Closet Confidential with Bailey Schneider

I was lucky to score a style interview with one of South Africa's favourite radio hosts, the bubbly and vivacious Bailey Schneider. Bailey shares snippets of her exciting life as a media and TV personality on her blog Vanilla Blonde. Along with a passion for shoes and vanilla tea, Bailey shares her love of fashion on today's edition of 'Closet Confidential'.

Describe your personal style
I like to think I am stylishly comfortable. I love the classy, elegant look with Boho chic mixed in so it's not too preppy. I also dress according to my mood. There are days when a pair of leggings or jeans and a tee is good and when I feel like putting on the red lipstick and stepping out in a dress. Nicole Richie is one of my icons and I adore the way she can make a pair of jeans and a white shirt look so stylish.

Three beauty products you cannot live without
I never leave the house without wearing mascara. My favourite is the Maybelline XXL. Sunscreen is another absolute must and Bronzer, which just wakes up any skin (especially if you're looking tired or a little sick.) 

Do you have any fashion addictions we should know of?

I LOVE shoes. They always fit. I alternate between heels, wedges, sandals and pumps. I'm also addicted to accessories. I can never have enough. A striking piece of jewelry, a colourful scarf or a trendy hat can really spruce up any outfit. I also have a lot of perfumes - I love their bottles and fragrances. 

A good lead to my next question...What is your signature scent? 

Oh no. This is hard. I have a LOT of perfumes. I'd have to say my signature scent is between Michael Kors and DKNY Women and Be Delicious (Day and Night.) 

How would you define the street style in your city?
Johannesburg is a fast-paced Cosmopolitan city. Most Joburgers are stylish. I find that most people dress up and are far more comfortable in being unique and wearing something that defines who they are.

Which South African designers do you admire?
Hmmm... This is difficult. This may make me seem like I’m sitting on the fence, but I genuinely appreciate and admire everyone. Every designer is trying to make their mark with their vision not only locally but internationally too and they're doing it. It makes me proud.

What has been your best fashion buy?

I've bought some amazing boots that have lasted me so many seasons and always look stylish. My Victoria Beckham denim jacket - it's so versatile and can be worn across seasons. 

For anyone traveling to Johannesburg, where would you advise them to shop? 
The new section in Sandton City is fantastic. I'm glad I can now say Zara - swoon. I'd also suggest Cotton On. Woolworths is another good one - they have great buys. We have great vintage stores too and you can find some real gems. 

Five essential items of clothing that you always have in your closet, regardless of trend or season?
Jeans and leggings, blazers, cute fitted tee shirts, the (LBD) dress and the classic black heel. 

What is your all time favourite trend? 
The LBD (Little Black Dress.) It will always be timeless and sexy. A great pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt will also always be trendy and elegant – mix it up with great accessories and you have a winner every time. 

What is your all time worst fashion trend? 
Blue eye shadow and red lipstick together is a BIG NO NO, teased, frizzy hair and those harem pants – I just don’t get it. I think they look like you're wearing a nappy - a FULL nappy. 

You are always attending glamourous media events, how do you decide what to wear to them?
This really is mood related again and depends on the function. Sometimes I dress uber glam and other times a more subtle approach works better. I believe that having great hair can enhance an outfit too and I love the opportunity to dress up in gorgeous dresses and do very sexy hair and make-up.

A Fabulous piece of Fashion Advice...
Dress for your body shape and dress to be comfortable. Comfortable doesn't mean frumpy, it means being in something that makes you feel good and therefore makes you feel and look confident. There is nothing worse than tugging on an outfit that is too tight or too short. Not only do you feel uncomfortable, you LOOK uncomfortable – not the stylish, confident look you want, I’m sure. Don’t be afraid to wear something that is different. If it suits you and you feel good in it, wear it… People will admire you and secretly wish they too could “pull it off”. Promise.

*Special thanks to Bailey for taking the time off her busy schedule to do this interview.

Pictures via Polyvore & Google images.

Closet Confidential With Cara McLeay

This edition of 'Closet Confidential' features stunning style blogger Cara McLeay from Vancouver, Canada. Cara shares her effortlessly chic and sophisticated style, along with an impressive collection of shoes on her blog, A Fashion Love Affair. Read on as she gives us an insight to her personal love affair with bags, heels and classic yet contemporary clothes.

Describe your personal style
It is hard to pin-point my style because I love to try new things and switch it up on a regular basis-but I can say that I like classic, simple pieces, layering and adding jewellery or pops of color to make an outfit interesting.

What is your most treasured item of clothing?
My sister bought me my first DVF wrap dress for Christmas this year...it is definitely a favorite!

Most extravagant fashion purchase
I recently just purchased my first Coach bag...

What is the easiest way to accessorize an outfit?
I am a big fan of simple bracelets (Leah Alexandra's "Erin" Bracelet is a perfect one to stack up without looking over the top) or a statement necklace. You can also never go wrong with a great pair of sunglasses (My favorite right now are Karen Walker's "Perfect Day" sunglasses) or a great quality bag

What beauty products do you always carry with you?
Lip gloss is my only must!

What designer items are on your fashion wish list?

I am currently lusting after a Celine Luggage Bag, Alexander Wang Stella Heels and the Acne ‘Malakit’ Leather skirt.

You are widely admired by other bloggers for your glossy locks. Do you have any hair styling (or hair care) tips to share with us?

I dye my hair, which can make it super dry. To prevent breakage I make sure to use a deep conditioner once a week that has Keratin in it (structural proteins that help repair the hair) Right now I am using Joice K-PAK Bio-Restorative Treatment, and I use Moroccan Oil daily to keep my hair looking shiny and healthy.

Favourite shade of lipstick/lipgloss?
I prefer natural shades, nothing with sparkles...peach/coral/light pink

Who are your personal style icons?
I am inspired by so many people-other bloggers including Blair from Atlantic-Pacific and Jules from Sincerely Jules, as well as starlets such as Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen, Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo and Clémence Poésy, to name a few...

If you won the fashion lotto, at which designer store would you chose to spend it?
Tough question! It would be a tie between Chanel, Celine, Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant

What are some of your closet staples? 
Plain V-Neck Tees (my favorite are by James Perse), Jeans, Pointed Pumps, A Leather Jacket, A Trench, A Great Bag, Big Sunglasses, and a dainty, everyday necklace.

Your Biggest Fashion Do
Having fun with fashion

Your Biggest Fashion Don't
Wearing clothes that don't fit

Fabulous fashion advice?
Know your body, find clothes that look fabulous on you and be comfortable and confident everywhere you go!


*Special Thanks to Cara for partaking in this interview and for the use of her photographs. This is an automatically scheduled post.

Closet Confidential with Fabrizia Spinelli

This episode of Closet Confidential features the stunning and stylish Italian blogger Fabrizia Spinelli. Fabrizia has an eye for beautiful dresses, bold accessories and glorious pairs of high heels. Her blog answers the question every girl asks herself daily, Cosa mi metto or "What shall I wear?" She shares some of her personal style secrets and fashion favourites with us.

Describe your personal style
I like to dress pretty easily, without exaggeration. I don’t think I have a well defined way to dress, I like to experiment, to take inspiration from different styles, to change everyday and to combine different elements.

What has been your best fashion buy thus far?
It’s a really hard question, because every time I buy something, I fall in love with it...so...I don’t know, maybe my first Chanel. I had always desired it, and you know, Chanel bags are so chic, elegant and timeless.

What was your most outrageous purchase?
Maybe a bright orange lipstick. It was very long before colored lipsticks were fashionable, and also I haven’t ever worn make up in a strong way, so to me it was so strange and difficult to see myself in the mirror!! 

If you could max out your credit card at any designer store, which one would it be?
Definitely the shoe department at Macy’s or Chanel. 

What are your key fashion pieces for Winter 2012? 

A fur coat, many shiny and colorful lipsticks, a peplum dress, an asymmetrical skirt, a denim jacket and sparkling jewellery.

Who are your style icons? 

I like the style of the It-girls Miroslava Duma and Olivia Palermo, and the elegance of Eva Longoria, but I also like to take inspiration from well-dressed ordinary people! 

Three beauty products that you can't live without? 
I can’t live without a mascara, blush and a good moisturizing cream! 

What is on your fashion wish list? 

So many things, of course a Hermes Kelly, a wonderful Chanel Jumbo bag in petrol blue, and a Moschino peplum dress. 

What five items of clothing are the foundation of a good wardrobe? 
A pair of jeans, a little black dress, a comfy pair of high heels, a black blazer and a great pair of sunnies. 

Biggest Fashion Do 
Wear what you like and don’t be afraid to show your personal style.

Biggest Fashion Don't 
Don’t wear something just because it’s “in”, for the first thing you must feel good in it. 

Fabulous Fashion Advice

Fashion is not only something to follow, but it’s also something to create, is something that can express our personality.

*Special Thanks to Fabrizia for participating in this interview and permitting me use of her photos.

Closet Confidential With Fash Boulevard

Energetic and aspiring accessories designer Anna Hodge is a former small town girl who has followed her fashion dream all the way to California. Her journey began with an impressive internship at popular clothing brand BGBG Max Azria. Anna's blog Fash Boulevard is an online stage upon which celebrity style and her own personal style collide. With an eye for beautiful jewellery, her incredible collection of cocktail rings is one to be coveted. Anna shares her wealth of voguish knowledge with us on this edition of 'Closet Confidential'.

How would you define your personal style?
Dramatically simple with far too many accessories. Growing up in the south and now living in LA. I've had the pleasure of being exposed to an eclectic mix of fashion. Whether it's classic with a hint of edge or a simple dress with a dramatic heel, I love combining different elements to create a single look.


What is LA street style like?

Well this is pretty much what my blog is all about... When I first moved to LA after graduating from Auburn University I knew I wanted to work in fashion and in order to do that I needed to follow LA's trends meticulously. I quickly realized that in Hollywood street fashion is celebrity fashion. Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe are the women keeping Hollywood on their fashionable toes! And now I'm here to blog about it.


What are your fashion fundamentals? 

My mom has had a fabulous fur that I've played dress up in for
 as long as I can remember so it's a natural obsession. It can dress up anything from jeans to a fancy cocktail dress. I also recommend a blazer because you can wear it to work or throw on a giant statement necklace and wear it out to drinks with the girls. And of course, every closet should have the essential black pieces. Black skinny jeans, blouses, cardigans, jackets, heels, and tights. They match almost anything and are a great base for building a stylish ensemble.


Would you choose comfort over fashion or fashion over comfort?
I love this question. I would definitely choose fashion over comfort. I can't tell you how many times I've worn constricting jackets and blazers or tight tiered skirts that I can't bend in, but at the end of the day it's all about wearing what makes you feel fabulous. And sometimes fabulous involves blisters and car rides that consist of lying in the back seat because the dress it too tight to sit in. As much as it drives my family crazy, I am the girl wearing sky high stilettos to my little brother’s baseball games. That's just me. I'm most comfortable when I feel like I'm wearing a good ensemble. But that doesn't mean I don't have an impressive collection of lounge wear. If you ran into me at the grocery store, I'd probably land on everyone's worst dress list, trust me.


No good outfit is complete without...
A cocktail ring! As a girl who loves to talk with her hands, a major oversized ring is always a fashion must. Whether you have a super expensive Melissa Joy Manning ring or one from Forever 21, no outfit should be deemed complete without a giant cocktail ring.



What designer items are on your fashion wish list? 
Oh this is an easy one! As a fashion blogger it's very easy to build up a sizable wish list because I'm constantly discovering new brands, trends and always finding online purchases to obsess over! Coming in on the top of my wish list is the new Michael by Michael Kors large leopard print Hamilton tote, the Melissa Joy Manning extra large double slice ring and the Boutique 9 dark purple Cesena Wedge Pumps! I'd kill to own all of these pieces. But in all honesty, I'll probably have a fash heart
attack the day I own a Birkin!


What has been your best fashion buy?
I recently bought a Michael by Michael Kors cardigan cape that I'm completely and totally obsessed with. It's stylish while still being seriously comfortable, which is a major perk for me. I travel a lot so pieces that I can wear for comfort while flying and also dress up for dinner with friends are always my most coveted pieces. For me, a good buy isn't a cheap price, it's a versatile item that will stand the test of time... Or at least until my sister takes it for herself!
 

Where would you love to max out your credit card?
As un-posh as this may sound, it would be extremely easy for me to max out a card or two at Macy's. But trust me, I'm not the only one. I've ran into Joanna Garcia, Vanessa Hudgens, Kyle Richards, and Ashley Tisdale while browsing through the racks at Macy's. I love a store that has designer brands, private label brands and amazing deals. My go-to's are Bar III, BCBGenerations, Kensie, INC and Free People. Plus, there's like thirteen Macy's within a twenty mile radius of my home.

Most extravagant fashion purchase? 
A pair of purple satin strappy Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos, which I bought after attending the Vegas boutique’s grand opening party hosted by Giuseppe himself. I had to have them! They were calling my name. Unfortunately now... so are the bill collectors, but trust me... Heels are always worth it.


Three beauty products you can't live without?
 

I can't live without my black Cover Girl crayon eyeliner, which I've 
been using for years. It goes on super easy and always looks perfect. I don't care if I was stranded alone on a desert island, I would still take my eyeliner with me. My fellow blondes will understand. Second would have to be my Chi straightener. It gets my hair flat in seconds which is perfect for those days when I'm running late. And the third beauty item I couldn't live without would definitely have to be bobby pins. They can add a twist or braid to boring hair or fix bumps in your pony tails in seconds. Not to mention they are the sole key to getting the perfect ballerina bun. I never leave the house without a handful of bobby pins in my purse. They're a staple.


Who are your style icons?


Old Hollywood is where I get most of my inspiration. Marilyn Monroe, Edie Sedgwick, Bridget Bardot and Jackie O are massive figures in my style inspiration bubble. As for my present day style icons, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad and Rachel Zoe are constantly impressing and inspiring me with their fabulous looks.
   

Biggest Fashion Do's 
Pile on the jewelry. Every piece should showcase a different side of your personality. Rock lots of sequins and fur for fall and most importantly, don't exit your home without a cocktail ring on your finger.



Biggest Fashion Don'ts 
Don't be afraid to express your personal style. I went to a college that's daily uniform consisted of Nike shorts and UGG boots, but it's important to remember to look further than those around you for your fashion inspiration. It's okay to stand out. No town is too small for city girl style.



Fabulous fashion advice


Too much is never enough. I knew I was going to be gaudy from the day I learned what the word meant. I dream of being that older woman with the super high heels, the fur coat, and layered in tons of bangles and cocktail rings. This is the character in my head I dream of being. She is my fashion dream. Incorporating bits and pieces of that character into my more reserved daily style is what gets me excited to get dressed in the morning. As a girl who grew up in small towns (I've lived in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama) I know what it's like to have bigger style dreams then those around you. That's why I think it's important to build that fabulous character you so desperately want to be and try adding hints of her into your daily style. It'll keep you inspired until the day you decide to whip her out completely. Confidence is key to being and looking the best you possibly can, but perhaps the most important advice I can give would have to be to always remember to dress for yourself... not for anyone else!

*Special thanks to Anna for taking part in this interview. Wishing her all the best with her exciting new accessories line.

Closet Confidential with Aqeelah Harron

This month, I asked Aqeelah Harron to share a few snippets of her personal style. She is a recent BA Media graduate and avid photographer with a love for shoes & all things leather. Aqeelah is also the savvy stylista behind Fashion Breed, where she blogs about her favourite outings & outfits. When it comes to bargain hunting, Aqeelah has mastered the art. I hope that she will give some tips on the best vintage shopping spots the next time I'm in Cape Town.

Describe your personal style 
I think what is signature about my style is that you can't put it in a a category, for example you can't call me a tomboy, or bohemian, old hollywood, a "hipster" or a girly-girl. I'm all of those things, just on different days, depending on my mood. I really spend all my money on shoes...

What is your most treasured item of clothing? 
I once thrifted a genuine leather/suede fully-fringed waistcoat for R30. It has a tattered old label inside it that says "Handmade in Mexico" - it's really special. Then, I once saw my friend with a vintage top knitted entirely with genuine leather that I was obsessed with, and then I thrifted the exact same one in black and red for R5! It was a miracle! Most of my favourite pieces are vintage from my mom/aunts or it's thrifted. Things were just made so much better back in the day.

Who are your style icons? 
Edie Sedgewick, Nicole Richie, Kate Moss and Carrie Bradshaw - everything is so effortless. 

Most extravagant fashion purchase 
Contrary to popular belief I don't shop extravagantly! I just shop a LOT. But when I do splurge it goes to shoes, like leather boots or killer-but-classic heels. 

What is on your fashion wish list? 
A walk in closet. And maybe an Elie Saab/Zuhair Murad wedding dress just to play around in! Ok and more comfy chunky heels. I'm becoming one of those women who wear heels more often than not, just because it's fun. 

What is your signature scent & why? 
I love perfume! I have so many bottles but my true favourites that I alternate between are Eclat D'arpege by Lanvin, and Dior Addict II. I love that they are both fresh, feminine and slightly sweet, and can be worn in the day and at night.

How would you define your city's style? 
Very laid-back. Too laid-back! Generally comfort is key, and I don't think people enjoy dressing up unless it's a special occasion - they always seem to need a good reason! But our people are so diverse, Cape Town is filled with cliques so I can't really give a well-rounded answer for this one. I'd love to see our people taking more pride in their appearance though!

What are the 'must have' items in your closet? 
A classic pair of jeans that fits you really well. As well as basic genuine leather goods in black and brown, like boots, bags and jackets. They give an outfit more texture and automatically makes everything else you're wearing look expensive and chic. 

Where are your favourite shopping hotspots? 
Thrift stores of course! Yes they're filled with a lot of gross, used things but I have had some truly amazing finds; a 100% silk ASOS dress brand new with tags still attached, a lace low-back Betsey Johnson dress, a Blumarine blazer, Versace high waist shorts, a Pierre Cardin leather clutch and much much more. I'm addicted. I love that it is highly unlikely someone else will have the same garment, it's cheap, and the clothing from back in the day will always be of far higher quality than the stuff made today. However I only buy things that are in excellent condition and I wash the garments thoroughly. 

Biggest Fashion Do's 
Spend money on classic pieces.

Biggest Fashion Don'ts 
Unless you are going to have it tailored, don't buy things that don't fit your specific body well. It doesn't matter who it's by or how much it has been marked down. 

Fabulous fashion advice
1. The more terrible you feel, the higher you should wear your heel - if you dress better it will make you feel better.
2. Good style is 7 days a week, not only on weekends or special occasions!


*Special Thanks to Aqeelah for partaking in this interview. Love the advice!

Closet Confidential with Sheri Lee

Sheri Lee is a talented upcoming fashion designer and style blogger. She is currently working on an exciting new commercial line, which will include screen-printed t-shirts, tanks and crop tops. Sheri Lee also has the enviable job of attending South Africa's best fashion events, which she reports on for her blog, Safashiongirl. On today's Closet Confidential, she tells us more about her fun approach to fashion. 

What is the inspiration behind your clothing line?
I've been inspired by the wild aspect of youth; Summer road trips, trashing hotel rooms, getting married in Vegas; just causing trouble and making a mess. 

As a designer, which celebrity would you to dress?
Juliette Lewis. I like her attitude, she seems to have fun with fashion. 

Describe your personal style
Accessory overload and dark meets light, I'm very into contrast. I also like a little 'theme' because I enjoy finding a way to tailor any influence into something subtle enough that's wearable. You can dress 80s for a day, incorporating make up, accessories, sequins, you name it; the fun is figuring out how to translate it into something that is exciting but wearable at the same time. 

Who are your favourite designers and why?
I'm into a lot of different styles, I like designers with a a strong edge whether their aesthetic is fun, classic, dark, avant garde, sexy or glamourous. I adore fashion houses like Viktor & Rolf, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino but I also enjoy whimsical designers like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Jeremy Scott. Locally I like Clive Rundle and I think Joel Jansen van Vuuren is one to watch. 

Best Fashion Trend
Wearing way too many accessories! 

Worst Fashion Trend
Fanny packs are awful but I actually own a blue sequin one because I thought I could magically transform it into being cool. I don't think it's going to happen, haha. 

Who are your style icons?
I love the blogger Hanna Beth Merjos, she has a kind of glitter vs. grunge look going on. I also love Taylor Momsen and Gwen Stefani.

What is on your fashion wish list? 
A tacky tassel tee, House of Holland stockings, a distressed jersey and a bow tie.

What is your most treasured item of clothing? 

I have this really simple little black dress from Betsey Johnson, it has subtle buttons down the front so it lengthens the body and it's so easy to wear. 

Most extravagant fashion purchase 
I bought a classic black Chanel 2.55 bag and I'm so in love with it! 

What are the 'must have' items in your closet and why?
I just love dresses because they're an easy template to build onto and really convenient for fast but put-together dressing. You can have the sweetest dress and make it edgy with boots or you can go all saccharine and put a blouse over it. 

What is your Fashion Philosophy? 
Have fun with fashion and feel beautiful. It's easy to dress safely, it's much more interesting to put something together that might not make sense at first. It's sort of like a challenge and that's where you get the best results from. Rather take risks and look silly sometimes than always look appropriate because it's exciting to put together. Getting ready is half the fun sometimes! 

*Special Thanks to Sheri Lee for participating in this interview. 
Wishing her all the best with her new line, can't wait to see it in stores.

Closet Confidential with Jasna

Jasna Zellerhoff is a personal style blogger, stylist, columnist for Style Scoop & Feston, as well as an all-round fashionista. On this edition of Closet Confidential, she tells us more about her eclectic sense of style, closet staples and love of accessories. Her blog Fashionjazz is an inspiring photographic journey of her continually evolving style.

How would define your personal style? 
My personal style changes very often, but I do find I lean towards the rock chic style with a touch of quirkyness and vintage in most of my outfits. 
I love wearing items that most people wont wear or wear them in a way that is different to everyone else and of course I love to layer my clothes.

What has been your best fashion buy? 
My best fashion buy is actually 2 garments, I can't really choose, so my faux leather and faux fur coats are by far my best buys!

Most extravagant fashion purchase 
My Guess Handbag, I bought it a few years ago and at the time it cost a small fortune, but after 5 years it still looks brand new.

What are your favourite accessories? 
I am an accessories queen, so I love all types especially rings, bangles, hats etc.

What are your favourite fashion reads? 
I love magazines and books, in fact I have so many favourites that its really hard to choose, but if I had to choose I would say the UK ELLE, NYLON, Jalouse, and the 'Style Yourself' fashion book.

Best Fashion Trend 
70's flare jeans

Worst Fashion Trend 
I dont really have a worst trend as I am open to a lot of new trends and I love trying new styles.

What designer item/s are on your fashion wish list? 
I used to be a real designer girl but as I have gotten older and my style has evolved I tend to lean towards vintage and one of a kind items. 
One designer item I would still really love even though every blogger has one is the YSL ring, its gorgeous! 

Who are your style icons? 
Nicole Richie, Chloe Sevigny, the Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, Zoe Kravitz 

If you had just 2 minutes to put together the perfect outfit - what would it be? I would pick jeans whether it be skinnies or flares, then I would add a shirt half tucked in with a belt, add wedges or boots and then pile on necklaces, bangles and rings. 

Would you chose fashion over comfort or comfort over fashion? 
I think it would depend on the item or garment whether I would choose comfort over fashion, but more often than not I go with the saying "beauty knows no pain" so probably fashion over comfort... :) 

What are the 'must have' items in your closet? 
Leather jackets, faux fur coats, jeans, dresses, jewelry, hats, headbands and really high heels! I live in my heels :)

Fabulous fashion advice
Experiment as much as you can so you know what styles suit you and what styles don't, then stick with what looks good on you and most importantly makes you feel good. 
If you feel your outfit needs something extra, then just pile on the accessories, it will completely change the look in a good way.


*Special thanks to Jasna for sharing her style secrets.

Closet Confidential with Anthea

On this edition of Closet Confidential, I got to fashionize with Cape Town based blogger Anthea, who has a passion for leather, comfortable clothing and vintage dresses. Anthea has an inspiring sense of style, which she shares on her blog, Embracing Style. 
These are some of her fashion favourites and style secrets.

Describe your personal style 
It is most of all comfy with a mix of girly, granny, classic and quirky. I alternate between these styles depending on my mood. 

What has been your best fashion buy? 
The Aldo combat boots I had my friend bring me from USA. I wear it so much that it has to be my best buy.

Most extravagant fashion purchase 
I am going to purchase it as soon as I can find it! I am looking for the perfect pair of leather boots. All of my purchases to date have been quite affordable.

What are your favourite accessories?
It has to be leather bags. Can you tell by now that I am a fan of leather? I think a leather bag can make a girl feel special. It lasts long as well and it does not chip or fray!

What is your idea of a no-fail outfit? 
Something that you are 100% comfortable in. If you feel great in your outfit then how can you go wrong?

Where would you like to shop til you drop? 
Country Road. Seeing that I love leather so much it makes sense since their bags and boots are gorgeous. There items seem like the kind of items that you can keep for a long time because of the quality. They also have amazing classic styles.

Best Fashion Trend 
That's a hard one! At the moment it has to be the granny chic trend. It really appeals to me, probably because it's comfy and you can incorporate vintage items. I do love vintage!

Worst Fashion Trend 
There have been so many but I think the worst was skants.You know, the skirt and pants in one. They became popular sometime during my teenage years. Skirt or pants, choose one!

Who are your style icons? 
I admire the styles of so many ladies even fictional ones. I love how cute and girly Peggy from Mad Men dresses. I think Olivia Palermo looks perfect all the time! Bloggers Anne-Catherine Frey and Louise Ebel have amazing style as well. 

What is on your fashion wish list? 
I long for a pair of Swedish Hasbeens with all my heart and soul! I will even settle for look-alikes. I also want a pair of leather boots possibly Chelsea Boots, a leather biker's jacket, a pair of dark blue flare jeans and a cape. I am always on the lookout.

What are the 'must have' items in your closet and why? 
For me personally, an array of dresses is a must have. I am definitely a dress person. I wear them casually or formally in Summer or Winter. They are comfy and they make you feel pretty. Everyone needs a pair of jeans that fits them perfectly simply because it is so versatile. You can dress it up or down and always rely on it if you don't know what to wear.

Fabulous fashion advice
Be comfortable in whatever you wear. I honestly think dressing is about making yourself happy and not others. So, you don't always need to follow trends. Stick to what you love.


*Special thanks to Anthea for participating in this interview.

Closet Confidential with Emily and Liza

Closet Confidential
featuring Emily Pettit-Coetzee & Liza West

Emily and Liza are the dynamic duo behind the stylish site, iheartyouroutfit. With years of experience in the fashion and magazine industry, I knew they would be a great pair to fashionize with. They share their style sentiments, closet essentials and love of vintage clothes and bags.

Describe your personal style
Emily: I've always had a touch of bohemian about my personal style. Although I often wish it was more pronounced. If I had my way, I'd be dressed in head-to-toe vintage everyday, but I feel there are only a few people who can pull this off well!
Liza: I like to think I have a classic style, but it's always evolving. I have a lot of vintage dresses, but I go through phases when I wear them a lot, then not at all. I'm happiest in skinnies, flats and a chic top.

What has been your best fashion buy?
Emily: Right now, I'd say my black boyfriend blazer, which I bought from Topshop. Throw it over anything and you're sorted!
Liza: I have a few, I can't choose just one. definitely my black Seven for All Mankind skinnies, my Trenery wedges and an emerald green vintage blazer I found for R50 (even though my brothers say it looks like I'm wearing a Springbok's blazer, I don't care).

Most extravagant fashion purchase?
Emily: I tend to hunt for bargains rather than spend enormous amounts, however when Liza and I first started our little business, we went to a vintage sale and decided to spoil ourselves with one fantastic purchase each. I got a gorgeous pair of chocolate and purple Marc Jacobs heels. They're an entirely unpractical combination of colours, but I love them dearly.
Liza: At this same sale, I bought myself a purple silk DKNY skirt (with pockets) - it is beautiful.

What is your one-stop fashion shop?
Emily: It's so hard to name one store which has everything. I always take a turn by Journey in Long Street and The Space is also a fave.
Liza: I never go wrong in Woolworths for basics, plus they have Country Road and Trenery! And I always stop by Mr Price for bargains.

What is on your fashion wish list?
Emily: A vintage Chanel chain bag. It's always been my dream to walk into some dusty. forgotten second-hand shop and find one for a hundred bucks or something. Dream on!
Liza: So many things. I dream of the vintage Chanel chain bag, and hope that I don't come across it when vintage trawling with Emily. It'll be a fight to the end all fights! A Mulberry Alexa bag, a Burberry trench, Marc Jacobs pumps with the round toe and low heel.

Who are your style icons?
Emily: Kate Moss and Sienna Miller I would say. A bit of a cliche I know, but I've never seen either of them in a look I wouldn't kill for.
Liza: Alexa Chung, Blake Lively and Alix from thecherryblossomgirl.com

All time Best Trend
Emily: Right now, I'd say the high-waisted flare. I'm obsessed with 70's style.
Liza: I'm loving the khaki trench. I have a gorgeous bell-sleeved trench, but I've got my eye on a long-sleeved one for winter.

All time Worst Trend
Emily: Through our friendship, Liza and I have embodied a few. Our bermuda shorts are probably one...
Liza: Definitely has to be those turquoise and purple baseball jackets we both wore when we were about 13. But worst fashion trend is harem pants.

What is your idea of a perfect outfit for a night out on the town?
Emily: Black skinnies and a distressed necked-tee with my leather jacket. The venue dictates the shoes, heels on special occasions, but it's Cape Town, so generally it's brogues or leather sandals.
Liza: I like a little black dress worn with heels or flats (depending on where we're going).

What are the 'must-have' items in your closet?

Emily: Brogues, I have three pairs at the moment, which go with everything, but I'm always on the lookout for more. My black skinnies, and (at the moment, because I'm 6-months pregnant), Liza's Topshop maternity leggings. I'd be lost without them...

Liza: For this coming winter, I'm hoping to invest in more beautiful high-waisted tailored trousers, chic button-up shirts and a cape.

Fabulous Fashion Advice

Emily: Money can't buy you style.

Liza: Ditto

*Special thanks to Emily and Liza for partaking in this interview. Visit their relaunched website, www.iheartyouroutfit.com

Closet Confidential with Being Brazen

Closet Confidential
with Being Brazen

This week, I got to fashionize with the charming Cape-Town based blogger behind Being Brazen. She shares her style secrets, fashion must haves and gives us some trendy advice.

Describe your personal style 
I would say that I have a more classic style, but I also love very feminine, boho and vintage. 
I think I try to mix those things with my classic style sometimes.

Favourite piece of clothing in your closet
My favourite thing in my closet...thats hard...I think right now I would have to say a Marion & Lindie floral silk dress and a strapless black "prom" style dress from YDE.

Most extravagant fashion purchase
I'm actually quite good at not spending a ridiculous amount of money on clothes (cause I currently have to be), so my most extravagant purchase is probably the silk Marion & Lindie dress and jewellery pieces.

Best Trend
I love that fashion seems to be going back to more lady-like lengths and more lacey, floaty fabrics for dresses.

Worst Trend
Harem pants are terrible. I just can't wear them.

Who are your Style Icons?

Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester's character in Gossip Girl). I also really love Vanessa Paradis' very classic style and Drew Barrymore has made some fabulous fashion choices in recent years. Also Alexa Chung and Clemence Poesy.

Favourite places to shop
When I'm in a rush, I always tend to find nice dresses at YDE for reasonable prices. I like Australian brands: Forever New, Country Road and Trenery alot. I also really like local designers Marion & Lindie and Jo Borkett.

One store that you love so much, they should make you a brand ambassador

Woolworths is probably my favourite store - I like the clothing basics, they stock a lot of great brands and their food is fab. I wouldn't mind being an ambassador for them ;)

What is on your Fashion Wish List?

So much, but always a Chanel 2.55 black bag - I must have one one day.

What are your Closet Must Haves?

1. Well fitting dark blue jeans. I just can't imagine not having any.

2. A gorgeous little black dress. They really are the most versatile item in my closet.

3. A tailored pair of black, smart trousers

4. A nice, classic black leather bag

5. Black leather sandals. I can't deal with heels most days.

6. Classic black leather boots with a slight heel - they never go out of style.

7. Tank tops. You can dress them up or down.

Style Advice

*Well, first off I think woman should dress for their body type and avoid fashion trends that dont suit them.

*Be confident in what you are wearing - the most beautiful thing in the world to me is confidence, it can make most outfits a hundred times better. 

*Be more modest - modesty can be far more sexy than leaving nothing to the imagination. 

(For example: If you show a lot of leg, cover your top and if you have your cleavage out, cover your legs more)
And lastly...

*Buy quality rather than quantity - I think its better to have a few gorgeous pieces in your closet that a room full of so-so things.

Fabulous Fashion Quote
"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." Coco Chanel

Special Thanks to Being Brazen for participating in this interview.