Head Gear!

Yes its winter and it’s freezing outside, but that doesn't mean your head has to get cold as well, however it also doesn't mean that beanies are the only way to keep warm! Not to say that there aren't some fabulous beanies out there but there are more ways of keeping your head warm. This winter it’s time to invest in some beanies, fedoras and bucket hats. Not only is it a practical way of keeping your head warm but you can also switch up your look by adding personality and it’s a great accessory.

 I have personally invested in a couple of beanies and hats but I am still asking myself why am I not yet a proud owner of a bucket hat, yes I’ve borrowed one for a day from a friend and I loved it but I need to add it to my shopping list. If you are looking to invest in some head gear now would be the perfect time to start as Cotton On has a huge sale and they’re selling their beanies for only R 50. But there is practically a sale everywhere so go out there and add head gear to your shopping list!

Everywhere you go everyone has a beanie on but that’s not the only way to go,whether you are going for the cozy look or if you are looking to switch up your look there is something out there for you to match your style.

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo 

QnA With Butan

It all started with their first t-shirt being printed in 2001 however at that time they didn’t believe that it would lead them to where they are today. It was their love for design, hip hop and street culture that inspired them to start a brand which we have come to know as Butan. Their passion for hip hop and street culture are expressed through their garments and it is because of their passion that they have truly become a brand which brings together the love of hip hop and street culture into one garment.

Butan is more than just a brand but they are a movement, they have become an integral part of South African Street Culture, their involvement in street culture and in all of its aspects have made them more than just a clothing label therefore their movement is promoted and expressed through their garments.

They don’t believe that any of the local street wear brands are competitors to each other, although they are all in the process of building a truly large market that they can all cater for their biggest competitors are established brands from overseas who have huge marketing budgets that have already penetrated the market and convinced the consumer of their products and brand. Their mission is to change the perception that the local market is inferior to the international counter parts.

They draw inspiration from everything around them, as their designs are just a reflection of their experiences in contemporary South Africa, mixed with things that influenced them when they were growing up. Their ranges have a strong influence of African heritage, popular culture from the 80’s and 90’s and most definitely a lot of reference to the golden era of hip hop. They are highly conceptual designers and it is very important for them to include strong messages in everything that they do therefore their photography concepts generally run in line with the themes of their ranges.

 Their perception of their label by other people is different to how they see themselves. They realise that they are still at the beginning of their journey and they have set very high goals for themselves which they believe is not a bad thing as it keeps them from being complacent.  

Their business is their passion and they love it so much that there is nothing else they would rather do that even in their spare time they tend to work. However when they do go shopping they shop at stores which stock their brand which is Shesha, Revolution and Dope store in the Johannesburg CBD and they usually buy the occasional pair of bottoms and kicks since they do make their own clothes.

Their lives have changed tremendously; they didn’t anticipate the workload that comes with building your own brand and business. The clothing industry is a rough and highly competitive environment but they love what they do and their work is their hobby so it makes it that much easier to cope with, “I guess we haven't gotten the riches that everyone is dreaming of but surely that will also come with time.” They advise anyone getting into the fashion industry to “Do your research and planning before you do anything and don't go into this industry if you are looking for an easy ride.”

Top 3 Questions!

Which piece of clothing item do you believe is a necessity and one cannot live without?

My boxer shorts. Can't be going commando in 2014.

·         What’s your winter style tip for the ladies and gents out there?

Keep warm in style, so make sure to go out and cop yourself one of our crew necks, hoodies, beanies and sweatpants.

·         What do you think of South African Street Culture fashion?

SA street culture and street wear are growing fast and there are so many brands popping up left right and centre. These are really exciting times and I'm sure that SA street wear will soon be a force to be reckoned with, locally and internationally.

You can Purchase their items at any of the following stores: 

• Shesha
• Revolution 
• and Dope Store

For more information you can visit their Website: http://butanwear.com/ 
Follow them on Twitter @ButanWear 
And Check them out on Instagram :@butanwear

Happy Shopping Guys 
 XoXo

Fashionista of the week

This week I spoke to Natasha Eniye who is also known as tashanomics. She is just a normal 19 year old trying to figure out life. She is Nigerian/British and once was residing in South Africa. She currently lives in England and will be studying Fashion at the University for the Creative Arts.

She doesn’t really have specific goals within the fashion industry of yet but she knows that she wants to be successful in whatever she decides to do in the fashion world. She is a fashion workaholic so she is always looking to help out in projects, styling and promotional work. I had the opportunity to speak to her recently and this is all there is to know about Natasha Eniye

·         You have done a few internships, which was your favourite and why?

Well I did work experience at Grazia magazine when I was seventeen even though it doesn't count as a full internship. I loved it there!

·         What was the best part of your job?

Definitely when I went to deliver garments back to the designer's HQ i.e David Tlale

·         Who inspires you in terms of style?

I get inspired from anything and everything. Mostly music, people and movies. For example, Addams Family, Leandra Medine and Jesse Jo Stark.

·         If you had to invade a celebrity’s closet, which celebrity would it be (Internationally and locally)?

Nicole Richie

·         Where do you usually do your shopping and which is your favourite brand?

Normally online really don't have a favourite one because each brand has something different to offer but these are my favourites: Zara, Asos, theoutnet, weekday, ebay, cos, Topshop

·         Which item of clothing do you believe is a necessity and one cannot live without?

Definitely a leather jacket, I wouldn’t be able to survive without one in my wardrobe. 

·         What’s your winter style tip for the ladies and gents out there?

Layer & Coats. That is all!

·         What is the biggest mistake anyone can make in terms of style this winter?

There is never a mistake for anyone regarding their style. Just try things on, whatever you think won't go might work!

·         In your spare time, when you aren’t working, what do you love doing?

Discovering new places, baking and shopping. 

·         Now that you’ve moved to the UK what do you think of their street culture?

Love it! Its like tumblr on the street.

·         What do you think of South African Street Culture fashion?

I love it too! Trevor Stuurman really captures everything so well that you can't help but love it.

·         Which is your favourite hangout place and why?

Hangout place? lol um I don't have one,not even going to try and sound cool.

·         Which is your Favourite Fashion Magazine?

No Cigar magazine

·         What are you currently doing?

Traveling and exploring the UK

·         What advice do you have for people wanting to get into the Fashion industry?

Well just get out there more, get experiences in all areas! That will be the only way that you will learn about life and find yourself.

·         Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Hmmmm… Well I would be 24, so hopefully getting to the stage in my life where I am close to being engaged, have travelled to a few more places and knowing fully what I want to do with my life.

The fashion industry should be ready for Natasha as she will soon be a force to reckon with in the industry and there is no stopping her now!

You can catch up with Natasha on one of her blogs: www.tashanomics.tumblr.com
                                                                               www.thatissoeniye.blogspot.com
You can follow her as well on Instagram : @Tashanomics 
You can also follow her on twitter :           @Tashanimocs 

Happy Shopping Guys 
XoXo

Street Culture

The South African Fashion industry is an industry which is growing and becoming a community of its own. Even our street culture is also becoming interesting and it’s taking on a life of its own. Each time you hit the streets of South Africa you see different interpretations of style and you get to see different people experimenting with fashion in their own ways. When I asked Mahlatse. J about our street culture he said  that “We have a strong sense of street culture here in South Africa, unfortunately we also work too hard trying to define what we think is authentic and somehow end up jeopardising personal references. As much as I respect uniformity, great style is best worn with rationale.”

There is no doubt that our street culture is growing and is increasingly becoming a movement of its own and in the spirit of celebrating our street culture I have had the privilege to have a QnA with the well-known brand Butan who have become an integral part of our South African Street Culture. It was their love for design, hip hop and street culture that inspired them to start a brand which we have come to love and respect. So Lookout for this week Fridays QnA as it is one that is not to be missed. 

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo 

Print of the season

Plaid is the print for the season. We often see plaid as a representation for the grunge look however it’s not always that we appreciate it as a trend in its own lead, and this season it’s the leader of all prints, well that’s what I think since I am currently in love with it and you cannot go shopping without running into it. 

Plaid is not only available in its popular colours; Black and Red or Black and White but it’s also available in other colours, mostly darker colours. It also does not only make an appearance in skirts and shirts only, but it’s also featured in items such as coats, so you can be bold and make a statement with the print.

So whether you decide to go big with the trend or wear the plaid shirt as an accessory around your waist, the trend adds personality to any look and it’s up to you as to how you interpret it. 

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo

QnA with Mahlatse James

This week was a very exciting week for me as I spoke to Mahlatse James who has over the years grown within the Fashion Industry and today he is known as a creative consultant. He’s career started when he became a columnist for www.iFashion.co.za and ever since then he has become a well-known figure in the industry he is even PUMAS brand ambassador and he gets to wear almost all of the limited edition stuff. (Speak about a fashion dreamJ)

When I asked him what is his favourite part of his job he said that it’s the fact that he gets to deal with clothes all day, every day and he is of course living the dream. He was raised by people who love and appreciate good clothes. Both of his late parents instilled in him at a very young age the infinite ways to communicate through outfit choices. However If given the chance he would invade Mr Felipe Mazibuko’s closet as his take on fashion is beyond brilliant and his list for international influences is endless.

Something we may not know about MJ is that he is a bit of a foodie and in his spare time he usually goes out with friends to have great food and drinks in a relaxed environment. He loves the outdoors, especially spending some time out in the sun, he is likely to hang out in the open air markets and at night he becomes one with the dance floor either downtown Jo’burg, Braamfontein, Rosebank and sometimes Sandton, he is truly Eclectic in that regard. He doesn’t have just one favourite Fashion Magazine, in no particular order, he enjoys going through issues of GQ (SA and UK copies), company Vintage Vogue, In Style and Of Course Marie Claire

Recently He featured in GQ’s Style Diary, his most favourite part was literally when he reeled out his entire closet to pick what he thought would best work for this opportunity. He lives for the thrill of putting together clothes, be it for himself, a client or for a friend, so styling a total of 10 completely different looks for his GQ style diary was all sorts of fun.

His advice this winter is to not take the common layering exercise to seriously as great style is best executed through smart usage of texture and in his opinion we should have a good collection of accessories, to transform an outfit into anything he also suggests that we should invest in expert advice and always be able to explain why we wear certain items. He also suggests that we should always try to shop alone, that way we will be honest about what we really wish to appear.

He advises that whoever wishes to join in the fashion industry must go right ahead. Nothing trumps passion and the pie is big enough for all kinds of strengths.

When I asked where he sees himself in the next 5 years this is what he had to say, “I often declare that beyond being a budding business man, I am actually a business man. Get it? So if the universe wills it; in the next 5 years I am likely to be a better version of me. As a person in this thriving industry, I defiantly will have made and unavoidable mark” 

To stand a chance to win a Sunglass Hut voucher to the value of R1000 all you have to do is you vote for his winter style on his blog Please see the link here below:

http://www.innercirclesunglasshut.co.za/win-shades-of-winter/

You can also follow him on Twitter: @MahlatseJ

Why don't you check out his blog as well : mjandstuff.wordpress.com

This was truly a great experience for me.

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo 

Back Packing!

The back pack trend has become a very popular trend and I love it. Not only is it a comfortable way to carry all your stuff but it’s a great way to make your look interesting. Whether you’re going for a simpler look or you want a statement bag, there’s a back pack out there for you and each back pack adds personality to your look. 

Once you’re hooked on this trend there’s no turning back, especially if you’re like me and you’re constantly looking for comfort.

My first back pack I ever owned was a simple washed out denim one and my cousin brought it for me from Cape Town, but I couldn’t get enough of this trend and so I went out shopping to add to my collection and I must say I am pretty proud of my collection (Talk about dedication J )

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo 

Shopping List

I am loving what I see when I hit the mall these days, unfortunately I cant buy everything, so here is this weeks Shopping List and hopefully I will be able to get these items the next time I go shopping!

Mr Price 

Edgars 

Foschini 

Nails 

Happy Shopping Guys

XoXo

Sweaters!

So I am guessing winter is upon us meaning that is time to invest in some good sweaters (Yay!) I absolutely love sweaters and not only because they are comfortable but because they are versatile, whether you decide to wear them with leggings or jeans, sweaters are good to go  and you can fit them into any look. I especially love Over-sized Sweaters as they give me a cozy feeling especially when paired with warm leggings. However lately I have been loving sweaters from Cotton On, Factorie and Mr Price.

Personally I love wearing sweaters with skater skirts when I am going out but I often wear them with whatever looks good 

For a more comfy look you can always wear your favourite sweater with a knitted bottom or plain leggings 

I also love sweaters cause you can either dress them up or dress them down

Sweaters are just one of the reasons why I love winter 

Happy Shopping Guys

XoXo

All things Nails

So what would a girl be without perfect nails. Recently I have started obsessing over nails and I am especially loving the winter trends

You Can either go to Mr Price for your Weekly DIY Nail Fix :) Like I usually do

Velvet was my ultimate Favorite

I also usually go for:

Or you could also try out these 2 colours which I have come to Love! 

 

And we have to look out for 

Whatever you decide to do, just remember to have fun!

Happy Shopping
XoXo