Fitflop: Fashionable Fitness

I have two confessions to make today.  Firstly, when it comes to fashion, I’ll confess that comfort isn’t my first requirement.  Being physically comfortable is definitely an important part of wearing an outfit properly but personally, I find myself happy to go through a little bit of pain for some fashionable-gain.  I never seem to get that same philosophy right with exercise however.  A few hours a week of discomfort (panting, sweating and a tomato-red face) in the gym should equal a lifetime of never having to worry about clothes not fitting.  The theory is fool proof and is hardly a dent on my daily schedule, yet I never seem to make the time for it.

Fitflop™, an English brand, promises to provide consumers with a stylish shoe that is both comfortable and gives your legs (and bum) a good work out.  Here’s where my second confession comes in, I was very sceptical of the promises fit flop made.  Strangely enough, my scepticism had very little to do with their promise of comfort and a reasonably good work out, that all seemed logical and their findings and evidence are quite compelling. The part I was sceptical about was the idea that a ‘work-out while you walk shoe’ could have any hope of being fashionable.

I can honestly say that the brand has blown me and my scepticism away. Their sneakers and boots are to beg for.  The platinum sneakers, my favourite colour in the Suptertone™ Sneaker range, are outrageously self-assured with their bold colour and their thicker-than-usual soles bring about a comforting nostalgia of the 90’s Doc Martin.

Their boots are also a great find with their comfortably-chic look.  The style of the boot doesn’t try to hide the fact that they were made to be comfy and instead uses the overindulgently-cosy look to balance the fashion appeal.

If being pretty wasn’t already enough to sell me on any shoe brand, they are truthfully the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn.  I happen to own a pair of both the platinum Supertone™ Sneakers as well as a chocolate brown pair of the Mukluk™ Boots.   My boots have replaced my slippers as the most comfortable footwear in my closet, my feet feel like they’re walking on marshmallows.  The best part is that if I’d like to get out of the house, all I'd need to do is slip my boots over a pair of tights and throw on a cute dress.

My platinum Supertone™ Sneakers were recently put to the test with a pub crawl on Long Street and I’m proud to say they were there for me throughout all the walking, all the alcohol and even all the stupid dancing.  They’re my new wingman.

If you’d like to try a pair of fitflops™ out, the best time to do it would be now. Their 20% off all boots and sneaker sale has started today and lasts until the 28^th of August!  If their sale still isn’t enough to convince you to give the brand a try, enter their competition and you could be the proud owner of a pair of Supertone™ Sneakers!  Five pairs of red, white, black or platinum Supertone™ Sneakers are up for grabs and are worth R1 195 each!

Below, feel free to have a look a short fitflop video describing the brand and its benefits.

Think MinkPink

I've found another one! Yep, another Australian brand to make my life happy in winter.  They're called MinkPink and until I visit New York, I think I'll heart them most.  Their free-spirited designs are comfortably chic, totally my mood at the moment.  Gone are the days of squeezing into, pushing up or flattening anything when getting dressed.  Layers, patterns, materials and colours are all you need this season to get your look going.

The fall/winter 2011 collection is a collaboration of cowboys and hippies, a meeting I know I've dreamed of since I was five.  The looks keep festival fashion in mind, bringing about thoughts of Woodstock, Coachella and of course OppiKoppi (If you haven't noticed by now, I'm quite excited for that last one).

I love the use of hats, shearling, patterns, knits and scarves as headbands to add personality to the looks.  Both collections are very laid back in essence but pack a definite punch.  Who could say no to an outfit with "oomph".

Mink Pink can be found at Stuttafords nationwide, making this Australian brand accessible! Yes! Their newer collections have already been released, so if you'd like to get excited for the warmer months coming, check out the upcoming spring/summer collections or improve your current mood with the fall/winter collections. I heart MinkPink.

Peculiarly Pretty Parasols

In order to get myself used to the freakish weather in Cape Town (yes, rain in winter is most commonly described as “freakish”), I’ve decided to surrender myself to love.  No, not the squishy boy-girl, girl-girl, boy-boy kind of love.  The fashion kind of love.  No weather in the world will ever make me hate having to get dressed in the morning, so instead I’ll just find myself inspirational pieces that suit the season.

Today I came across these peculiarly pretty parasol skirts by Italian designer Cecilia Felli.  She uses old or used umbrellas to create these quirky items, great for the rainy days in Cape Town.  

The pleats, patterns and palette attract me immediately!  This skirt can also act as a great ice-breaker story for that other kinda squishy love.

Fashionably Freezing - Part II

The next layer on our list of fashionably freezing items is the Jacket.  Yes, jackets are different to coats, they’re smaller and can be used in summer too.  This layer is generally more fashionable as it’s the main showcase to your outfit after you’ve walked in doors and checked your coat.  Three styles are very hot this season, military inspired jackets, blazers and denim jackets.  Jackets don’t need to be as big an investment as coats, cheaper variations are great because that means more options for the season.  I own all three types, but if you’re a sucker for a specific trend, invest wisely and the item could be a staple in your wardrobe for seasons to come.

Military

Military styles are usually brought on by impending conflicts around the world and recently, we haven’t stopped having those.  The trend for the moment however seems to be brought on more for a fight for peace than a support of conflict.  Take a leaf out of Jimi Hendrix’s book and team your military jacket with a peace-loving hippie inspired outfit.  Skinny jeans, headbands and flowing necklaces all contradict the strong lines in a complimentary way.

Blazer

The blazer’s been going on strong for a while now and I’ve found myself with three or four different colours or styles in my wardrobe.  If you’re new to the blazer trend, opt for a dark gray or black item as it’ll suit most of your wardrobe.  If you’ve been a trooper since last season, I’d suggest looking for some fun new shades to play with in your wardrobe like olive green, royal blue or candyfloss pink.

Avoid double breasted blazers as this look can become too seasonal (wintery) and opt for full length sleeves as these can always be rolled or folded up for a preppier look (Miami Vice) or let down to protect you from the elements.

Denim

Coming from a farm, I find this hill-billy-esque look just adorable.  It’s a more structured section of the 70s I find everyone is enjoying this season.  The denim jacket can add so much character to a look and can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out.  Both men and women are enjoying this trend making it the new “boyfriend jean”.

Skirts, smart slacks, dresses, work shirts, t shirts – team it with anything, it’s denim! We all own one or have at one stage, but not all of them suit this current trend.  Look out for a more traditional blue denim or even a stonewash, not so much black or green tones.  If you’re wary of the trend, look for classic comfortable cuts that don’t have too many design details like large buttons or intricate stitching.  Alternatively, give the denim shirt trend a try.

For the more thrifty at heart, mix the styles up with a denim military jacket.  Two for the price of one!

Images: lookbook • weheartit 

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

Modernized Nostalgia

It’s my first winter in Cape Town and as far as I understand, every day should be like today – overcast, raining, windy and cold.  When I’m engulfed in weather like this my first instinct is to wear gray.  Although gray is an awesome colour that goes with everything, don’t let your winter be colourless.  Colour should be celebrated this winter and it comes to us in a reinvented vintage.  With the world ending, the economy crashing and natural disasters happening every other week, people are yearning for the simplicity of the good ol’ days.

In conjunction with the brilliant people at Pantone, these are my top three colour schemes for this winter: Burnished Nectar, Champagne Royale and Lipstick Topiary.

Burnished Nectar

Pink has been at the top of everyone’s colour list for the past few seasons and it’s not moving down anytime soon.  Windsor Wine, Pink Nectar and Burnished Lilac erupt in memories of my five year old self shuffling around my grandmother’s house in her heels and scarves.  The feminine colours have an elegantly grounded feel to them, making it easy to go girly or be boyish.

Champagne Royale

Gentian Violet, Port Royale and Champagne Beige exude nothing but royalty this winter.  Don’t be fooled by Royal Blue, purple is the imperial colour of the season and it demands the attention of your subjects.  Depending on your personality, dress top to toe in the regal colour or accent with accessories.  Either way, make sure to include your champagne, be it the colour or the drink.

Lipstick Topiary

Garden parties might not be ideal in this kind of weather, but hot tea and biscuits are always in season.  Lipstick Red, Garden Topiary and Gunmetal emanate attitude and are essential for any occasion.  For a safe look, accent a gray outfit with green accessories and a bit of red lipstick or go bold with gray only making an appearance as your jewellery.

Whether you decide to go for colour blocking or subtle accenting, enjoy winter this year with a bit more personality.

Images used for colour palettes sourced from We Heart It.

100% Koton

At this time of year, I absolutely hate being bombarded by gorgeous fashion magazine covers from England, Italy, USA, France and more with their excitement for Spring finally arriving.  Blah blah blah, the bastards, I want to be warm.  However, after having said this, I recently came across Turkish brand Koton and they’re totally on our side.  I’m in love with their Spring 2011 Collection which could easily work for the South African autumn.  Obviously, ordering from them isn’t in my budget, but if you have the resources, why not be as stylishly dressed as the rest of the world (while still being warm).

The collection unites the structured-flowing lines of the 70s (totally in right now), a defined silhouette and a pastel palette, which is thankfully still going strong.  I say thankfully, because this means I won’t have to get rid of half of my (now pastel) wardrobe.

Here’s a taste of some of their collection, with more shots available here. 

Just Lovin' Somedays

Australian brand Somedays Lovin has me all excited for the upcoming season I’ve been blatantly ignoring for the past few days.   The change to winter is never a smooth transition for me as I try live in denial for as long as possible, but brands like this get me packing my bikinis away and searching for my (faux) fur and cowboy hats (yes, plural).

Their Autumn and Winter lookbooks play on a sultry version of “Cowboys and Indians” (or Cops and Robbers as I knew it) with rich prints and earthy browns.  I absolutely love the collection and how the two seemingly contradictory styles complement each other so perfectly.

Somedays Lovin designer Jaye Leigo had this to say about the collection:

"My debut collection is a mash up of everything I’m loving, deep textural feather plumages, an obsession with vintage lace and a slight respectful nod to Slim Aarons who has the innate ability to capture divine private moments and then make them frozen in time."

Check out their Autumn/Winter 2011 lookbook here