Out of Africa

I've just completed my African moodboard for a schoolproject I am currently working on, combining the aesthetics of Africa with the well-established brand Louis Vuitton.

This is a moodboard the menswear fashion director of Louis Vuitton, Kim Jones, recently did for the collection. You literally put on anything and everything which inspires you, and from there you add or remove things as you go along. Try it, its a nice way to actually get your creative thoughts on paper!!

I'd like to introduce you (that's if you don't know her yet) to Jessica Ogden. She has collaborated with Asos and donates 5 British pounds per item bought. Just another reason to buy one of the beautiful items.

My favourites of her items are included below:

These khaki green roll-hem trousers, casual but edgy. Get them here

These exposed lining cropped jacket, orange but also available in navy, you can get it here.

These very comfortable side panelled trousers, up for purchase here.

Quilted bomber jacket, to show your cool side. Up for grabs here.

Winter hasn't even arrived yet,

but we do already dream of and are preparing for summer...

According to Emelie Faure (BE Magazine), Natalie Hartley (Instyle Magazine) and Ann-Sofie Johansson (Head of Design at H&M) we shall be seeing pastel colours (think baby-ish), a new wave of colour blocking (post-winter style) and a very modern and grown-up look this Spring Summer season of 2012. Want more ins-and-outs? Watch the video below, or scroll down for lookbook images.

touch of orange, combined with neon turquoise

bright colours, matching outfits

pastels and cream whites

 various purple hues

neon, or creams, simple tailored dresses

japanese influences, loose fitting

Iris van Herpen 3D future haute couture

Please some attention to our own dutch fashion designer, no I must say artist Iris van Herpen!!!

With her metalwork, model-making techniques and plastic cut-outs (all borrowed from the architecture and product design world) she really blows you away on the catwalk.

Van Herpen brings fashion to another level, as the effects created were purposely reminiscent of 3D effect, and the digital world at large: glitch-inspired dresses, screensaver animation-like cropped dresses, and a weaved metallic cape so fine it created a perfect mirror!!!!! Bodices with spiked hems and hand-carved wooden dresses made the collection an unlikely choice for everyday life, but challenges the boldest of fashion followers. Her biggest fan is Lady Ga Ga.

here some impressions of her show in Paris this week;

 

The Dutch designer was invited by the French Chambre Syndicale de La Coutre, this is the institute that certifies designers to haute couturiers. Van Herpen has to show five times to become a member. At this moment the house has only eleven members including Dior and Chanel.

Unnecessary to say: We are so proud......!!!

Grace xx

Yo Parka!

Parka, not Parker (Eva Mendes' rather goodlooking ex-husband) is the ideal thing to slip on at times. Times the weather is not too cold, but not sufficiently warm enough just a t-shirt. So, what's the solution? I repeat again, parka's.

So, first one u

This popper parka by Asos, has as it suggests in the name, poppers. 

Get it here.

Burberry slightly out of your league? Fear not, an equally good-looking alternative is available by Kookai. Get it here.

To keep you from the rain (just in case the weather looks good but sadly then changes), opt for this Hilfiger Denim parka. It is waxed so will wear of the wetness. 

Get it here.

This parka deviates from what we usually think of when thinking about parka's but thats precisely why I like it. Different in a fashionably way is always good! 

Get it here.

This is absolutely my favourite. This neopreen grey parka by Asos. Love the oversized collar, so chic! 

Get it here.

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Each birthday is a celebration. Another year of life, another year of experiences (good and bad). I want to take this moment to wish the lovely Grace a very happy birthday and lots of happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

I do recommend you wearing NEON this year whenever you have anything to festively or funky, or in fact want any good reason to catch peoples attention. Trust me, neon will get you noticed!!

To hold up your trousers, or just as an accessory, try neon coloured belts. I'm loving this fluro patent skinny belt which is also lovely when you're just wearing plain dark colours (i.e all black or grey).

Get it here

Dare you go for something sheer? If so combine this semi-sheer orange blouse with black skinny trousers, or tuck it into a black pencil skirt for a dressed up look. Forget not to wear a nice bra as it will show!

Get it here

How popular the Cambridge Satchel is over here in London. An absolute must-have. Must you have yours too?

Get it here

Can't get enough of the boyfriend wardrobe. After the boyfriend jeans, the shirts are now popular attire too. Get the neon version here:

Get it here

Love, love, LOVE neon? Enough love to be finger candy? What do you think?

Get it here

With Grace's birthday in mind. A tip for a festive party dress is not out of place. Have a look at this zig-zag dress with neon details on the back!

Get it here

Being a legging-lover myself, this tunic is on the top of my wishlist. The simple detail on the neckline makes it uber-chic. And you need no necklace at all!

Get it here

Dare you only wear neon underneath it all? Then this is a beautiful funky bra for you:

Get it here

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE

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After an expensive December month, January sales are probably my favourite. Here are some direct links to shops which can gear you up from head to toe from 50% to 70% off. Be quick before your favourites dissappear quicker than you can say 'sale'! GO GO GO (just click on the logos)!

It hails, so we decorate our nails.

Yuk, we had hailstones falling today. Not. Nice. At. All.
So? What to do to fill the time? Yes! Paint those wintered nails of yours....
I treated myself to some Chanel colours (April and June as they match my skin colour best), will you do so too?? These are the 2012 spring stunners:

April (#533)

May (#535)

June (#539)

Yes, the letters H and M are part of Beckham!

So your Valentine present is obviously sorted. As well as your brother's upcoming birthday present. Don't know what I mean? Well Beckham is collaborating with H&M to bring you a bodywear assortment line.

No, this is no PR-stunt for self-promotion, Beckham has experience with underwear and is passionate about it. Afterall, he's been the face of the Emporio Armani brand for about four years (probably why he is also modelling this collection himself!).

Worry not, if you had fancied giving this sort of present for Christmas which has just passed, this collaboration is not an one-off, Beckham has been looking for a 'partner' as such to distribute his work worldwide for a period of time. 1800 H&M shops will be featuring Beckhams underwear, but hold one for just another month until February 2nd of this new year. 

Happy valentine present ideas, happy boyfriend/brother/nephew, happy 2012!!! XO

Get your basics right

Hello everyone!!

Having lacked on two posts from last Wednesday and Saturday (blame the South-African holiday), we'll have one today, tomorrow and Wednesday (oh lordy!).

Wishing you happiness, health and plenty of fashionable and inspiring moments in 2012!!

 But before you can indulge in all the goodness 2012 might bring, one needs to have their staples. And when we talk about fashionable staples, its not your daily portion or bread or rice, no
the Ten Basics one needs in their closet (wanna buy it? click on image);

1.  Trench Coat - This green one looks like a mix of Burberry and Barbour!

2.  Black Dress - or perhaps nowadays more commonly know as the LBD (little black dress). This one has a stunning open back (buy it? clik on image).

3. Black Trousers - either go for dress pants, or jeans-like material. Full-lenght or cropped.

4. Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? You will need to splurge on a good pair, that still looks great even after wearing them for a long day. 

5.White Blouse - not necessarily the standard one, you can go for this asymmetric padded type, or even something else..

6. Daytime Dress - nothing wrong with dressing up for daytime!

7. Skirt - combine a statement skirt with all-black. Or dare and get the matching top.

8. Any Occasion Top - school, college, work, dinner, traveling, dates

9. Jacket - choose a jacket which you find inspiring, and wouldn't mind wearing day after day each time combining it with different colours.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative - it's very tempting to go out looking like a slob everyday. Sweatpants are comfortable and comfortable. Try chino's instead: