I might show you what one or two of them look like. In the kit designed by local-boy illustrator, Kronk (aka Kris Hewitt from Cape Town). And he definitely rocks.
This is part of an international campaign across six countries - with Nike selecting artists in each to design alternative players kit.
Mome Nale from Cream Cartel on Vuzu was there looking interesting and she was chatting with Siya "Scoop" Ngwekazi from V Entertainment. As you know, on this blog we celebrate all kinds of style.

Awesome Nautical Style, by way of Jozi

Sometimes you find surprising style in unexpected places. Who knew I would travel to the land-locked big smoke to find a definitive nautical look?

And the Old Intern...Now Assistant

Luisa has been working with me for many months. Loved by all, she has managed to do that thing that all wannabes dream of - make it from intern to real fashion employee. And look at the cute nautical jacket and ironic scarf. Style and substance.

New Intern - Akona

Every three months we get a new intern in the fashion department. These unpaid positions are highly competitive and I interview many hopefuls for the job. They then work with my assistant Luisa to keep every thing running smoothly, whilst learning an enormous amount and getting to know the business and the people.
Today is the first day for Akona. Her cute outfits will now be with us for the next three months. expect to see more of these pics then...