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:

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.

Oh Deer. . .

With spring just around the corner, I’m already fooling myself into thinking I don’t need that extra pair of tights underneath my jeans when I go out (I do, by the way).  I do like to keep hopeful and I’m always looking forward, especially when it comes to fashion and trends.  Prints, as we all (should) know are huge and will continue to be during spring, but another important print trend is the single, bold image.  This kind of print is a single graphic illustration on a t shirt, dress or bag rather than a repeat pattern over the whole area.

These kinds of prints are definitely more subjective as your personality will be the final decider on what kind of print you’d go for.  This could be a favourite band, a poetic word and image, an artsy line drawing, an abstract image or a funny copy.  Because there are so many different personality types, there are a lot of different graphic images out there for each or most markets.  A definite trend image this coming season, however, will be the deer.

Quick Silver

Yeah, I know, kind of arb, but the dear is an image that works nicely with the folksy-hipster trend that’s been making its way through fashion lately.  The sparrow, if you remember, has been a strong image in fashion for a while now appearing in repetitive print, large illustrations, accessories and even tattoos.  This coming season however, I predict that bird to have flown making way for the new ‘it’ animal – the dear old deer.

BetterStayTogether from DaWanda

For the boys too

If picked up quickly enough, this trend should extend into accessories like earrings, pendants and brooches.  Enjoy the quirky trend and please send me any images of deer prints you own or have spotted.

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.

Grown-Up Friendship Bracelets

I was never one for friendship bracelets.  That could have been due to my inherent style from birth or because I had horrible friends and missed out on a valuable stage in life, but I like to think it’s the first.  I do find the recent adult friendship bracelets trend just charming though.  It suits my wannabe 70’s hippie style and a few would work perfectly with my OppiKoppi entrance bracelet this year.

Don’t be fooled though, friendship bracelets aren’t free home-made gifts from friends like they used to be. Designer bracelets can cost you a pretty penny.  An Alyssa Norton bracelet (as seen above) can cost you $240 dollars, while an Aurélie Bidermann (as seen below) design can cost you between $250 and $670 a piece.  Ouch. They are pretty though, aren’t they?

There are alternatives to selling your body for new jewellery.  Scocha, an Australian born New York designer, creates simpler, elegant version (below) for as little as $25 a bracelet and she promises to send your friend one too - for free!  I think it’s a great idea and sticks to the spirit behind the design inspiration. 

For an even cheaper option and that more personal touch, Honestly. . . wtf has an entire blog post on how to make your own version of the Aurélie Bidermann friendship bracelet.  I’m so trying it out for OppiKoppi! 

Top Image: Jak & Jil

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 

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 

Geek Gone Chic

T shirt design by threadless

The Geek trend is not as strong this season as it was last but the style is still being integrated into our current trends through a more delicate use of accessories.  I have a thing for geeky boys and the modest use of these items help communicate parts of your personality such as intellect, a love of computer games or your complete Harry Potter book collection.

asianfashion.com

Nerd glasses are still seen being worn by fashion leaders in the streets.  Glassless frames are an easy way to brighten up an outfit or add a touch of personality.  Don’t feel embarrassed wearing glasses that serve no purpose other than to add to your wardrobe, you’re fashion forward, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Linea Pelle Collection

Briefcase bags are also a great item to have this season. If you’re not too keen on a briefcase bag, remember that any top handle bag fits this trend too. Fill your bag with oodles of lipstick and blush if you’re a poser or stock up on sharp objects in preparation for the zombie apocalypse – they’ll never know.

Suno Designs

Mixed prints used to be a faux pas, it was definitely a tip my mom raised me on: “Never wear two different prints in one outfit!”  That rule has been thrown out of the window this season.  Ignorance is bliss, so throw a few patterns together and have fun.

Remember that these trends are just a fragrance to your outfit, don’t overdo it by mixing them all together.  Let your inner geek out and have fun!

P.S. Speaking of being a geek, aren’t these just the coolest fridge magnets? And that’s coming from a BlackBerry addict. . .

That New 70s Show

It’s always riveting to see how fashion is re-fitted, revamped and revived for new use in a new decade.  This decade sees the revival of the psychedelic 70s.  I was hardly a twinkle in my mom’s puberty-stricken eyes during this time, but I’ve seen pictures - it looked awesome.

With my calendar jam-packed with arts and music festivals, I can’t wait to get my hands on some of the key pieces that make up the trend. See the return of flowing sheer blouses, midi and maxi skirts, denim shirts, giant hats, leather, high waists and patterns galore!

Yes, I said denim shirts. DON’T PANIC! I realise denim shirts usually spark up images of people of Walmart, but if worn properly, denim can be your best friend (once again).  Just make sure denim is an accessory to your outfit rather than a base, such as denim shirts worn as light jackets, denim waistcoats or jeans (preferably bellbottoms).  I wouldn’t go far as suggesting you unpack your long denim skirts (don’t…) but the fabric is making a reappearance in its most classic form.

Flowing blouses will be a go-to piece within this wardrobe, easily made feminine with floral patterns or a little more masculine when teamed with denim, waistcoats or belts. Opt for more streamline versions of the maxi or midi skirts to achieve a completely 70s inspired look, fuller skirts may be too 1950s for this look.

Accessorise this look with headbands, leather satchels, brogues and high waisted shorts - which should already make up some of your wardrobe – and enjoy!

Image © Jamie Nelson