A warm and fuzzy feeling...

I need to try this trend before summer strikes in South Africa (which, believe me, is not too far off.)...warm socks showing beneath boots not only provides that extra bit of warmth but also takes you to the front of the fashion pack when it comes to being on trend!

Break out the burgundy!

The hottest new colour of the season is a lovely mix between red and maroon, the kind of burgundy that reminds you of a yummy red wine and wipes out memories of ugly maroon school uniforms. You’ll see this burgundy in all its different shades hanging out in all the hip stores...and I was finally able to get my hands on my very own beautiful burgundy piece. This oversized burgundy sweater was hiding in Mr Price when I was feeling in the mood for some retail therapy and promptly rescued me from my fashion rut.

I had some impulsive fun on the University of Pretoria campus shooting some pics of the outfit I threw together the very day after I went home with my new number in tow. Things are winding down on campus as the students prepare to go into exam mode, so I was able to sneak in a few pics without feeling too awkward (shooting fashion blog pics on campus can do that to you...) Luckily my boyfriend’s quite the amateur photographer and definitely not scared to act the role of pro fashion photographer!

Paired with mid-ankle boots, a chunky ring, and a golden chain necklace this sweater transforms from average to fashionable with help from winter’s three key items. What would you pair it with? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Till next time, happy weekend! xxx  

Brogues: Fashionably flat

The fashion world will always fondly remember the brogue as the shoe that made flats fashionable. All over the world front-row fashionistas are seen at fashion shows trading sky-high heels and skirts for capri pants and brogues. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours from laced-up brown leather to moccasin style yellow suede. For those of us who’re not quite ready to give up heels you can even find heels fashioned after the ever-popular flats.

To guide you in your shopping for the world’s most popular flat, I spent some time browsing two of South Africa’s most popular online shopping sites, 36boutiques and Zando, in order to bring you my pick from their collection. 

The brogues in the pics are the newest addition to my winter wardrobe, I got these suede brogues from Mr Price for only R119,99!

It’s never too late to say goodbye to heels and hello to the fashion world’s answer to fashionable flat: the brogue.   

Hearts, stripes and polka dots.

Dress, Mr Price. Shoes, Ackermans. Earrings, Jay Jays. Sunglasses, Identity. Nail Polish, Michellori Paris, Fantasia.

Taking advantage of the warm Pretoria weather this past weekend, I had some fun with mixed prints and a cute little Yorkshire terrier named Redgy.

Mixed prints are all the rage right now, so if you’re somewhat wary of looking like an overdressed circus clown, why not start small by mixing up the prints on small items like your accessories. I mixed a heart print scarf (used as a belt) with polka dot earrings and a simple striped dress.

While the weather’s still hot and balmy take to the streets in crazy mixed prints and bright colours and have some last minute summertime fun! 

There’s a trick to every trade...

Peep-toe wedges, Mellisa at 36boutiques

Red postman bag, Habits 

Grey high-heeled courts, Foschini at 36boutiques

Leather belt, Habits

The saying goes, there’s a trick to every trade...and whenever I’m confronted by the mysterious ability of art to speak to the soul or the undeniable strength of a well-written poem, I think of this saying. It’s true there truly is a trick to every trade, every tradesmen has something up his or her sleeve that makes his work unique.

I have a friend who seems to have a few tricks to her repertoire and in the process she creates the most beautiful mosaic that I simply had to photograph. Of course I have a few tricks of my own and therefore I’ve paired her mosaic with some items found on a fruitful online shopping session. 

If you’re just as moved by her art as I am you can contact the artist for some unique mosaic pieces of your own:

Anita du Toit

dutoit.anita.heleen@gmail.com

0741471324

Mimótica Micola...The science of making all things fancy!

I’ve many times frowned at the phrase ‘I’m at a loss for words’...as someone who always has something to say or a comment to throw into the mix I’ve never really experienced the mysterious ‘I’m speechless’ moment.

I’m a fashion blogger, someone who has a toolbox filled with quirky adjectives and made-up words at the ready to describe any fashionable item you might just toss my way. Yet, I believe the fantastically creative people at Spanish store Mimótica Micola have finally given me the unmentionable pleasure of that first speechless moment... When I first laid my eyes on their beautifully crafted handmade handbags and shoes I was...for lack of a better phrase...at a loss for words!

So I’m allowing the handbags to speak for themselves...something I believe us bloggers should try more often. You’ll find the experience invigorating...drink in the beauty of each picture....and to experience more ‘speechless’ moments visit Mimótica Micola’s website and their

online store

To give you a bit of background, Mimótica Micola was created in 2003 by Racquel Micola, who learnt to sew from her grandmother, a seamstress who specialised in repairing torn bullfighters’ costumes, from whom she inherited an insatiable taste for attention to detail.

Mimótica Micola’s products are handmade using high quality leather from Spain and Italy. You can shop from their beautiful collection online at their easy to use online store or their flagship store located in Barcelona. Also, I’ve got some great news for my South African readers...they ship to South Africa AND their stock is currently on SALE! So, don’t waste any time...do yourself a favour and pamper yourself with a treasure from the Mimótica Micola store. Simply click on the logo below to be transported to a handbag-filled paradise!

In the mood for a stroll in the sunset?

Shoes have personalities, just like human beings. Some shoes fit better with certain kinds of people...they have moods, just like you and me. When I’m in a playful and fun mood I certainly won’t feel like putting on a pair of running shoes....No, I’ll slip on my dancing shoes or a sexy pair of heels!

When I look at a pair of wedges I’m reminded of hot sweltering summer evenings sipping cocktails next to a pool, watching as the sun sets over the ocean. So in the spirit of this holiday mood I bought this fun pair of wedges at Mr Price for only R119.95! Of course I couldn’t wait to share them with you so naturally when this beautiful sunset presented itself as a photo opportunity I immediately got out my camera and snapped some pics! Check out how lovely the wedges look next to these sunset photos! So now do you believe me? Shoes definitely have personalities!

Just fine and dandy!

 

The guys at Satruday Studio brand planning (view their website here) asked me to photograph these dandelions for their blog. I decided to shake things up pretty little pigeons style and throw some shoes into the mix! Let me know what you think!

This could be paradise!

Watching the music video for Coldplay’s latest hit ‘Paradise’, which is set in our very own beautiful South Africa with Table Mountain in all its glory the backdrop to the story the band tells with their hit song, got me thinking that you can basically find paradise anywhere and in anything...

(Watch the music video here!)

So I did some fun online shopping and found some great shoes which I’ve each connected to a paradise-like nature scene... Just goes to show you a simple pair of shoes could be paradise!

All retail photos from foschini.co.za, woolworths.co.za and 36boutiques.com

    (Rose print wedges - Woolworths - R399)

     (Blue flower sandals - Foschini - R260)

    (Beige and white sandals - Trenery at Woolworths - R499)