Fashionably Freezing - Part I

Don’t fret people, just because it’s exceptionally unbelievably freaking insanely implausibly toe-curlingly damn cold doesn’t mean we have to dress like the Michelin man to be warm.  I know it sounds crazy, but there are ways to bundle up without bulking up.  This is the first in a series of advice on how to dress stylishly this winter starting from the outside in.

The first and most important step to take this winter is to invest in a good coat.  This will be your staple for the season so make sure it’s a classic shape that suits your body type and goes with and over everything.  Opt for neutral colours like black or charcoal that won’t clash with anything and buy the right size.  Women often freak out having to buy a size or two bigger than usual but your coat needs to go over layers so get over it and do it right.  I promise the check-out lady is looking at the price, not the size.

Coat trends for this season include high collars (fashionable and practical!), military, shearling trims, camel and capes.  Country Road has some great capes in store at the moment, Woolies has gone military mad and shearling trims can be found almost everywhere and on almost anything (loving it on boots).

Because your coat will cover most of your outfit when you’re outdoors, you could become bored or irritated with it, don’t worry – accessories are here for you.  Scarves, beanies, brooches and gloves are a great way to change your coat’s look.  Go el-cheapo on these items, it means more choice and less guilt - guilt that could be better spend on warm croissants and hot chocolate.

Stay tuned for more advice on winter dressing.  Jackets, boots, bottoms, accessories and layering tips coming soon!

Images: weheartit • Harpers Bazaar Spain • Lookbook • Style.com

5 Things You Should Stop Wearing

It’s difficult enough trying to figure out what’s still in fashion, what’s going out, what’s a trend and what’s a fad.  Because it can be hard to keep up with all the do’s of the season, here are some don’ts that should help relieve your morning dressing dramas (and my judgemental eyes).

Boob tubes

Boob tubes had their time but it’s over now, so stop it.  There’s no doubt they’re cool, comfortable and easy to wear in summer but the silhouette just isn’t in anymore.  No, it’s not just because it’s winter and you’d be silly to expose your shoulders in this weather.  It’s because the vintage, nostalgic and predominantly wistful feel to the season just doesn’t have room for the unflattering cut. If you are planning on going strapless though, opt for a sweetheart cut instead.

Chandelier Earrings

Don’t be depressed ladies, they had their time and it’ll be back soon, just not right now.  Once again, the silhouette is wrong for the season.  We’re not looking to overindulge this winter, we’re looking to entice.  Less flashy, quirkier earrings like small studs, bold buttons or brooch-like earrings are the more mysterious option for the season.   Think Audrey Hepburn. 

Gloss

As I’ve discovered, gloss is a b*tch to wear in Cape Town. With all the wind, your hair is almost guaranteed to stick to your lips and as a woman, I find it surprisingly hard to be suave with a moustache.  Gloss was huge three years ago and beyond, a quick and easy way to glam up a look without much effort or thought.  Now, eh, not so much. Matte matches the maturity of this season’s look so stock up on stains and lipsticks rather than gloss.

Rose Rings

I know, you’re shocked, “Florals are so in right now?!” They are and they’re gorgeous, but the rose ring thing was overdone. I totally fell for it too, they’re adorable and add an awesome splash of colour to your wardrobe but they don’t make the cut this season.  Don’t regret the purchase, they weren’t expensive and can sit at the back of your jewellery box till the next rose revolution.  Here are some rose-alternative options for the diehard fans.

1. Rose Ball Ring – Diva 

2. Summer Cluster Flower Ring – Accessorize 

3.  Flower and Pearl Look Stack Ring– Top Shop (they deliver to South Africa!)

Designer Sunglasses

Branding should never be the main reason behind any purchase.  Just because it says “Guess” or “Hugo Boss” on your sunglasses does not make it a good choice.  Both men and women find themselves being more adventurous with sunglasses and their colours today, opting for cheaper, no-name brands. It’s hard to keep up with the colour trends or your outfit changes when your entire eyewear budget has been blown on one designer pair so stock up with loads of colourful or neutral pairs in different shapes instead.  It’s also great for the forgetful types (one in my bag, one in my car, one at my mom’s, etc. . .)

P.S. Just in case you never got the memo, here are three things that were never in:

• Scrunchies 
• Crocs
• Nickelback 

Let's Not Get Loud

There are so many television shows that tell you what you can and cannot wear, all dependent on your age, your sex and your position in life.  None of them, unfortunately, involve a person’s personality.  Apparently, no matter who you are or what you do, when you’re a woman over 40 you’re forced to wear synthetic fabrics that cut your boobs in half, have gathers that hide your tummy and are equipped with the all-magical capped sleeves – cool but still amazing at hiding chicken wings.  There you go, your world of fashion has been defined, compressed and packaged for your convenience.

Screw that, just because you’re at a certain age or of a certain sex does not mean you have to stick to a predefined formula of A-line skirts and froggie shoes.  There are much easier ways to dress the right way for your personality that is both flattering and tells the right story.  Fashion is all about what you’re trying to say and it’s usually pretty easy to read.

A paint stained shirt usually means you’re an artist, a black slipknot shirt usually means you’re a fan of metal and an unbelievably short skirt usually spells out tart.  It’s not that hard to interpret the subtle codes of dressing.  Clothes are usually described as ‘loud’ or ‘understated’ for very important reasons.

Clothes are loud when they scream something, anything, not just a bright colour or an annoying pattern.  Wearing all pink with your name as your necklace usually screams “I’M A GIRL!”  Too much makeup and sunglasses on your head says “I’M TRYING TO BE YOUNG!” While Ed Hardy just exhales “I’M A DOUCHEBAG WITH ABSOLUTELY NO TASTE!” We realise all these things without the blaring signs.  Your boobs point out the fact that you’re a woman, the talk about your latest boy-toy helps us realise you’re still “young at heart” and the fact that you’re personality was learned from WWE is obvious without the Christian Audigier uniform.

Screaming anything to anyone is painfully irritating, it comes across as attention seeking or needy.  As with any form of communication, this applies to fashion as well.  People enjoy the mystery and subtleties involved in getting to know someone.  Laying it all out there is never attractive.

Understated is exactly the rule people need to stick to when dressing.  Don’t say too much and never over do it, in short: “don’t scare people.”  When dressing, you have the opportunity to communicate who you are to other observers.  Statement pieces like a band tshirt, vintage brooch, wayfarers or a beanie are simple items that communicate your personality.  The important guideline to remember is that these items have the potential to show your personality without screaming them.  Onlookers have the opportunity to look at you, get a small sense of who you are and decide whether or not to find out more. 

If all this advice still fails you, listen to Coco:  “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." – Coco Chanel