Friday Frills

"A keen sense of humour helps us 

overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, 

tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected 

and outlast the unbearable."

Billy Graham

As Quaint As Clarens

If you look up the word 'quaint' in the South African pictorial dictionary, you will find a photograph of Clarens. Okay...so maybe that's just a literary myth, but there isn't a better way to describe this enchanting little town, which is set against the glorious Maluti Mountains. I recently visited the 'Jewel of the Free State', which cast a spell on me with it's majestic charm and tranquil ambience. Once I got there, I never wanted to leave. 

This is the view of the town from our porch at Rosewood Cottage, where we spent the weekend. I now know what it feels like to breathe in crisp, fresh mountain air and have your breath taken away by the spectacular scenery at the same time. This area of South Africa is renowned for its beautiful sandstone structures. The sandstone is found in the adjacent Golden Gate National Park.

Clarens is a place where artists come to inspire, and be inspired. Many artists chose to settle down in this serene sanctuary permanently. The streets are lined with art galleries, displaying unique paintings and sculptures, one more extraordinary than the next. An 'artsier' place, I have not yet been to. Besides paintings, one can purchase exotic artifacts and curios, as well as handcrafted wooden furniture and metal artwork, all made in and around Africa.

The thing that makes Clarens as quaint and old-world as it is, is the absence of franchises. There are no chain stores or popular fast food branches. Not one. Every store and restaurant is individually owned and designed to blend into the chocolate-box surroundings, retaining the antique character of the town. The numerous deli's sell homemade delights with a difference. Pictured top left are miniature melt-in-your-mouth créme brûlée chocolates, which I regret not buying more of. Bottom left, are glass-jar condiments with adorable names like 'You are Berry Licious' jam, 'You are Peri Hot' sauce and 'Sweet as Nectar' honey. I lost myself in a sweetly scented store selling all-natural beauty products. That's the testing station pictured top right, you can imagine how many indulgent hours could be spent there.

Above are photos of the Garment Gallery, which is one gallery that must not be missed when visiting Clarens. An endearing boutique inspired by the timeless beauty of Mona Lisa, the Garment Gallery seeks to gratify the trendy shopper with vintage glamour. They stock one-of-a-kind and well-tended vintage clothes and evening gowns, as well as new, more modern pieces. Antique strollers store a myriad of lace and crochet scarves, and they house a historic hat collection that Jackie O would be proud of. I am still infatuated by the embroidered pink and white tulle ruffle dress from the 50's (pictured bottom middle). 

Visiting Clarens was like stepping into another world for two days. A place lost in time, where prettiness and creativity flows freely and abundantly. I have discovered that there are two types of people you will find in Clarens: the soulful artists who come here to nurture their ingenious talents; and then there's the rest of us, who come to bask in all of it's rustic beauty.

*All photos taken by me.

Hair-volution : Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba may be widely known for her remarkable fashion sense, but it's her ever-changing hairstyles that don't get enough credit. She is never afraid to experiment with different cuts and colours; and incredibly, everything that she tries, suits her. Her beautiful skin tone compliments any new hue, and her angular face shape allows her to carry off any style. Jessica's had just about every type of cut, tint and length, which makes her perfect for hairstyle inspiration.

After 2 years of growing my hair out, I've decided to take the plunge and cut it off. Sometimes a new hairstyle is the best makeover, it can make you feel and look like a whole new person. I've already made the appointment, I just need to muster up the courage to get myself in the chair. In my quest for a new summer hairstyle, I've gathered the best of Jessica's cuts and colours over the years to help me make a decision.

Short to Medium Length

1. An angled bob in dark brown with coppery highlights. It's cut slightly longer in the front and has a heavy, blunt fringe.

2. A classic straight bob in a shimmery cinnamon shade, cut just below the jawline. It looks easy to accomplish, but I'm sure there is a lot of ironing involved to get it looking this sleek.

3. Jessica went blonde with her much shorter, pin-straight bob. It's cut just above the jawline, with jagged edges. I am not brave enough to go this length.

4. Her blonde locks are styled into windswept waves, thanks to a round brush and good hairdryer. This style perfectly shows off her stunning bone structure.

5. A mid-length, tousled look in ombré chocolate-to-chestnut brown. Slight layering through the ends enhance her loose waves.

6. A shoulder-length hairstyle thats feathered in the front. She added a multitude of bronze and brown highlights.

Long Length

1. Jessica wears her sultry long brown tresses to the side. This is the length my hair is at the moment. So you can imagine how hard it would be to cut it off.

2. This was when Jessica went platinum blonde for her role in Fantastic 4. Her bouncy cut with asymmetrical fringe includes lots of layers, which probably means lots of work.

3. This is one of Jessica's most-loved and copied styles. Her glossy locks have been slightly layered from the mid-lengths to create soft waves with volume and movement. Honey highlights makes her hair look that more radiant.

4. Simple, smooth and straight. With a few layers around the jawline and caramel highlights. It would be the easiest to style and wear.

5. Jess tinted her hair a rich reddish auburn colour and added a fringe.

6. As gorgeous as this is, it seems the most difficult to style. Jessica opted for a golden brown mane with sunkissed highlights. The colour brightens up her face. Plenty of layers create defined curls that add texture and body. 

I've deliberated over these styles many times...and finally decided on the very first one. Without the blunt fringe. Choosing this bob would mean cutting 20cm/8 inches off my current length. It is a lot, but then that's the great thing about hair, no matter how many times you cut it...it will always grow back. Which of Jessica's styles would you wear?

Tuesday Thrills - Prada Jewellery

Prada Spring/Summer 2012
Jewellery Collection

If you've been saving up all year for something uniquely special that glistens with precious gems, look no further. Prada has launched a limited edition capsule jewellery collection for Spring 2012. The exquisite new range is inspired by 'sweetness', as described by design maestro Miuccia Prada. And there is plenty of sugary sweet sparkle to go around.

A delicate rose design forms the axis upon which the entire collection revolves. Brooches, bracelets, lavish necklaces & eye-catching earrings all carry the floral leifmotif, resonating feminine grandeur. These ornate pieces have been intricately crafted from an unusual mix of materials including resin, rhinestones, leather & Swarovski crystals. The jewels convey a feeling of nostalgia, and remain playful yet glamourous at the same time. The rose-drop earrings will work just as well with your favorite summer dress, as an elegant evening gown.

The colours used in the collection reflect the designs Prada presented in their Spring/Summer 2012 runway show. Varying shades of red, lacquered black, earthen ivory, pistachio green and rose blossom pink. And of course, incandescent crystal to string it all together.

Above: The opulent collection as it was first seen on the runway less than 3 months ago. It is now available exclusively from Prada boutiques worldwide. The prices range from $350/£195/R2800. A worthy investment, don't you think? 

The Tribal Trend by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Harper's Bazaar

Harper's Bazaar leads the summer trends forecast in their December 2011 issue, where Transformers 3 star, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley models an array of ethnic-inspired outfits. We've seen graphic tribal prints make a colourful splash on the Spring 2012 runways from New York to Paris. 

In South Africa, this isn't a new trend, it's one that has been eternal. Women here wear traditional shweshwe fabrics through all seasons. Historically, it was worn in dress-form by specific cultural groups for special occasions. But in recent years the shweshwe print has merged its way into a more modern, mainstream market, thanks to local designers. 

It's exciting to see this trend extend it's vivifying influence to the rest of the world. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley marches to the beat of a tribal drum in this invigorating fashion shoot for Harper's Bazaar.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley clashes colours and prints in an ensemble by Burberry Prorsum. Warm, spicy shades are brought together in a black and orange striped jacket and blue and ruby print skirt. Striped brown Burberry wedges and beaded clutch echo the tribal style.

Animal prints are dipped in a rainbow of colours for Spring 2012. Rosie flirts with fringing and tiger-stripes in a ruffle-tiered dress and scarf by Missoni. How cute are the runway shoes?

Earthy tones and ethnic beadwork combine in a geometric cut-out dress by Donna Karan. Rosie wears a large statement necklace by Donna Karan and wooden bangles by Alexis Bittar.

Rosie takes a bold stride in a blue and white patterned suit and handbag by Derek Lam. One has to be really fearless to wear a folkloric print from collar to hem.

A vertically striped Bottega Veneta dress in shades of an African sunset. I like how the stripes are designed to create an optical illusion.

An architectural design in glossy ombré stripes. Rosie wears a strapless dress by Giorgio Armani with chunky necklace by Etro. I prefer this look in editorial over runway.

What is your verdict? Are you for or against the 'Tribal Trend'?

Looks Of The Week - 03/12/11

My selection of must-see looks this week.

Casual

Only Charlize Theron could wear a bright orange jumpsuit without looking like an escaped convict. The elegant actress wore a black velvet blazer over her plunge-neck, tapered leg suit while in New York City. She paired it with a large black clutch and strappy sandals.

Fearne Cotton was out in London wearing a unique black and white brick-print dress by Olivia Rubin. I commend her for being a style innovator - I think we're going to see a lot more of this print. The radio host kept the focus on the dress by wearing it with all black, including a leather biker, tights and tie-up boots.

Dianna Agron picked out a pretty outfit for a trip to Beverly Hills. The Glee star wore a pleated peach maxi skirt by McGinn, with a crisp white shirt, Miu Miu sunglasses and black ankle boots. I'm inspired to buy a maxi skirt after seeing this dainty look.

Miranda Kerr looked chic on the streets of New York, wearing a black leather Balenciaga jacket over a striped top by The Row. Khaki capri's, black buckled ankle boots and a large Celine tote complete her look.

Formal

Andrea Riseborough was in Los Angeles for the BAFTA Britannia Awards. The British actress enchanted in a celestial white Marchesa frock, framed by organza frills. Her metallic pumps are by Brian Atwood. I would've liked to see her with a softer hairstyle.

Cara Delevinge attended the Burberry boutique opening in Paris. The blonde model looked poised in a black Burberry dress, black tights and heels. She made a statement with a crimson red clutch and lipstick to match. I love how she wears simplicity with such fierceness.

Kate Beckinsale showed off her pins at the Independent Spirit Awards nomination event in Hollywood. The Underworld actress went for a sexy vintage-inspired look, in a beige and white drop-waist lace dress by Tadashi Shoji. Nude Brian Atwood pumps fit her feet.

Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards wearing one of her own creations - she is faultless in this floor-sweeping black halter gown.

Debatable

Paula Patton was in Toyko promoting her new movie, 'Mission Impossible 4'. She wore a shiny black jumpsuit that's coming off more 'Catwoman' than couture.

Sarah Jessica Parker wore Louis Vuitton to the Unicef Snowflake Ball. I'm on the fence about her look. I like the flamboyance of the floral-eyelet skirt, which is covered in aqua and white ostrich feathers. I don't like the creasy cropped satin top that seems so disconnected from it.

Kate Moss was also an attendee at the British Fashion Awards. You're either going to love this look, Or you're also going to think it looks like a giant fishnet over a nude dress. 

Friday Frills

Frills & Thrills First Birthday

365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months...is it one year already?

I am not the ceremonial type, but I think 'mentioning' that today is my first blog birthday doesn't steep too deep into the pool of vanity. My dream of being a fashion designer never materialized, so I figured that those who can't sew, blog. Frills & Thrills sums up the two things I am most passionate about - fashion and writing. Upon seeing my blog for the first time, people who know me personally say "It's so you!" Initially, I had no idea how to regard this overused phrase, but over the year, I've formed a clearer idea of what it means. 

Frills & Thrills is personal extension of who I am. A lover of pink (in refined moderation), an admirer of fashion (from runway to red carpet), the girliest of girls, a devisor of words, and a teller of tales. All this served up with a spark of enthusiasm, a spoonful of sarcasm and a sprinkling of fairy dust from the closets of Vogue. I may only have the smallest bit of space on the World Wide Web, but it is a space that's I am delighted to call my own.

So thank you to my friends and family for your unconditional support and encouragement. I am always elated at receiving your calls, emails or smses about something you've seen and liked here on Frills & Thrills. And most importantly, thanks to you, reading this right now. Even if you've stopped by just once, whether you're in transit to some place else, or if you're a regular reader...I am so thrilled to have you visit this frilly space I call home. I don't like the word 'Follower', because in order to be 'followed', one would have to be a leader. And that I am not. Instead, I consider you to be a good friend with whom I can share my thoughts, views and perceptions on all things style-bound and fashion-able.

Here's to the very first Frills & Thrills birthday! I will now proceed to cut the virtual pink vanilla cake and share a piece with all of you. The best thing about it? No added calories ;)

*Images found via Tumblr & Google Images. Collage created by me.