These are a few of my favourite things

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’ m feeling sad... I think of a few of my favourite pretty things! Everyone has something that makes them feel that undeniable glow of excitement; to me beautiful things seem to do the trick. Today I share with you a few of my favourite things for the month of October...the few small things that brighten my day!

Right at the top of my list would be this headband my sister bought for me at the Woolworths in Bloemfontein...not only does it remind me of my sister, but it also has a pretty little pigeon print on it!

Next up are handmade flower brooches, which if you’re a regular reader wouldn’t come as much of a surprise to you seeing as I do rave all the time about how I love all things handmade! Let’s pin flowers in our hair, on our t-shirts and jerseys and deny spring a reason to abandon us for the hot madness of summer!

Lastly, another favourite is eclectic nail polish in bright and unusual colours. Join me in showing the world that there is no colour that doesn’t belong on our nails!

Of course these are only the material things...what I truly love most about October are the neverending display of purple that is Pretoria this time of the year (something I intend to share with you in a coming post!), the undercurrent of excitement and nerves that slowly builds as exams near and the year comes to an end and the nostalgic feeling that days pass a bit too fast and that we really need to hold on to whatever we hold dear...

Fanning the flames...

Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Chanel all showed Asian influences in their Spring/Summer 2011 collections and the oriental trend continues as a hot trend for the current season. However I don’t really see myself donning a floor-length silk Chinese gown before heading out to class! To solve this little trend dilemma I’ve decided to roll up my sleeves and try another one of my DIY projects! I’ve made myself DIY origami fan earrings...perfect for keeping things neutral yet trendy!

All you’ll need is a piece of pretty paper (I just used a page from a magazine, but you can use thick wrapping paper, newspaper or any paper that has an eye-catching pattern on both sides) and a piece of string. I bought this pretty golden string at Ruby’s Haberdashery in Brooklyn!

Then you follow the instructions for folding a Japanese origami fan shown below. Once you’ve folded your little fan, simply pierce the top part of the fan with a needle and insert the earring hook there.

Still waters run deep.

Yes, the legendary Karl Lagerfeld has done it again! On 4 October Lagerfeld showcased the new Chanel Spring 2012 collection to the backdrop of an amazing sea-life inspired set with the models gliding across the catwalk in flowing fabrics and pearl inspired colours. Trying to set the new Chanel collection apart from those that came before whilst still keeping the distinct Chanel look alive, Lagerfeld made die-hard Chanel fans happy by dishing up an ocean of prettiness.

These are a few of my favourites, all photos from style.com. If you’re a Chanel fan and you missed the show, do yourself a favour and watch it here

I used to rule the world...

I was one of the lucky thousands who were in Soccer City last night when Coldplay performed their epic hit Viva La Vida whilst the stadium vibrated with the sound of thousands of voices singing the song’s catchy melody. A part of me secretly wanted to freeze time at that moment, a moment where thousands of South Africans from all walks of life were united by the beauty of great music, fun times and a fabulous show! On a side-note, I noticed that leggings worn with a cropped striped t-shirt and a slingbag casually slung over the shoulder seem to be the favoured look for outdoor concert fun. I snapped this pic of an unknowing concert-goer looking super trendy!

Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade...

The ELLE new talent search winner Cleo Droomer is proof that working hard to achieve your dreams in South Africa’s sweltering heat pays off in the end! This young designer won the ELLE new talent search in 2010 and the collection he created for Mr Price has been in South African stores for little more than a week now and already fashionistas all over are going crazy for his 80’s inspired palazzo pants and loose fitting, yet perfectly structured tops. I proclaim myself to all who’ll listen to be a Droomer fan and I was more than happy to stand in the long, last-Saturday-of-the-month lines at Mr Price with arms filled to the brim, clutching my Cleo Droomer merchandise.  Although I love everything the line my favourite pick is the more simple structured tops, available in the rose colour pictured here, as well as grey. The way this top simply moulds to your body shape makes it the perfect top for the average everyday South African woman...well done Cleo Droomer, you’ve achieved the impossible... you’ve pleased the rainbow nation that is the South African woman! 

I want to know what YOU think of the Cleo Droomer range. Send me a picture of yourself wearing an item from the range and you might just be featured on the blog!   prettylittlepigeons@gmail.com

Below is some retail pictures of the range, all from elle.co.za: To view the more pictures of the range check out his link: http://www.elle.co.za/fashion/cleo-droomers-range-hits-stores/

Touch wood!

Check out these awesome handmade accessories I discovered by chance whilst visiting my sister in Bloemfontein! I love all things crafty and handmade so these accessories really got me excited!

If you're interested in acquiring some of these little pieces of art for yourself you can contact the creator:

"Net `n Kameel"
Elizma van Zyl - elizma.vanzyl@gmail.com

The life of the party once again...

When the beautiful first years of our residence set out to be the life of the party they sure don’t hold back! Being a bit older (no, I won't give away my age...), I couldn’t keep up with the youthful enthusiasm that seemingly comes part and parcel with dressing up for your one and only first year dinner. I was overwhelmed by the brightly coloured dresses adorned with all things shiny and pretty, neatly plaited braids and lots of stacked bangles.

A shiny black fitted dress adorned with peacock feathers and cut super low at the back, combined with a perfectly plaited over-the-shoulder braid and some stacked bangles make this the spot on trendy look of the night.

Other looks that caught my eye are this classically vintage black and white dress combined with an elegant yet simple string of pearls, as well this daring navy number topped off with a funky headpiece!

Truly a night to remember I’m sure everyone who attended woke up the next morning wondering if they hadn’t maybe simply slept through a fairytale dream of old-school glamour, glittering lights and pretty dresses.