Balloons - The Lazy Stylist's Best & Worst Prop.

We've seen them used a thousand times and often very, very badly. They're a quick pop of colour and an obvious indication of the 'cute' fashion story about to proceed but sometimes the more talented among us get it right.

As a lazy stylist (and blogger), here are a few fashion editorials where balloons are used well.

Spring Trend: Paradise Found

White lapel sleeveless shirt $36.64, SheInside; Illesteva Leonard sunglasses $165, net-a-porter;  Le Silla black pumps R4 776, STYLEBOP.com; Tropical mini skirt £14.99, Mango.

Bold, tropical prints and hothouse florals are the second in this series of Spring/Summer 2012 trends.  These bold, primary prints are hitting the South African shores and are a refreshing change from the pastel, micro-floral designs of the last few seasons.

The prints are available in a host of themes, channeling the palm trees of Florida, the hibiscus of Hawaii and of course, the South African sunset,  all available in an array of dark, soft, busy and modest prints to suit your personal style.

Lucky Magazine April 2012

The tropical print is, however, a dangerous one to pull off and comes with a few strict rules. . .

OppiKoppi Sweet Thing Style

OppiKoppi is just around the corner and panic amongst the Koppi-Maagde has started to spread.  Last year, I mentioned all the shit you need for koppi - a styled but practical approach to the festival - which included all the basics you'll need to survive OppiKoppi and still look good.  

OppiKoppi is hard and it's dirty, it's not a wannabe fashion show like some "other" festivals I've been to. However... being a self-proclaimed OppiKoppi Veteran and a local Limpopoeen (Limpopian?), I do have a few secrets for the more daring dressers who'd like not only to add that little bit of style to a dirty festival, but also avoid all the festival trends that just aren't that into you anymore. Here are the Do's and Don'ts for OppiKoppi SweetThing:

Mr Price Online

Yes enticing caption image, it is all about to happen. Mr Price, South Africa's "all-rounder", is now going online.  This means that all of you stuck out in the sticks, car-less or just general haters of other human beings can shop Mr Price fashion - all of Mr Price fashion - from the comfort of your own PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

To some of you this isn't news and I'm sure to many of you this isn't interesting news, but for those of us who absolutely hate the idea of having to communicate with other human beings, online shopping is wonderful.  Even if you don't use the shopping services, you can have a quick look and see what's going on, what's available, what's trendy and just how much damage will be caused to your bank account should you (inevitably) give in.

Mr Price online will deliver anywhere in South Africa for only R35 and for those of us who don't have credit cards (for my own safety, in my case), you have the option of paying via debit card, EFT or even cash on delivery.

Sneak Peak from Mr Price Fashion

Mr Price's online store goes live on the 30th of July (That's next week Monday!) so either get your finances ready or hide them very well, because this is going to get crazy.

Follow Mr Price Fashion on twitter

All images: Mr Price

via timeslive

Spring Trend: Coral & Seafoam

It always seems like as soon as I've found my stride with a season's trends, another one starts and it's time to pack away all the clothes I've learned to love. With spring just around the corner and my summer clothes slowly emerging, I've decided to prepare myself this time 'round. Over the next few months I'll be updating SugarSolidTush with some of the top trends for the upcoming season, how to wear them and where to find them.

I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker

Photographer: Kassandra De Araújo

Hiar & Makeup: Kristy/ Smudge Makeup

Stylist: Jordan Leschinsky

Model: Alida

The Fab, Fab Ciraolo

Judy Garland as Dorothy

Fab Ciraolo, a Chilean illustrator currently living and working in Santiago,  is an artist who creates commonly magnificent pieces inspired by the many icons and images stored in his sponge-like brain.

Silent Spring

Ana Ljubinković's Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook has me lusting for anything with pearl detailing or a scalloped hem this spring.  The Serbian designer's "Silent Spring" collection has a strong, structured feel along with it's dainty, recherché colour and print selection.

Swimming in the Rain

As usual, I'm completely off-season.  Working in the magazine industry means working months ahead and at the moment we're on a Spring high for September.  I absolutely hate being cold and cannot wait for Summer to start again, so while it pours down outside, here are some beautiful images by Alexander Neumann showcasing the summer I'm constantly dreaming of.