Soft and Slow

Top: Banana Republic Heritage. Shorts: Old Navy. Shoes: Elizabeth&James. Sunglasses: Burberry. Jewelry: David Yurman, GAP, BR, AE, F21, Michael Kors, Max&Chloe.

Philip Crangi

I first became interested in Philip Crangi by his picture alone. It was some months later that I learned that he was actually an important designer of Jewelry. The Bearded man I placed next to the Buddah on my mantle-piece was fast becoming an icon of mine.

Philip Crangi graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and since then has managed a successful career, collaborations with Vera Wang and Jason Wu and an odd obsession with taxidermy.

For GQ's 'Dress like a Rebel' series Crangi was asked about men wearing jewelry. He wisely suggests you start off with one item you like (on your wrist for instance) and add to it slowly. "BE A MAN, WEAR JEWELRY!"

Preppy Handbook

Jacket: Jcrew. Shirt: GAP. Shorts: DIY Cut Offs. Thigh Highs: Madewell. Shoes: GAP. Sunglasses: Old Navy. Jewelry: David Yurman, GAP, BR, F21, Max&Chloe, Jcrew.

Scene around: Peroni Nastro Azzuri

On a rainy Sunday night not too long ago my very good friend and I went down to the Waterfront for a Peroni Nastro Azzuri event. With vocal stylings from Lindiwe Suttle and Aviva Pelham, the event (honoring the Italian football team) went down as good as a Peroni smoothly.

Top Travel presenter, former model and charmer Janez Vermeiren hosted. One of my dear readers sent me this scan from GET IT magazine who snapped me up, along with a few who's who's that attended the event too. Good fun and free Peroni was had by all!

Your guide to the perfect first date

You managed to work up enough courage to ask her. You were surprised when she said ‘Yes’, gosh even she was surprised. So what now? Do you pick her up at eight and take her to a movie? No. You can do better than that. You want to impress her right? You want this date to be memorable!

Lucky for you, you have me. Welcome to this, your ‘Guide to the First date’:

READ THE REST...

Louis Vuitton 2010/2011 Fall-Winter Bag Collection

Inspired by military and utilitary vintage styles Louis Vuitton (with careful Artistic Direction from Marc Jacobs) releases a contemporary twist to their mens bags this season. Extra soft premium calfskin which also includes a water-resistant taupe or charcoal canvas. The "Bleisure" lifestyle inspired collection, however beautiful comes at a heavy price; From messengers ranged at US$2800 to the fantastic Shako Sac Voyage Bag which will retail for US$4370 from August 15th.

{source: ilvoelv}

Shades of Camel

Blazer: Kenya T. Top: Missoni. Pants: Zara. Shoes: Pour La Victoire. Scarf: H&M. Belt: GAP. Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, GAP, BR.

Stiaan Louw Documentary Part 2

Stiaan Louw in Part two of his Documentary by Kyle Lewis, discusses his organic approach to tackling an international market. In addition to this, advice for fellow young designers and if you look carefully at the two minute mark you can see me checking out his rack at the Design Indaba where the fashion show took place! Sneaky.

Enjoy!

Burberry iPad covers

Burberry has released a line of iPad leather covers in Military Red, Plum (as photographed with me) and blue which are sold exclusively in the Burberry store in Cape Town. The iPad covers are only going to be available in stores globally in September.



I love how international High-End Brands, particularly the ones which started in the early 1900's, have made smart choices in keeping up with the times. If you're both fashion and mechanically minded then best you get yourself the designer iPad cover of your choice. Especially since every large retailer is offering it to you at such variety.

Blog Alert: JONATHAN REID SEVIGNY

I don't often get THIS inspired from a blog, but when I do I tend to involve myself quite heavily in it for a particular time period. Jonathan Reid Sevigny is just so unbelievably talented.

His illustrations evoke a certain magic that is reminiscent of Salvadore Dali. Themed in childlike playfulness Sevigny still manages serious artwork, bankable artwork at that.

His work carries such candescence for me and I look forward to following him from here on out. I can see him illustrating for 'Coraline' and 'Corpse-Bride' themed movies. But to fully understand what I mean, have a look at his catalog HERE.

Great work! Below are just three of my favorite images from his website.

TH SMARTEEZ

People like colour. It’s nice to look at, pleasant to decorate with. People like it, but few live their lives by it. And so many men, straight men particularly seem to be frightened by it. How would it look? What would people think of me? Questions a group of Sowetan youngsters, who go by the name of ‘The Smarteez’ as some sort of nod to the colourful sweets of the same name, would never dare ask. They’re far too busy fluffing their plumes to care about politics, offering instead a ‘Fuck You’ attitude if questioned on their position on their post-apartheid freedom. Simply stated, Sibu believes “It’s my freedom to take for granted.”



Kepi, Sibu. Floyd and Thabo, the “humble crew” that make up ‘The Smarteez’ hit Market street with native photographer Chris Saunders and Rod Stanley as part of a short film for Dazed Magazine.

These young aspiring designers remind me of the Dandies of Congo, who approach their individual expression in the same way. And yet so easily, too. DIY clothing in many of the modern styles but seemingly with more pizazz than our Fashion Week friends snapped up in Milan and New York. It's arguably more of a feat to impress with your own creations than to simply afford all the beautiful fabrics and designs so many can't get their hands on.

New blogs from every corner of the globe are constantly popping up. We are no longer solely impressed by high end fashion, when even teenagers can simply publish new and odd photographs daily of their own DIY gear, giving designers a run for their money.



'The Smarteez' might be painting images of themselves as "designers" and "models" while enjoying the attention the world has showered on them, but what I believe to be truer is the underlying message they have. If they can live their lives in all the colours of the rainbow, walk out on to Sowetan streets and face looks and comments of disapproval day after day, you in your plain collared shirt and jeans can implement the smallest dashes of colour to your wardrobe too. And you know what? You might actually enjoy it.

Tartan Clan

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Collection. Skirt: H&M. Tights: H&M. Shoes: JS Dany. Jewelry: F21, Michael Kors, David Yurman, GAP, BR.

Bows & Ballerinas

Jacket: Karl Lagerfeld. Skirt: H&M. SHoes: Topshop. Bag: YSL Oversized Muse. Headband: F21.

Posts have been a little tougher due to cold, foggy days in the city.

Thanks for following me and all your lovely comments. Also I am in the market for a new camera- so any suggestions are much appreciated!

Green With Envy

Jacket: Robert Rodriguez. Dress: Theory. Thigh Highs: H&M. Shoes: Zara. Bag: Chanel. Necklace: Kenneth J Lane Couture. Jewelry: Michael Kors, GAP, BR, David Yurman, F21, Kate Spade.

Pattern Play

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg. Scarf as Belt: Jcrew. Hat: GAP. Shoes: Pour La Victoire. Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton. Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, GAP, Banana Republic, H&M.

In addition to adding Bloglovin' to follow the blog I have also started a twitter account. Twitter is a whole new world to me, so it has been a process. Feel free to follow!

Paul Smith Junior

Paul Smith is pleased to announce the launch of Paul Smith Junior!

Staying true to his vision, a bright, punchy colour palette and familiar silhouettes inspired from the men’s and women’s catwalk collections have been redesigned for Paul Smith Junior, bringing a playful, child-like charm to this line.

For boys, key pieces include colourful multi-stripe and floral shirts and bright stripe knits, reflecting Paul Smith’s signature touches. Bold, graphic print padded jackets and infamous quirky tees are fun pieces, with classic pieces coming in the form of cord blazers, khaki parkas and luxurious cashmere knits.
For girls, tinted rose print silk dresses and cute fairisle cardigans have jumped straight off the runway. Soft jersey long sleeve t-shirts are layered with angora wool smocks, whilst a vibrant array of stripes inject a mischievous sense of fun to the collection.



Paul Smith Junior will be available to buy from August 2010, until then you can shop their existing collection online. Also, make sure to watch the adorable video of the kids all decked out in Paul Smith. The video features his truly as well! I expect this will do very, very well!



From paulsmith.co.uk.

Feeling Edgy

Jacket: H&M. Tank: Banana Republic. Jeans: BDG. Shoes: Jeffery Campbell Clinic. Sunglasses: F21. Jewelry: Michael Kors, GAP, Banana Republic, David Yurman, F21.