Marie Claire Prix d'excellence de la Mode 2011: Bloggers Award

Last night in Joziburg the fashion cognisetti got together to celebrate the people and organisations that are delivering the goods in the fashion industry right now in South Africa at the annual Marie Claire Prix d'excellence de la Mode. And this year I so would have been there - if it wasn't for a couple of shoots I am slap bang in the middle of. Humph. So go and buy the MC on shelves right now to check out all the winners who include Woolworths, Two, Spence, The Space, Mememe, Black Coffee, Laduma Ngxokolo, Zoja Mihic and Burgundy Fly. Well deserved and well awarded.
The one award that I would however like to discuss in more detail here today, is the new Best Fashion Blogger award. First of all, yippee, the bloggers get recognised for the contribution to building and growing the South African fashion industry. In today's world it is so important that the bloggers who get read by thousands every day use their power for good. And an award like this encourages that kind of responsible behaviour. If my blog does nothing else but engage debate and build awareness of local fashion, I have done my job (by way of celeb fashion spotting and fantasy books clubs of course.)
And MC does a stonking job of promoting and supporting bloggers. I am still in the queue to get on their blogger pages, such is the list of local blog peeps that are vying for the honour.
But last night the award was won, for the first time, by Malibongwe Tyilo from the blog Skattie What Are You Wearing? I trust that you have all paid Mali's blog a visit? It has been on my blog roll for some time now. So you will have your own opinion on whether the award was deserved. But this is mine. In a world of wannabes and try-hards, Mali's voice is honest and clear and fresh. He isn't some young guy trying to break into the glamorous side of the fashion business. He has been toiling quietly as part of the industry for years. He isn't using his blog to curry favour or earn a living or suck up to some so-called hipsters, he writes because he has to, because it is his passion, because it is how he breathes out. The fact that it is irreverent and cool isn't the point. It's just who he is. The fashion blogging world is richer for Mali's voice and pictures. And I love that he and I share similar views on blogging - although we almost totally disagree on everything we write. And such is his charm. This award was a stroke of inspiration and I couldn't be prouder of our nascent fashion blogging industry, or Mali. Or for that matter my fashion friends Aspasia, Sharon, Emma, Dion, Adam, Lorato, Felipe, Sylvia, Zodwa and Lorraine who were the judging panel who selected Mali as the winner. Props to all. A worthy winner indeed.
PS: Apparently Mali was wearing David West to the awards last night - as suggested by Luisa - but you will usually be able to recognise him by his Missibaba sun visor and camera around his neck. Say hi.

Stella McCartney for Adidas and Team GB

Did you know that Stella McCartney has been appointed creative director of the British Olympic team for the London 2012 games? The news has been out for over a month and I only just found out. Maybe I am a bit more interested than you may be in this news as I used to work with Team GB (as they are called) around the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. I was living in London at the time and was activating some sponsorship of the team. Previous life. Previous career. But I loved every second of it and the games themselves. If you ever have the opportunity to go to the Olympics, snatch it up in both hands and go, go, go. It is a brilliant and unparalleled experience.

Anyhoodle, Stella has designed up a storm for the team uniforms. Hoodies, shorts, vests, track pants and other such garments and sports equipment have been given the designer McCartney makeover. And it's pretty cool. I particularly love the gold story that is running through the new collection. It is unexpected and totally fresh. And it looks expensive. Not like just standard-issue sports gear. The hoodies too have been jazzed up and look cool enough to want as part of your casual wardrobe. Even for such a non-athlete as myself. It really does look like sport has met up with fashion and had a frank exchange of views. And I for one can't wait till the London games and we can see all our athletes perform and check out the fashion s on Team GB at the same time. Best of both, buddy, best of both.

Selma Blair's Post Maternity Style

I became slightly obsessed with Selma Blair when she was preggers. First of all she was pregnant for what felt like two years. Secondly she looked beyond awesome. Every. Single. Day. And while she was definitely wearing garments that accommodated her pregnancy, they were cool and interesting and demonstrated amazing style so that I wanted to wear everything she did. Except for a maxi dress here and there. But everything else.

So I took a casual peek at what she had been wearing since having baby Arthur three weeks ago (cute name!) And knock me down with a feather, doesn't she still look super, super great? She has been wearing lots of her same kaftans and loose shirts, meaning there is no major pressure to loose the baby weight. Well what there is of it. She has maintained that easy, casual, pretty vibe of her pregnancy. A few well placed accessories. A pair of loose-fitting shorts. A gladiator or a moccasin - nice and comfy. It all looks so cool. And hasn't 'cool' just become synonymous with her style? Love it.

New Faces of M&S: Ryan Reynolds and Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Really, I don't think I could be more surprised if you turned into an alien in front of my eyes. Seriously. I am THAT surprised. After years of advertising that seemed to turn around the fortunes of the retail giant (and second cousin of Woolworths in SA), Marks & Spencer (M&S) has changed tack. Twiggy, Dannii, Lisa and the girls have all been chucked from M&S' new advertising campaign strategy and they have gone all Hollywood. The Daily Mail has revealed this morning that none other than delicious hunk of man-deliciousness, Ryan Reynolds, and Brit girl-slash-model-slash-actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley are the new faces of the brand.

Now let me say that I think these are two of the most attractive peeps on the planet. I think that they are infinitely aspirational. Yes, we would all like to look a bit like them and will buy some togs from you to do so. So far go good. However. And this is a biggie. Apparently the problem with M&S is that it is losing the heartland. The good, middle class, over 20s/30s who keep them in business. Also the larger lady, the non-model figure. So... It seems extraordinary that they would kill off the all-ages approach and go for the young, hip, WASP and sexy one. Um. I dunno if this is exactly a brand-fit.
Of course it is just for their Autograph range for now, so the broader strategy remains to be seen. But fundamentally the match up between Canadian he-man Ryan and a old British brand seems peculiar to say the least. Well for me. What do you think? And does this mean we can get Ryan back to CT for a bit of Woolies advertising action? I wouldn't have a problem with that.

Looks I Loved This Weekend (Again)

Oh my goodness, my glasses nearly popped off my face when I saw that picture of The Good Wife, Julianna Marguiles. Seriously. How awesome does she look in her Carolina Herrera outfit in New York? If I could just magic that skirt into my wardrobe with my mind I would be beyond delighted. In fact that would be my superpower if I ever got to have one...
Do you watch Hellcats on Vuzu? It is my secret pleasure. And Ashley Tisdale is the star of the show. Now look how cute she looked in her Tibi floral dress. The girl is growing up from her High School Musical days and looking beautiful. Well played, Ashley.
Usually I think Fergie looks like a hot mess. But there is something about this cool leather trouser outfit with the Versace blouse and gold heels that I am totally in love with. It's part 80s retro and part ghtto fabulous - and it works! So unexpected.
And what about Ashley Olsen? Goodness, I like this little ensemble. It's The Row, of course. And so chic. I wish I could throw that together from what's in my wardrobe.
So which was your favourite of my favourites? You must pick one. I am torn... Help a sister out.

Sofia Coppola's Wedding Dress by Alaia

Sofia Coppola is definitely one of my heros. She is so multi-talented, having directed award-winning movies like Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette and Somewhere. She has also successfully designed the most beautiful range of bags for Louis Vuitton and is a mum and now a wife. This past weekend she married Thomas Mars. He is one of my friend Janet's heros as a member of the French band, Phoenix. I confess I have never heard of them, but Janet has excellent taste in music so I bow to her superior knowledge. And to the new married couple.

So let's get down to business. What did Sofia wear to her wedding? It was a little bit of a surprise. Obviously Marc Jacobs' name was in the mix for some time. But early last month we started hearing mutterings about legendary Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaia doing the dress. And so it was. A beautiful, frothy, textured, lilac Alaia was the dress of the day. Suitably low-key for this couple who live with their two young daughters under the radar mostly. They married in Sofia's great-grandfather's Italian home town of Bernalda where her dad, Francis Ford Coppola has renovated a palazzo. Romantic. Intimate. And a beautiful bride in a beautiful dress. Exactly right. What do you guys think about the dress? You like?

Trend Alert: Striped Tees (Still)

Just when you thought that your striped t-shirt was a 'store for later' item this summer, we realise that the celebs aren't prepared to give up on theirs so why should we. Sure the summer stripe for this year is bolder and more colourful that it was last year, but who can argue with a classic? Take a look at some folks who wore their stripes on their tees this weekend.
Starting with the ultimate classic, Gwyneth Paltrow in Breton stripes, denim cutoffs and Havianas. Make-up free and sun kissed, she has probably never looked more lovely to me. This is such a wonderful relaxed weekend look and you just can't go wrong with it. Well I would replace the cutoffs with some boyfriend jeans but that's just me and my rapidly advancing old age...
But how about Miranda Kerr. Her striped tee is easily obtainable from the racks at Woolies. She has paired hers with a dark denim skinny, a great fedora, a classic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag and those awesome red pumps. The palette is also timeless and the accessorising lifts and ordinary tee to fashionable heights.
And then there is young Vanessa Hudgens. She opted for black and white instead of navy and white, but it works just as well as a weekend look - also going the denim cutoffs and flops route. Vanessa has dolled things up a bit with some necklaces and a great pedicure and lipstick job. Adding in those sunnies for extra oomph, she actually looks more polished than she usually does. Classics rule!

Sarah Jessica Parker's Moscow Style

Sarah Jessica Parker is on a promotional tour in support of her movie, I Don't Know How She Does It. Currently she is in Moscow, having headed there on Sunday and turned up in three different places yesterday looking stunning. Let me clarify. I am not, nor have ever been a fan. I am not sure why, let's put it down to personal taste. But my goodness, when not schlumping around New York or trying too hard to look 'edgy', she can really hit a fashion home run. And for this visit to Moscow, she is bringing out the big guns. And looking terrific.
First there is a Prabal Gurung fall 2011 lace shift dress with a red under-the-bust accent that I think looks amazing. She has paired it with those Salvatore Ferregamo toe-cap shoes that we are seeing everywhere at the moment. Lovely shift. Quite Kate Middleton, no? After the photo call (or before, I can't be absolutely sure of SJP's itinerary) she stepped out in white, sprinkled with summer florals all hand beaded onto the strapless and layered dress. She was popping into the Manolo Blahnik store in Moscow and so one can assume those heels are by the label. And then for the premier, she pulled out all the little-red-riding-hood stops her her scarlet Giambattista Valli dress and cape. Charlotte Casiraghi wore the baby blue version of this couture number for the wedding reception of Albert and Charlene - and I think I preferred it in that colour. Red maybe a tad obvious? Anyhoo, I think that my favourite of the three is the Prabal Gurung. How about you?

Sweetie Darlings, It's Absolutely Fabulous!

I am quite beside myself. Never have I been more excited by a Christmas televisual special. The defining fashion TV show is back and filming once more and here are some snaps of the scenes. In the new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous Pasty and Edina are out shopping on Sloane Street in London (that's my eagle eye and knowledge of where certain shops are in London town...BAM). Dressed in the ongoing desperate quest to remain young and hip, they are clutching bags from the edgiest of fashion stores. Starting with The Kooples. And already I am chuckling to myself.

You can start playing the fashion game immediately. See how many labels you can spot. I have got Lanvin (bags), Louis Vuitton (brown bag under The Kooples), Stella McCartney (window that Edie is pressed up against, also Patsy's bag on the lunch table), Tom Ford (I think Patsy's sunglasses)... Any further offers on this. C'mon, play 'spot the label' with me. So fun.

Guest Blog Post: Tunet Jordaan for Woolworths

I was on holiday last week. As you know. As such, I did not attend any work functions, obvs. But Woolies launched their new Re and Studio W collections, so I had to get someone to cover it for me. Luckily, the enthusiastic and talented Tunet Jordaan was able and willing and here is her take on the Woolworths shenanigans that went down in Cape Town and Jozi-burg last week:
Fashionistas and loyal Woolworths customers descended on Cavendish and Roodepoort to attend the glamorous re-launch of the Studio W collection and RE Jeans labels, for women and men. The evening’s MC was Top Billing presenter Jeannie D, who had the crowd in stitches with her witty introductions. It seems that Woolies have a real winner on their hands with their exiting new RE jeans campaign, fronted by model and rock star daughter, Zoë Kravitz.  The models strutted their stuff in a range of awesome coloured skinnies, shorts, tee’s, cropped jeans, shorts perfect for summer, not to mention the fashion forward 70s flare jeans in a faded wash, amongst others. 
The models walked while a band – put together for the campaign - performed the classic tune “I Love Rock & Roll”, by Joan Jett.  The new Studio W collection is filled with beautiful basics perfect for both work and play. With so many fashion forward pieces, you should not be surprised if you purchase an entire outfit at once from this range. You should not forget to check out the awesome accessories that make part of these ranges. The shoes, belts and bags are stunning, definitely a must have!
My view is this: expensive campaigns totally aside, this is a solid collection of accessible high-street fashion, in good quality and with an excellent returns policy. There are also some cute and colourful surprises that will ensure you don't land up looking like everyone else who wears it. So really you can't go wrong. And no, I DON'T get paid by Woolies to say this. It is my honest opinion. And the items I buy from them are the proof of the pudding. Do it!
You can follow Tunet on Twitter as @DieOranje_Skaap.

VMA Music Awards: Red Carpet Best Dressed

There is absolutely no doubt what-so-ever that the best dressed person at last night's VMA music awards was Adele. Classic beauty and class can never be beaten no matter who the designer or what the trend. Adele wore two dresses on the night. The first on the red carpet, the second for her performance. Both were black, below the knee and scoop necked. Both emphasised her waist and highlighted her magnificent hair, styled 60s-style. The message is clear. Adele knows what suits her (well, Anna Wintour did teach her) and she looks magnificent. Adele for the win.

And then aside from Adele's class act, we were left with a lot of short, tight and shiny. Designed to get the wearer noticed - not necessarily for the right reasons - there was very little by way of fashion. Seriously, I don't know what to do with black lace mullet dresses and fifteen spangly, tight so you wonder if they can breathe, frocks. This is not fashion. So who did bring the goods? Well, Zoe Saldana for starters. In Barbara Bui dress and shoes with a Lanvin clutch, she looked effortlessly elegant. Katie Holmes definitely tried a bit harder, but landed up with a great Alaia crochet dress and Proenza Schouer booties. It was high price-tag style. Speaking of price tags, I love Jessie J and I love how she is working her crutches and jazzing them up for big occasions. That's all. Just love her. Just fancied including her. Whatevs.

So, my winner is Adele, but who is yours. Pick now...

VMA Music Awards: Katy Perry's Vintage Style x 4

Katy Perry was the big winner at the VMA Music Awards last night - winning a couple of awards and presenting one too as well as introducing the performance of the night by Adele. More on Adele's style later, but how about Katy Perry's four outfit changes, eh? I love Katy. Mostly because she is married to Russell Brand, of whom I am a fan. Also because she is very talented (even if it is pop music and not my bag) and also she has a very well defined style. Now, usually I find her signature style a bit costumey for my blog. Too caricature. But for some reason I have fallen in love with her pink hair and suddenly I like everything she wears. It's like she has come home to herself with that hair. And also the 40s are moving into fashion focus and her World War 2 pin up girl look is about to take off fashion-wise.
So let's run through her outfits at the VMAs last night. She arrived in Atelier Versace geisha girl style. And Jimmy Choo heels. Cute. She presented the award in a purple Tom Ford floor sweeper. With waspie waist. She accepted her award in Dior Couture. With Giuseppe Zanotti heels and a Philip Treacy hat. Wow. And she finished the night with an armful of awards and a custom made Furne One dress called 'Breaking Records' which of course she has done. My personal favourite is the Dior craziness. It is SO Katy. How about you? Any picks or do you judgy-judge them all?

VMA Music Awards: Beyonce's Maternity Style

Last night, at the VMA Music Awards, Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z announced her pregnancy. At the absolute height of her career, with a triumphant Glastonbury performance, a top selling album on the charts and a Clint Eastwood movie in planning stages, Beyonce has never been so hot. And now she is having a baby. I am just delighted because I am guessing she is going to have KILLER maternity style if last night was anything to go by.
Arriving in a tangerine Lanvin kaftan, Beyonce looked sensantional and SO much better than that skin-tight, fishtail look she usually drags out onto the red carpet. If this is the effect that her pregnancy is going to have on her wardrobe, I say keep having them!

Later on, Beyonce performed in a dazzling purple spangled jacket and wide-leg trouser by Dolce & Gabbana. And I loved this look too. Elegant without trying too hard. This is the hallmark of a woman growing up in style. Fantastic. More B-Mat style to follow in the coming months. I can't wait.

Dita von Teese's Vintage Floral Summer Style

This week burlesque dancer, underwear designer and vintage collector, Ms Dita von Teese stepped out twice on her daily errands in the most beautiful, bright, floral vintage dresses. The first was a classic fifties style dress in shades of lilac, styled with acid green Christian Louboutin mules, fuschia turban and Dolce & Gabbana woven handbag. I thought that this was as good as it was going to get. And then yesterday she one-upped herself. The dress was strapless this time, yellow and pink and she paired it with a classic Chanel 2.55 handbag and heels. I don't think I have ever seen such perfection in terms of summer style. Of course, I would manage this level of fashion achievement once a year, while Dita does this almost every day. But it is definitely worth aspiring to. Stunning.

I Heart Slipper Loafers

I have just decided to call these shoes 'slipper loafers'. I have made it up. There is no official, technical term for them, but they are generally worn by men in smoking jackets. They are generally velvet. They are beautiful and I want a pair so badly it hurts my chest. And look how awesome they look with a casual trouser...

Yesterday Ashley Olsen (to my mind the more stylish of the hobbity fashion pair) stepped out in a pair of loafers. Paired with a perfect pair of black skinnies and top and scarf. And that bag. Probs Elizabeth & James (Olsen's label). Probs the price of my country house. But those shoes. And as if to emphasise the point, the girl next to Ashley has obviously abandoned her chunky wedges and is wishing that she thought of wearing loafers that morning. Right?
The day before, in London, Anne Hathaway wore studded Christian Louboutin slipper loafers with her cargos and Christopher Kane jumper. Beside myself. Seriously. I WANT these shoes. Can anyone help me? Am I mad to lust after them? Tell me now!

Taylor Swift's Retro Holiday Style

Staying on the subject of holiday style (probs a bit influenced by the fact that I am currently on holiday), these snaps of Taylor Swift from a recent mini break in Charlston really charmed me.

Let me say, I am not particularly a fan of Taylor Swift or her music, however I really admire her approach to fame and her work ethic and her style. And most of all, nothing makes me happier when I ask my nieces who they admire and they say Taylor Swift. Because by saying Taylor, they are not saying Miley. Or Kim. Or Lindsay. Or any number of sketchy young women in very short dresses who are held up for the young women of today to aspire to. Taylor is sweet and sassy and bright and talented and demure and seems to have her head on straight. And that is all you can ask for, for your young nieces. No matter who I personally admire.

And I love, love, love the style she is showing in these personal pics. On hols with her girls, Taylor has gone for a retro look that harkers back to the late 50s and early 60s. The polka dots are there. The playsuits. The head scarves. The large sunnies. The pretty bustier dresses with cardigans thrown over the shoulders. The full piece cozzies. The girlishness. In a world where our girls gown up way too fast, girlish style is charming to me. And I hope to my nieces. These pictures warm my cold fashion heart and give me hope. Awesome.

Michelle Obama's Holiday Style

I always keep an eye out on what FLOTUS Michelle Obama wears. This summer has seen a plethora of 50s style sleeveless dresses in bright prints, fitted into the waist. They suit her admirably and always look fresh and stylish and lovely. Quite safe, to be sure, but pretty and on-trend in a non-obvious way. They are totally appropriate for all her engagements and activities. But now Michelle is on holiday. Aside from exercise gear, which she has worn for her bike rides, what has the holiday wardrobe consisted of?

Beautiful, bright midi skirts is the answer. A notoriously tricky style to wear well, Michelle seems to have this nailed just as easily as she has all her other fashion choices. Nipped in over vests and the odd cardigan, these skirts show off Michelle's wonderful height to best advantage - and keep those awesome arms out for full public admiration. As is appropriate. The bright colours are festive and great for holidays in the sun and she teams them with dressy flats for a glamorous holiday look that is perfect for her.
I have a couple of pleated midi skirts and love them for their 'swooshiness'. They are tricky to wear and require a bit of planning and thought. Certainly, a fitted cardigan is a great tip I am going to take from Michelle. Anyone else struggling with wearing the midi? Let me know.

Just Released: Salvatore Ferragamo Dinner Photos

A couple of months ago, Salvatore Ferregamo held a dinner in New York City to celebrate the new 2012 Resort collection. Each attendee wore head to foot Ferregamo looks, as designed by creative director Massimiliano Giornetti. And yesterday these photos were released for the first time.
So we know that all the girls were wearing Ferregamo. But who wore it best?
They are, from left to right: Freida Pinto looking elegant in black with the best shoes, Eva Mendes in colour, Emma Roberts in plunging neckline and leopard print and yet still elegant (how?), Ashley Greene in trendy sheer polka dots and leather and Minka Kelly in patterned black knit and lilac shoes.
Seriously, now you have to pick one. I vote for Ashley since I love all the contrasts, contradictions and juxtapositions in the outfit. It may be intellectualised but it looks hot. How about you? Go.
(for full analysis, click on the image to make it much bigger)