Candy Shop: Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia's Spring 2012 collection appeals to the little girl in me who loves sorbet shades and wants to dress like a lady. Even though this now means dressing like an old lady used to when she was 15 if I'm not careful. 

Dashing Jash: Once upon a time --- there was a douchebag

Dashing Jash: Once upon a time --- there was a douchebag: Okay, so maybe I got slightly irritable when I saw this image... And maybe I went a tad bit overboard on the “description” when I repined...

Who Do You Think You Are?

And this evening it's not about the original BBC show where we glimpse into the ancestry of celebrities and well known personalities, tonight it's about being wronged. You see, someone I thought I knew well, albiet for a short period of time, once did me wrong and then exasperated the pain by doing something mean to me but unthinkable to my friends. As you know I hold my friends very dear so any wrong doing to them, I over react to. Emotions are my drama queen thing. As time wore on I remembered how truly valuable I am and my friends put the incident at the back of their minds for the time being. Eventually apologies were made to all parties and we all forgave gracefully.

"To Forgive is Divine...."

But tonight while I was having the time of my life this person poped back up and I happily believed we were friends and saw only the best in them. To my bewilderment they once again managed to make me feel a huge sense of inadequacy. And of course as I'm wont to do, I freaked out and became the emotional drama queen again. After steadying myself, right before they left they did it again. So my question is this, why do we find people in life who can make us feel so utterly unworthy. I say "we" because other people throughout history have dealt with this and expressed it through pieces of art, writing, song and drama therefore it must continue to this day. How have I managed to dis-empower myself this much? 

Then it struck me. What kind of a person would put on such a show of regret and remorse only to repeat the pattern?  If you can not learn from your mistakes how can you entitle yourself to spend time with people you have hurt before? And so I realised I was not the one who could never be somebody because they could never see my value and act accordingly, I was the one who could look from the outside in, in the future and never involve myself any further. Who is this individual to belittle me publicly? No one at all, any longer. 

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results"

Albert Einstein

Although they will never know it, any atonement they had before has disappeared tonight.

Are We Taking This Too Far?

I used the very first chance I got to check out New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 offers and by chance the first show I stumbled upon was Imitation Of Christ. Looking at the photos I thought it was a staged wedding scene, just part pf the designers story.  With further reading on style.com I realised  it was an actual matrimony. Heiress, model and actress Lydia Hearst was married as part of a fashion show. Really. Are we taking shows one step too far? We've all seen wedding dresses as the final look on the runway but seriously, is it actually appropriate to have one's wedding at a fashion show? I'm not convinced. But here are the clothes and well wishes to the happy couple.

The statuesque and doll faced bride in a Prada campaign.

Here comes the Bride!

The bride and groom walking down the aisle. I have to say we know from the previous photograph that Lydia Hearst is a beautiful girl, she is a model and has been in countless campaigns, shoots, on magazine covers and has appeared topless. So she has a killer body, basically the ultimate muse for a wedding dress from any designer's perspective. But personally I don't think the dress makes her look amazing, it is a masterful creation but does it show off the bride to her utmost? Once again I'm unconvinced. 

And the wedding party, I guess.

Tetrus for Clothes part 2

As promised here are some slightly more affordable options for the colouring blocking look we're all going mad for at the moment. First some shoes to make you heart sing from Nasty Gal, by Jeffery Campbell and some from Nine West. The basic idea of a bright shoe being instead of purchasing a whole new outfit, wear jeans and vest, a neutral jumpsuit or shorts with waistcoat and tied up shirt with the shoes. More mileage- more saving!

I'm a fan of this season's Nine West Campaign because really, who doesn't want to lounge around the pool of a beautiful home looking amazing in full hair and make up, wearing high heels while a hot guy dives into the water? I'll take that lifestyle (and those legs) any day, thanks Nine West marketing and advertising crew. Until I get to live out the fantasy, I'll just take the first pair of heels below.

If I purchase one pair of amazing heel this season, I want it to be this one. Here are some other options.

The fine print reads"The Heroine, The Bombshell, The Siren, The Straw that Kicked the Stilettos Ass"

Next is a selection from the lovely Qz Zhang-Cowie at Milk Teeth, these photos are from her Facebook page -album: The First Collection on Real People- you can also use the Milk Teeth Facebook Page to get hold of her. 

From the top: Purple Blouse R450, Neutral Pants R500. Coral Chiffon Shirt R450. Chiffon Blouse R350, Pants R380. Top R400 and Pants R450.

And if you super broke a Mr. Price maxi dress with bold stripes might comfort your soul.... even just a little. Ok not too much but I'm trying to cater to everyone here.

Tetris for Clothing

I remember being little (this is a pre-primary school memory) and sitting on the carpet in front of our big old television -complete with a back nogal- so we could play games on Nintendo. Not Nintendo Wii or anything just ninties style hand sets and my mother rocked out at Tetris. This is what colour blocking makes think of, modern and feminine Tetris we can play each morning before facing the big bad world. 

So here are some of cat walk examples of Colour Blocking.

Minimalism by Jil Sanders will  doubtlessly inspire a million mixed hued skirt and pants suits combinations.

Dior took the forties and took any hint of a granny right out of it.

Lanvin and Julien McDonald both a more feminine take on the trend.

By far the most achievable and ready to wear option is Rachel Roy's Spring Summer 2011/ 2012. What's great about this trend is as long as you love colour and being bold, you can do it whether in a creative or corporate environment, if you prefer a clean cut modernist look, something preppy, girly or even if you're a rocker. But here are some ideas for everyday ways to wear the look. 

Mixing hot and unusual colours in both contemporary and vintage shapes makes it easy to achieve. But if you'd rather not invest in multiple separates one piece, such as this colour block body suit paired with a black skirt or shorts should do the trick without breaking the bank.  All looks courtsey of Nasty Gal at nastygal.com, check them out. 

But it would be pointless to show you clothes you have to get shipped before you can even try them on. Although not many South African retailers have websites featuring goods in store I have scoured the ones that do. Above are three options from Country Road and Trenery, the skirts are each R999 and the colour block hem maxi dress retails at R799. Channeling the Lanvin billowing  vibe.

This dress by Country Road is also R799.00 and combines colour blocking and stripes.

And if these colours are just too scary for you try a neutral version courtesy from  Country Road at R499.00

Tomorrow I will provide some slightly more affordable options and simpler ways to update your wardrobe without too much thought. Sweet dreams all.  

Pretty Young Things

Due to the lost (or rather theft) of my laptop I have been unable to put up a post in a hell of a long time. So I thought rather than launching into blogging again with some serious fashion ranting I'd share pictures of my dearest and prettiest friends. We are are lucky bunch to have each other and we certainly have been living the life lately. Cheers to you, my specials! Cheers to my replacement laptop!