Charming young South African jewellery designer, Henriette Botha, unveiled her new fall collection this week. Instead of opting for the darker colours so associated with fall, her collection SOUTH brings us just the right amount of bright that we crave when the days are grey. Inspired by Brazilian prints, Mexican attitude and Sicilian vibrance, this mix of cultural influences was evident in her use of textures and juxtaposition. Henriette's knotting, beadwork, chains and tassels combine to create bold statement accessories but she didn't forget about the gals who love their delicate bracelets and earrings. With a CV including a stint at Balmain, this girl is pretty impressive. I'm glad we didn't lose her to Paris! Shop the line at www.henriettebotha.com.
Over the summer I finally got to attend a SAXAS party! SAXAS is a fabulous South African swimwear brand offering stunning beachwear, key items and accessories. This vibrant, fun and cruelty-free label is designed by Charlotte Clark. Not only is this girlboss ambitious and gorgeous but she's had a lot of experience in the fashion industry and is super savvy to boot. The hip details on the SAXAS bikinis are fantastic; I don't know about you but even at my lowest weight, I found boring bottoms frustratingly unflattering. Delicate sides, ties and O-rings are where it's at! I personally can't wait to get my hands on the purple Sesimbra bikini.
SAXAS threw its Sexy Summer Launch together with Dura Lavora at The Glen Boutique Hotel. Dura Lavora is a distributor of overseas beauty brands and they had their Fake Bake sunless tanning products, pretty accessories and well-priced flash tattoos (finally!) on display. I drooled over their glitter Sleep-In Rollers. Gaga fierceness. The Glen Boutique Spa also joined in on the fun with its Rain products and I got to enjoy a foot massage by the pool. Ok...shopping, champagne and spa treatments, can you say summer heaven?
You too can have some swimwear fun by hosting your very own SAXAS party where you can earn commissions and free swimwear. Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page if you want to attend the next one. Time to hit the beach, babes! Xx
Last week I attended the Spree Lookboard event which showcased the leading online fashion retailer's summer showstoppers featuring designs by Shana Morland, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Ruff Tung, Thula Sindi, Adam & Eve and Ilan, just to name a few.
The prints were gorgeous and the brights were stunning. My personal favourites were the pastel statement dress by Ruff Tung and the art-inspired Bold Strokes look as seen on the model with the Paul's Boutique coral handbag. Wow! Can the stylist responsible for that please stand up? I'm guessing it was Spree's Fashion Director, Chris Viljoen. Listen, I wouldn't mind being BFFs, just saying.
Spree also launched Spree Boutique which is an online collection of garments by top South African designers. I really do love the initiative Spree takes with supporting our local talent, it's now super easy to shop SA fashion.
Thanks to Spree as well as the lovely ladies pictured above; Jasna, Tegan and Fatima. I had a great time checking out what's in store for summer. You can shop Spree at spree.co.za
It's my birthday month and I want to share the love by giving away my favourite kind of gift, jewellery. First up, I've partnered with the charming Yellow Jewellery who want to give a lucky reader this beautiful crystal bullet necklace.
"Yellow is an experiment that fuses things of old function with art, creating from the already made and changing the function. The aim is to create a physical representation of an idea that is wearable. It's an experiment to stimulate curiosity, a concept turned into a fully functional piece of art. The medium is the message and it is called yellow."
Here's how to win:
- Like on Yellow Jewellery on Facebook
Then
- Comment on this post with your name and email address
Or
The competition closes on May 22nd. Good luck!
Last December South African wife and mother, Yasmeen Bhamjee Moosa had a great idea. Like most of us, she loved shoes so, having given up work as an attorney, she decided to embark on her passion to manufacture limited quality footwear in accordance with the latest European trends. Today, she's opened online store Strut 24 for the woman who's on trend but is looking for something unique.
"The name Strut is synonymous with leaving an impression, making a mark so to speak and 24 is personal in that it's my birthdate but also because of the online store, it allows one to shop 24 hours of the day and in turn suggests that Strut shoes are amazing enough to be worn for 24 hours of the day!"
All of the styles are named after the women in her family who have supported her on her journey to realise her dream and only 12 pairs are made per style so girls can be sure they're getting something exclusive. I just found Yasmeen's story so inspiring and her shoes are awesome. Sisters are doin' it for themselves! The nude heel with gold detail is going on my Christmas list for sure. Psst, boyfriend...
Check out Strut 24 to see all the styles, I think there are some great investment pieces. They also deliver nationally via courier for free. I can't wait to see how this brand grows, they're aiming to expand to handbags and belts for next season.
Designers Zeane Singer and Tamaryn Connacher know all about creating beautiful clothes which is why I'm so excited to share their line that they debuted late last year, Lyla & Kath. I just love when two designers work together because I really feel like their garments say a whole lot more; mixed aesthetics ensure fresh perspectives and well-thought out pieces. Here's what the girls had to say about their seminal collection:
An amalgamation of antique design and contemporary sensibility, the impetus of their work derives from the aspiration towards a haute-couture-ready-to-wear garment. Characterized by its frivolousness, Lyla & Kath galvanizes a consciousness towards joyfully optimizing each dusk & dawn. With an equal emphasis on sophistication, everyday is shaped by a sense of empowerment.
Inspired by natural form & structuralism, Lyla & Kath’s visual agenda leaps from the dialogue between flirtatious textures & elegant tone. This hand tailored collection features one-of-a-kind pieces; artworks in garment form.
Lyla & Kath is stocked at The Bromwell Boutique Mall, 250 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Be sure to check out their facebook page to keep updated!
AnnaJonesApparel.com and Acid Pony are giving my readers the chance to win this cute "Bitches be trippin" tee and Indie-Anna & Jones navy cut out dress. I asked them to tell me about their labels and here's what they said...Acid Pony has swag for days. We're an edgy street wear label, incorporating contemporary quirky designs and reworked vintage clothing. With a “tongue in cheek” attitude and some retro nostalgia, you’re gonna love to hate us.
Annajonesapparel.com's philosophy is to promote local designers and brands to a local and worldwide audience by giving them online exposure. An integral part of this philosophy is to communicate with local designers and brands the importance of having an online presence in today’s fashion environment.
I'm loving their clothes, if you are too, here's how to win:
- Like on Annajonesapparel.com on Facebook
- Comment on this post with your full name and email address
The competition closes 29 May. Good luck!
Tee - random
Accessories - Sass Diva
Skirt - Space Station (fo realz, remember?)
Creepers - Bronx
I bought this top at some random store in Greece and the über legit screen print is already coming off. Obnoxious attitude, not giving a fuck and doing whatever the hell you want. Make me custom glitter rollerskates and I will fall in love with you for a day. Do we have a deal?
