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.

Abigail Betz - Autumn/Winter 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection
by Abigail Betz


One of my favourite collections from Joburg Fashion Week is by designer Abigail Betz. Simple lines, wearable designs, rich wintry fabrics and a touch of regal elegance. Her graceful and classic pieces are beautifully crafted and deserve a place on the international fashion front.

The range was inspired by 50's style dresses with clinched waistlines and full skirts. Very polished and feminine. Longer-length pencil skirts and coat-style dresses were also shown. Fur and fascinators completed the look. 

Printed dresses with full skirts added some floral flair to the collection.

These voluminous gowns are extraordinary. I like that it has been designed to suit any shape and not just the runway model. Abigail proves that minimalism and innovative design can outdo the fussy and fully embellished evening gowns that we usually see. 

 Timeless and delicate couture wedding gowns rounded off a sensational show.

See the full collection at www.abigailbetz.co.za

Friday Frills