1 Burberry Dress, 2 Magazine Covers

Reese Witherspoon and Deepika Padukone

wearing Burberry Prorsum

Reese Witherspoon covers three international Glamour magazines this April - Greece, Romania and South Africa. For all 3 covers, she wore a vivid peach coloured dress with layers of uneven folds and black leather straps. The unique dress is by Burberry Prorsum, from their Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011 Collection. Model and actress Deepika Padukone wore the rosy pink version of the dress on the March 2011 cover of Vogue India. The dress was originally shown on the runway by model Charlotte Wiggins. Who wore it best?

A Forever New Winter

Forever New
Autumn/Winter Collection 2011

Australian brand Forever New has firmly established a huge fashion following in South Africa. Since the launch at the end of 2009, the franchise has successfully expanded, with 11 stores countrywide. 

It is Forever New's romantic and youthful design aesthetic that captivates shoppers everywhere. Their Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection follows that same aesthetic, with pretty peaches and cream colours, divine dresses and warm winter essentials.

The 2011 collection has been inspired by the Oscar-winning movie, Black Swan and thearical ballet such as the Tchaikovsky classic, Swan Lake. The 'Enchanted Princess' range glamorizes winter basics with delicate lace, faux fur, scalloped hemlines and a mix of light and heavier fabrics.

The casual line of the collection, entitled 'Bohemian Rhapsody' features maxi skirts, chunky knits, lace shift dresses, faux fur gilets and 3/4 pea coats. Outfits were paired with different styles of hats, gloves, boots and neutral coloured handbags.

Wispy prom-style dresses in creamy whites and soft pinks drifted delicately across the runway. The cropped faux fur jacket is an ideal cover-up for chilly evenings. Peep-toe heels, pearls and clutch bags underlined the feminine look.

Most of the pieces can be worn as separates. The nude lace dress is teamed with a simple black belted coat. The metallic silver playsuit can be toned down with a woollen wrap or dressed up with printed stockings. The sheer pleated black maxi skirt is worn with an embellished white top and ballet flats. The grey jacket can be worn over dresses, tailored pants and skirts. The full black ensemble works well as both casual and formal wear.

Modern vintage meets glamour girl in the enchanting Forever New winter range.

Tuesday Thrills - Wall Tattoos

Wall Art
by Fantastick

Searching for the perfect painting for your bedroom or living room can be a time-consuming and expensive undertaking. I may have just found you a solution - Wall Art by Fantastick. DIY decor has never been more stylish or simpler. The latest trend in home decor, these inventive vinyl stickers are waterproof, easy to put up and easier to take down. 

The self-adhesive stickers can be applied to any smooth, clean surface and doesn't leave any residue. All you have to do is peel the sticker off the backing sheet and place it on to your selected wall surface. It's safe to use on enamel and acrylic paint. The tattoos last for 3-5 years, but with so many to choose from, and with such affordability, you will be tempted to change your wall art long before that.

This product is made in South Africa by Fantastick, and was featured on Top Billing. Fantastick also gives you the option of customizing your own design, in line with your unique decorative vision. Once you've put up the tattoo, you can share your design inspiration by uploading the photographs onto their website.

1. Damask Pure Opulence looks great on kitchen cabinets. You can even stick it on your fridge or any glass surface. It comes in black, white, charcoal and silver. Price: R345

2. The Damask horizontal print is available in white, charcoal, black and grey. It adds an elegant touch to living room and office spaces. Price: R345

3. Traditional Floral in silver, black or gold transforms a plain dining room or bedroom wall. Price: R295

4. The Johannesburg Skyline is a modern design for your bedroom or lounge. There's also a Pretoria Skyline print. Price: R750

5. Daisy Garden is described as 'modern nature'. You can add as many or as few of this decal as you would like, according to the size of your living space. There are 4 colours to choose from. Price: R295

6. Oriental Tree adds eastern flair to your room in a floral design. Available in red, black, white and silver. Price: R295

7. Butterfly Tree cheers up a child's room in green and pink. Price: R295

8. Deco Hearts can be mixed and matched in a variety of bright colours for a teen's bedroom. Price: R345

9. A Wall Poetry Quote will be an interesting focal point for your wall. There are different sayings and font types available. Price: R345


To purchase these fab and funky tattoos, visit fantastick.co.za. You can also buy vouchers on the site - it's a creative gift for any house-warming, baby shower or wedding. Delivery around South Africa will take 3-5 days and is absolutely free. Have fun sticking!

Red Carpet Fashion - Bright Evening Gowns

Red Carpet Fashion
'Sucker Punch' Movie Premiere

The new action-fantasy movie Sucker Punch premiered this week in Hollywood. These three eye-catching dresses wowed the crowds with their vibrant and fun colours.  

Malin Akerman wears a simple yet striking red silk dress by Holmes & Yang. Actress Jamie Chung wears a draped dandelion yellow gown by Giambattista Valli. The gray chiffon panel seems misplaced. Her heels are by Ruthie Davis. Australian actress Abbie Cornish wears an elegantly draped v-neck gown in royal blue by Amanda Wakeley. Which was the best colour on the premiere carpet?

Celeb Style - Nautical Stripes

This Week's Trend
Black and White Nautical Stripes

Wearing horizontal stripes can be intimidating. There's always the fear that it will make you look 'wider' than you actually are. If worn in a flattering fabric, accompanied by the right attire, stripes can look very stylish. There are so many ways to wear this nautical print - t-shirts, blouses, mid-length dresses, jackets and shorts. On a negative point, a fully striped dress could end up looking like designer prison wear. Striped leggings can come off as sleepwear and will draw attention to your thighs & calves.

If you're not sure how to wear them, view the style file below for ideas.

Famke Janssen wears a short striped top with black blazer, dark bootleg jeans and a red scarf. She carries a Balenciaga 'Twiggy' bag.

Taylor Swift wears her striped t-shirt with skinny jeans and a black boyfriend blazer. She paired the look with a navy knitted hat and Ralph Lauren crossbody bag. Not crazy about the dark purple brogues.

Jessica Alba wears a floaty striped 'Delia' dress by Elizabeth and James with a black blazer and tights. Her lace and leather bag is by Dolce & Gabbana and her tie-up boots are by All Saints.

Selena Gomez chose a tunic with thicker stripes, which she wore over black tights with slouchy suede boots. She added a pop of colour with a red wraparound scarf.

Nicky Hilton looks like she's stepped off a yacht in stripey Madewell 'Set Sail' shorts, a black tank top and Panama hat. She wears it with a red Chanel bag and espadrilles by Christian Louboutin.

Friday Frills

Red Carpet Trend - Blush Tone Dresses

Red Carpet Fashion

Blush Tone Dresses

Below are some blush tone dresses worn on the red carpet this past week. Each of them have completely different designs, in a graduation of pretty blush tones.

Olivia Palermo wears a long-sleeved maxi dress by Mango, in a subtle nude shade. She accessorized the 'Frankly' dress with a tan belt. 

Bryce Dallas Howard attended the premiere of 'Ceremony' wearing a soft pink tea-length dress by Reem Acra, which is adorned with gold embroidery. She wore similar toned satin pumps by Brian Atwood - I would have liked to see it with strappy sandals. 

The beautiful Cheryl Cole wears a peachy silk dress by Sass & Bide, with embroidered detailing at the waist and shoulders. She paired the dress with Nicholas Kirkwood heels and a Diane von Furstenberg clutch.

Wild Fig - Autumn/Winter 2011

Wild Fig
Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

South African fashion label Wild Fig expressed simple femininity in their Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection. Beautiful fabrics combine with ladylike designs and soft colours to create a sophisticated and refined range of clothing. 

50's style dresses were accentuated with pretty bows at the waist. The style of dresses are girly, however the fabrics in contrast are not. So you can wear them even if you're not a fan of the ultra-feminine trend. The gray knitted dresses would be a great addition to your winter wardrobe; either worn on their own or over tights. 

Tasteful fabrics, frills, lace and matt satins added character to the beautifully designed outfits. Sheer printed stockings and floral fascinators complemented the feminine theme. The Wild Fig 2011 collection is an unpretentious range of clothes, providing relaxed glamour without the unnecessary ostentation. 

This stunning range is available at Salvation in Menlyn and Rosebank, Johannesburg. Selected pieces will also be available at French Kisses in Knysna, Ques in Bloemfontein and Dell'cious Clothing in Bryanston.

Wakkerstroom Arts Festival 2011

Wakkerstroom is the Jewel of Mpumalanga, known for it's calm countryside fare. This tiny town, which is 3 hours from Johannesburg, is a world renowned bird watching destination, retirement village and a peaceful place that city folk visit to get away from it all. This long weekend bird watchers, music lovers and art enthusiasts from all over the country flocked to this little dorp to attend the Wakkerstroom Arts Festival. I was lured there by an advertisement I had seen in a magazine. I arrived on Saturday and was surprised to see that this (usually) sleepy town had magically sprung to life. The streets and restaurants were crowded with local and international tourists, jazz filled the air and amazing artworks were on display everywhere.

Beautiful pictures, antique furniture and luxurious home decor can be found at House of Baxburg, which used to be the old bank. The Health Shop stocks all natural beauty products and organic ingredients. A fountain outside the Bistro, where food and art combined to occupy the afternoon. At Bits 'n Pieces, you will find historic home ware, antique tea sets, old books and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

Mooi is a treasure chest of vintage finds as well as modern home decor pieces. The Birdsong offers whimsical clothes, bags and beadwork.

The Arts Festival took place over three days at various venues. The entire town was abuzz with activity, each event taking place at a different time and specified venue. There were arts and crafts exhibitions, showcasing the remarkable talent of local artists. The Glass Art Studio of Wakkerstroom had a stall selling their decorative handmade glassware. They also offer classes on the subject. The Mucky Duck screened classic movies at their quaint tavern. The Wetlands Country House was the venue for 'Jazz in the Garden' concerts each afternoon. Guests were entertained by internationally and nationally renowned musicians such as the Pam Mortimer Jazz Trio, Gaabho Motho Tenors, Bena Opera Quartet, The Northern KZN Youth Choir, harpists, pianists, violinists and many more. 

Purchase stunning crystal chandeliers & other ornamentation at Country Home. Wakkerstroom is the second oldest town in the (old) Transvaal, and the church building (pictured above) in the town square is a historical monument. The Brie Street Deli is a charming coffee shop where you will also find a wide range of cheeses, chocolate, home-made preserves and spices from around the world. Local artists showcased their spectacular paintings (bottom right).

Festival Round-up:

Best place to shop...Mooi for their delightful vintage trinkets.
Best place to eat out...Wakkerstroom Country Inn for the delicious freshly baked scones with strawberry jam, whipped cream and seasonal berries. Yum.
Biggest Mistake...Not pre-booking for the concerts. They were all sold out by the time we got there.
Best experience...The lively atmosphere on the main street, where dozens of tourists of all ages from all over South Africa enjoyed a serene afternoon in this small town. 
Verdict...I had a wonderful time at the festival. Wakkerstroom is an enchanting and placid place, filled with friendly people, beautiful boutiques, lovely restaurants, B&B's and old-fashioned charm. It will leave you with a feeling of tranquility. I will definitely be returning very soon.

Tuesday Thrills - Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps

Pigalle Pumps

by Christian Louboutin

If you're going to invest in a pair of designer heels, the Pigalle 120 Pumps by Christian Louboutin is a good way to start. The classic low-cut pointed-toe design with 120mm stiletto heel is most popular in black and nude patent leather. The simple silhouette is constantly being reinvented, most recently in eye-catching colours, interesting fabrics, metallics, studs and sparkly spiked heels. They can be paired with just about anything; a casual pair of jeans, work suit or a cocktail dress. 

"The design that encapsulates my career is the Pigalle, a low-cut, high-heeled pump. It's so subtle in that it adds something sexy to the body, but you don't immediately realise that it's the shoe that's making the difference." Christian Louboutin

 German model Heidi Klum wears teal coloured Pigalle pumps with a cropped pair of jeans and red blouse. Spanish Model Clara Alonso wears them in basic black with a Christian Dior LBD. Actress Katie Cassidy matches her belt and clutch to her plum pumps. Sarah Jessica Parker wears the gold glittery version of the Pigalle. Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman wears a metallic gold pair of Louboutin's with a printed bustier dress.

Unlike celebs, most of us sadly can't strut our stuff in a pair of Louboutin's. However you can start a 'Pigalle Pump Savings Fund'. You will need to collect $457.49 (about R3 182) to buy the plain black patent pair on Net-A-Porter. Anything fancier and the price goes up. 

Blake Lively For Chanel Handbags

Chanel Mademoiselle Handbag Collection 2011
Featuring Blake Lively

Blake Lively has come a long way since we first saw her in The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants. In the movie she played a soccer playing, tank-top wearing tomboy. A far cry from the stylish Serena van der Woodsen we all know on Gossip Girl. These days, Blake is not only a style icon, but also the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle Handbag Campaign for 2011. 

This upper-east side mademoiselle is the latest muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, who created the line with her in mind. The mood of the photo shoot is dusky and minimalistic, so that optimal focus is placed on the bags. The collection sees a modern take on the classic Chanel bag. 

This quilted wonder is a timeless and high-end accessory, perfectly suited for both casual and formal attire. All the bags in the range have a rounded trapeze shape and are available in red, deep blue, gray, black and white. The glossy red one has my name on it :)

Celeb Style - Tan and Leopard Print

This Week's Trends
Tan & Leopard Print

This week's style inspiration sees how leopard print and the colour tan can be worn. Tan is a wintry shade that's accessible and suits any skin tone - as shown below. It can be worn with black, white or denim. Or wear it with prints from a similar circle of colours. 

I love leopard print - as long as it's worn appropriately. Too much and it starts to look tacky. If you're not keen on the leopard print clothing trend, add small aspects of it with shoes, bags, belts or scarves.

Brittany Snow wears a tiered leopard print top with black skinny jeans and heels.

Emma Roberts wears a classic cropped suede cardigan in tan by Chanel Resort. She paired it with a white tee, black skinnies and Christian Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Zoe Saldana is stylish in a tan draped-front leather jacket and 'Stephanie' bag by Diane von Furstenburg. Her 'Angelique' jeans are by Decades Denim and leopard print pumps by Brian Atwood.

Kim Kardashian teams her tan top with a sleek black blazer with tasselled shoulders. She carries a black Chanel 2.55 flap bag and wears the very popular Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Jaime King and Nicky Hilton wore the exact same dress to the UK Style launch party. They didn't seem to mind matching and posed for photos together. The fully sequined animal print mini is by French Connection. Nicky wore it with a black belt and patent black 'Pigalle' heels by Christian Louboutin. Jaime wore it with Yves Saint Laurent shoes. I won't ask "Who wore it better?" because I find this dress too shiny and kitsch.

Cover Girl - Nina Dobrev

Nina Dobrev
Teen Vogue April 2011

You may recognize the gorgeous Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert from (my favourite) TV show, The Vampire Diaries. She charmingly covers Teen Vogue's April 2011 issue, wearing a pink dress by Dior with natural make-up. The 22 year old Bulgarian-Canadian actress plays both good girl Elena and evil vampiress Katherine in the series. 

This sprightly and playful photo shoot shows the starlet in colourful, feminine dresses. A much welcomed look from her on-screen wardrobe, where we only see her wearing jeans, leather jackets and plain t-shirts in morbid shades of black, red and navy. In the magazine, Nina hails in the US Spring wearing a red ruffle dress, a neon yellow mini, lime-green heels and a pink lace dress. Verdict: Very pretty. Love the bubbles!

Pet Names

People have different ideas and preferences when picking out a name for their pet. There are so many special and distinctive names out there, that it's difficult to decide on just one. So how do pet owners go about it?

Most commonly, names that are chosen reflect the appearance or colour of the animal. Like Fuzzy, Flopsy, Smudge, Fudge or Snowflake. Gender-specific names are popular too, like Coco Chanel for a girl and Louis Vuitton for a boy. Names are also based on a pet's personality: Sassy if it's cheeky, Bashful if it's shy or Scamp if it's mischievous. Others associate sweet confectionery with their pets, like Oreo, Biscuit and Cupcake. Sometimes, a pet name can go beyond just the physical aspect or cuteness factor. It can stem from something, well, slightly different. That's how I found a name for my pet.

I got my cat when it was about 5 months old. It had sadly been abandoned by it's previous owners. I immediately took to this lovable & adorable feline with fluffy white fur & ginger points. Being the first time I had a real pet (goldfish don't count), I had no idea what to call it. Fluffy was too common, Gingersnap reminded me of a Spice Girl. I considered giving it a name according to it's gender. As I am completely ignorant (and unwilling) to find this out myself; I called upon a close and self-proclaimed animal lover, who was also an Anatomy major at university. He professed that my new cat was a girl. I looked up all sorts of girly names for her. Tinker, Mitzy, Trixie, Buttercup, Minx - I just couldn't decide. 

I then got some inspiration from an event I was planning at work. It was an Egyptian themed Women's Day function, to which my bff and I dressed up as Cleopatra. That's when I thought, hmmm, Cleopatra - Cleo for short, that's a pretty name. And my cat has this curious way of always sitting like a little Sphinx. Perfect, I will name her Cleo. Everyone I know gushed and 'awww-ed' when I introduce them to her.

Two weeks after Cleopatra moved in, she got really sick, and for the first and panicked time, I had to locate a vet in Small Town, SA. I found out that there is only one vet in our town, and it was lucky that I got an appointment. Cleo had a thorough check up and a few vaccines (I couldn't bear to watch). With eyes closed in the consultation room, I asked the vet, "Is she going to be okay? I just got her." He courteously and unflinchingly replied, "No need to worry, he is going to be just fine." He? Cleopatra is a boy?! I can't tell you how embarrassed I was. Poor Cleo, no wonder he got sick, it's from the gender-identity crisis I had caused him.

By then, everyone was already used to calling her him Cleo and so the name kinda stuck. It could have been a lot worse. Imagine if I had named him Lulubelle or something frillier. Although pet names are a personal choice, it should at least indicate whether it's a boy or girl. And don't rely on so-called animal lovers to figure this out, always ask the vet, that's why they studied for 6 years.

I wanted to post a picture of Cleo, however, he refused to put his paw print on the photo release forms. He is just mortified since this whole incident. So I had to get a body double to pose in his place. The cutie below looks slightly similar to Cleo and it seems that they have the same pastime.

Tuesday Thrills - Victoria Beckham Eyewear

Sunglasses Spring/Summer 2011
by Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham has had a far more successful career as a fashion designer than a solo artist. Besides for just denim, dresses and handbags, she has now extended her design expertise to sunglasses. Her Spring/Summer 2011 collection features a chic and diverse range of sunglasses. 

All pairs are hand-made and have a classic, yet modern appeal. There are styles to suit all tastes and face shapes, from aviators and wayfarers to square and retro designs. Aside from basic black, earthy colour has been added to the range in moss green, gray and taupe. 

1. Perfect Square Smoke - A transparent gray crystal frame with graduated brown lens.
2. 18 Carat Gold Classic Aviator - Limited edition gold-metal framed aviator with a layered 18 carat gold lens.
3. Modern Cat Black - A classic black cat-eye frame with solid black lens. Very Audrey Hepburn.
4. Silver Visor - Silver wrapped frame with graduated brown visor lens.

5. Modern Cat - A light gray lamé cat-eye frame with mirrored gray lens.
6. Classic Aviator Midnight - Simple metal frame with tonal purple mirrored lens. Very hip.
7. Silver Wayfarer - A white and silver acetate frame with dark solid lens.
8. Large 'V' Taupe - A taupe coloured oversized frame with graduated lens and signature 'v' shaped brow.

These sunnies are stylish and provide 100% UV protection. I like 3 for a timeless look, 2 for some shine and 6 to jazz things up. The sunglasses sell from R2 440 to R5 500 on Polyvore. 

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.

3 Covers, 1 Dress

Vogue Magazine
Dolce & Gabbana dress

Either someone at Vogue hasn't done their homework or this is just one popular dress. It features on three different covers of Vogue Magazine, two in the same month. The sheer white broderie Anglaise dress is by Dolce & Gabbana - from their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. 

For the April issue of Vogue Paris, the dress is worn by Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen (top left). American model Britt Maren wears it on the cover of Vogue Germany, also for April 2011 (pictured bottom left). The trend started with Vogue España in February, with French model Constance Jablonski on the cover (bottom right). I bet this dress will be in high demand after the triple cover feature from the world's fashion bible. 

Clever planning or innocent mistake? 

This Week's Trend - Black Dresses

Red Carpet Fashion
Black Dresses


Black dresses were scattered all over celebville this week. 
These are some of the most notable looks.

Mila Kunis attended the Miu Miu Fall 2011 show in Paris. She wore a Miu Miu Radzmire silk dress with silver embroidery on the bodice. Mia Wasikowska wore a textured black dress by Elie Saab to the premiere of her new movie, 'Jane Eyre'. I love the floor-length sleek satin 'Astaire' gown worn by Camila Alves. The asymmetrical dress with pleated hip detail is by Australian design duo Camilla and Marc. Abbie Cornish attended the premiere of her new movie 'Limitless' in a black crushed ramie-blend dress by Lanvin. At the premiere of her new movie 'Battle:LA', Michelle Rodriguez wore a Basil Soda Autumn/Winter 2011 gown. I'd prefer it without the puffy sleeve and weird necklace.