Was November Carey Mulligan Style Month?

Last month we established that Freida Pinto was the 'it' style girl of October. This month I am pretty sure it is Carey Mulligan. Not only has she been named the best dressed of the year by Harpers Bazaar, but she also took her wardrobe on a bit of an outing as she promoted her latest movie with Keira Knightly and attended lots of functions.
Plus, she is somehow managing the short-hair-awkward-growing-out-phase particularly well, so she needs double props for that. Just not something a lay-person can do that well.
Also, let us not forget that November was the month that Carey was named as the actress to play Daisy Buchanan in the VERY stylish Baz Luhrmann remake of The Great Gatsby. Can. Not. Wait. For. That.

How To Do Casual Chic: Ginnifer Goodwin and Whitney Port Show Us

I will be honest, as ever. Neither of these women are on my style radar. Whitney lacks credibility and misses as often as she hits. Ginnifer is super, but I often forget about her she tends to keep to a signature style that fails to excite. Never bad, as such, just forgettable.
Until now. We all know how hard it is to do smart-casual or dress-down glamour. Or whatever the invite says that means this same thing. Looking smart, presentable and as if you have made an effort, but not looking over dressed. Sigh.
So here is the formula:
1. Expensive leather somewhere n the outfit places some value on it. You will look expensive - and your host will appreciate it.
2. Neutral shoes look more expensive too, and can be affordably purchased.
3. A skinny or slim leg jean, cargo pant or silk trouser will be comfortable and appropriate. Keep colour in the blue/green/black range and the darker it is, the more formal it will be.
4. A nice loose top, tee or blouse.
5. A leather jacket. Cropped and ladylike.
6. Add a scarf for flair. It is the perfect smart/casual accessory.
Thanks ladies!

Dannii Minogue's X-Factor Style Just Keeps Coming

I know, I know. You guys are less enthusiastic about wee Dannii's style than I am. Except Alex. She loves Dannii's style as much as I do. But just look at what outfits she has cobbled together over the past three weeks for her TV appearances. Ne'er a foot wrong and with a small boy child to look after. That's got to be some inspiration. And I just LOVE the Grecian drape of it all. Props.

Fashion As Art: Body Adornment Exhibition at the National Gallery

Last week I posted twice about art exhibitions that were fashion-based, but abroad. And then right in front of my nose, a fashion exhibition opened at the Iziko South African National Gallery. Across the road. Luckily I was on hand for the opening on the weekend.
The amazing thing about the national gallery is that they have just rehung the entire space. There are FIVE (count em) new exhibitions on there at present and it includes some of the best photography this continent has to offer. Totally worth a visit.
But for you fashion guys, well, it is a MUST. The first small exhibition is a fashion based collection called Imagining Beauty - Body Adornment including Young SA Designers. It is a bit of the winners of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Award (Black Coffee, Darkie, Craig Native) and a bit of bead work and traditional adornments and then some stuff in between. I have got to say it had me wanting a lot more. A lot. Maybe next time.
But only if we support the exhibition, support our designers and generally support SA fashion. Go and see it! Oh, and if you go tomorrow on National Aids Awareness and Emancipation Day it is free entrance...
PS: We are shooting some O Mag fashion editorial at the Iziko Natural History Museum and that warrants a visit too. You might as well if you are in the area.

SA Designers Featured in Poetry Lifestyle Store

One of my favourite local designers - that I actually buy and wear often - is a label called August. It is designed by Cape Town local Robyn Victor and I find that her pieces hit the trends without looking like anything else. And are perfectly finished. And in natural, beautiful fabrics. What's not to love?
Well apparently the powers that be at Poetry (part of the Cape Union Mart Group) feel the same way. And now Robyn, together with two other local labels Nucleus and Trinity, each have a limited collection available in Poetry stores nationwide.
First, I love big retail supporting local designers IN THEIR OWN NAME. Awesome.
Second, I love the increased diversity offered in high street stores.
Third, it is great when there is obvious synergy between the retail store's philosophy and that of the designer. In this case, all natural fabrication, ease and comfort in design, casual and pretty. It really is a seamless mix. Congrats to all concerned.
PS: You can buy these at stores now across Gauteng and the Western Cape - and then at Walmer Park in PE from next week. I would just avoid the V&A Waterfront store where the basics of customer service seem a bit amiss. Smile, engage, assist, apologise for any problems. You know. The absolute basics. But all the others are awesome.

More Michelle Obama Style: This Time It's About Secrets

If America's First Lady Michelle Obama has any special talent it is the ability to come across in any situation as a very smart, very elegant, NORMAL person. No matter what the profile of the event - Barbara Walters interviewing you and your President husband for national television for example - she manages to seem real, honest and without artifice.
Well to a point, of course.
It is an interesting conundrum when your 'honesty' includes confessing to the twisting of the truth. Even if it is only to her husband. In a new television interview, Mrs O admits to fudging the truth to Barack about new clothes she has bought. I am slightly uncomfortable about this for two reasons: First, if she is earning her own money, surely she can be trusted to spend it appropriately and the idea of having to answer to your husband about what clothes you buy is weirdly archaic. And secondly, I am kinda flummoxed about admitting to not being entirely truthful. I don't really care, but I bet millions of right-wing Americans will make this an issue of lying to the American people in a heartbeat. Surely?
Oh well, the bit I found far more interesting was when Mrs O discussed her great physical asset - her Angela-Basset-toned arms. When asked by Barbara Walters if she's sick of people talking about them, she replied: 'No, I will never get sick of people talking about my toned arms. If it's a positive compliment, I am a woman, just, like, bring it on.'
You see, normal. Just like us. I heart Michelle. And I would kill for those arms. Sigh.

Best Dressed This Weekend: Jennifer Hudson

I am surprising myself this week. People who I have never even considered for a place on this blog are creeping in all over the place. Including Winnie Mandela. What? Oh, obviously I meant to say Jennifer Hudson. Who is looking smashing and inspiring me and all that. I mean just look at the woman.
Beautiful colour that WORKS with her skin, eyes and hair. Soft draping that is flattering and comfortable. Great length.
Um. Hi Jen. Can I borrow your dress for a thing I have on today please? Just let me know. Ta.

TOKYO BOOTY PART THREE

bookworm
No trip to Tokyo is complete for me without the purchase of at few japanese craft books - I have quite a collection that Ramona and I have dubbed "genki craft porn" that I love looking at but am yet to have a crack at the projects contained therein. On this trip I determined enough with the eye candy (well sort of) and hello to pattern books full of clothes I actually want to wear. Let's just say in the four books I collected I struck GOLD.

pattern for the best pants ever

the best kind of root vegetables



yes thanks ladies i'll have what you're having

to add to Ramona's mad christmas gift list

  

oh my mistake, actually these are the best pants ever

at last a louche look even old ladies can work

yes a button smock, stripey top, boots and headphones - heaven

bugger summer, here's my new autumn look

smiley face

button porn

 

mary ingles eat your heart out



perfect summer dress, hold the mary poppins references

half pint perfection

even bird flu can be fun!

I have been polishing up my pattern scaling skills in anticipation .Now I just need to work on my Kanji. EEK

BECK

Alexa Chung Has New TV Shows in UK and US in 2011

I mentioned in passing the other day that Alexa Chung had a new TV series in the UK - it is on MTV and called Gonzo With Alexa. It screens on prime time Fridays there and is a classic music interview and bonding show to which Alexa has brought her own inimitable interviewing style. So far so expected.
Slightly less expected was the announcement in the New York Times this weekend that AC will be fronting a show in the States too next year. Called Thrift America, Alexa and Maya Singer, the series creator and the editor of special projects for Style.com, will comb the America's consignment shops, garage sales and flea markets for old clothing, furniture, music equipment and other potential treasures to use in various creative endeavors. In the first episode, Alexa helps Pamela Love, a gothic jewelry designer, create a pop-up shop in London during Fashion Week.
We are told to think of it as “Antiques Roadshow” meets the foodie romp “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” Ms. Singer said viewers hoping to replicate Alexa's high-low style will see firsthand, “What does Alexa Chung pull out of the crap bin at the yard sale?” I hope we get it here on satellite! Ahem, yes we are talking to you, DSTV.

Local Fashion Stories on iPad and Fashion Blogs

So we are having quite a local day today. Local bloggers, local designers and local news. One of the big fashion sites in South Africa is iFashion. It is a site that posts news, industry jobs and profiles and some really interesting, fresh looks at issues in the local fashion industry.
I have been interviewed for two of these stories recently, so if you haven't already read them, I would suggest a click through or two this lunch hour to find out the following:
Will the iPad change the fashion industry?
and
What Role do Fashion Bloggers Play

New SA Designer: An-Mari Honibal

Anyone who has worked with me, shopped with me, asked me a fashion-related question or any ancillary activity will know that I am a fabric nazi. It is ALWAYS my point of departure when reviewing a collection. And student collections are no different. It is no coincidence that the three graduate collections that I have featured on my blog this month all have a fabric story to tell.
This collection by An-Mari Honibal is an abstract, minimalist story in beautiful soft cotton and voile. She was my pick for student designer of the year at Elizabeth Galloway. A combination of her expression, her choices and her aesthetic.
Just lovely.

New SA Designer: Roxanne Robinson

Every now and again all things align. Two of my inner circle readers of the blog have recently graduated from fashion school and presented their collections to the world. I didn't attend any of the graduate shows (if you attend one, you attend them all and I just don't have an additional 8 days/nights to hand right now) but I did invite some of the readers to submit their images to me.
The first of these, Roxanne Robinson, recently won a little competition I ran for my inner circle and when she swung by to pick up her prize, I asked her to send me the images from her collection as I was utterly charmed by her book.
I love the silhouette of course. The styling is excellent and absolutely on trend. And who wouldn't want to own one of those skirts right now? I know that the sofa fabrication isn't to everyone's taste, but for me, it is everything that is fun about student fashion and creating a look this season. And it has pockets. Yes, pockets. Show me a student who hasn't cut corners in their final collections and I will show you a future career. Done. Congratulations lady.

The Scent of Anna Della Russo by Juergen Teller

Well Anna Della Russo is up there with the most adventurous and exciting fashion icons in the world right now. With a profile largely created by the new gang of style bloggers (Garancé, Scott, Tommy etc.) she attends every fashion show and event with a sense of style and fashion-impact. She is growing in power and gaining in presence.
And with this relatively new international fashion profile, she is leveraging. The first of her new activities is the obligatory fragrance. ADR's is called The Scent of Anna Della Russo. And her campaign is shot by one of her key Vogue collaborators, photographer Juergen Teller.
All I am going to say about this campaign is that I would have thought it would have been more broadly appealing. I am not convinced that one feels compelled to purchase a new fragrance out of fear or discomfort. I am just saying.
But then she is ADR and ADR could probably sell flip flops to Swedes in winter if they care about fashion. May she rock on.

Blog Party!

Hey us bloggers are more sociable than you think. And we also like an office party, although I am uncertain whether any photocopiers or stationary cupboards will be involved. Unlikely.
So check out this invitation and RSVP to attend if you are a blogger. click on it to make it bigger.
I am going to use the opportunity to thank my blog team for their support and contributions this year - Sylvie, Rebecca, Luisa and Alex in absentia. Even though 90% of the blog is my voice, their input is what makes it all come together, provides the contrast and the high-points of interest.
For my readers, I am of course eternally grateful. I will be communicating with my inner circle with news of what to expect in the new year, so if you want to be a part of this core group of blog readers, participants and opinion formers, please email me on robync@assocmags.co.za and just put Inner Circle in the title.

MARKit redux

design frenzy

Well I figured that the weather, being as terrible as it was, would keep the peeps away. Well you know what? I was so very very wrong. The atrium was jam packed with enthusiastic shoppers (yes everyone seemed to be buying) and designers/makers/crafters were doing really well despite the drizzle and driving wind.

We were very impressed with the branding and publicity for this market. Posters everywhere, email newsletter, hamper giveaway and quality goods on show. Very inspiring!

We can't show you what we purchased from the lovely Anika of the Gently Unfurling Sneak because it's for the intern's Christmas stocking.

It was lovely to catch up with the ladies of Harvest Textiles

And I fell instantly in love with the illustrations of artist crafter Dawn Tan. Dawn was sponsored by Craft Victoria to have a stand at Markit and she was doing so well. But really, who can say no to a paper mountain range brooch? not me that's for sure. RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

mo's and macaroons

Couple of ace things competing for my attention between wreath making and gingerbread cookie decorating. I could do with a break from Christmas (did I really say that? It's not event time to crack open the advent calendar!)

Beards Down Under is a short and curly  collaboration between Katie Jacobs and Brittany Veitch as part of the nutty Beardo Exhibition.They've reinterpreted Movember and hand crafted some mo's for the ladies. Yes the downstairs region gets a makeover like no other. Hilarity ensues!

Curator Kim Brockett (or as we call her at HML -the Pocket Rocket Brockett) is examining the rituals of High Tea. 11 artist were invited to explore this timeless and caloric tradition in any number of ways - luckily Bundoora Homestead has a cafe that does a great Devonshire tea. Burp. RAMONA

Beardo Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery until December 18
High Tea Bundoora Homestead until  February 6 (2011! omg!

Market of the week

MARKit!

 Quick people, here'a a last minute rainy day activity - get in your car or on a tram or train and head straight for the city... not only can you enjoy something delicious in a laneway to fulfill your afternoon tea needs but you can pick up a fantastic christmas bargain at MARKit at Federation Square! While i'm stuck at home babysitting Ramona is out and about enjoying it all - she'll post pics later this week. I am envious as hell people because its fill to the rafters with most excellent peeps and their equally excellent wares.

Everyone from Ask Alice to Thirddrawerdown has a stall (and if you dont believe me check out the link above and see for yourself) Of course some of our personal favourites including the lovely Irene from Iggy and LouLou, Anika from the Gently Unfurling Sneak, the lovely ladies of Harvest Textiles and Sunday Morning Designs as well as Mr Gregory Bonasera,  Beci Orpin and Betty Jo (aka Liz Jones) will also be there flogging their stuff - and you know how much we like good stuff!

Still open for a few more hours GET THERE and grab a bargain!
BECK

BAKE OFF OF THE WEEK

mellow yellow

As is was master Thom's birthday this week Max and I whipped up a batch of buttercakes for the Friday morning play date, Max is very proud of his burgeoning cake baking talents and wouldnt let me stir anything because "Max can do it Mummy away" - thank god it was a Donna Hay melt and mix version or we may still be at the kitchen bench...

Thom was very pleased with the addition of presents and cakes the usual array of cars, trains, slides and sandpit action, Max on the other hand, ever the critic pointed out that there were not enough sprinkles...

Thank God The Birthday Boy wasn't so fussy.

BECK

Michelle Obama Named At No. 3 on Vogue's Best Dressed List for 2010

There has been much made of the fact that Blake Lively was named at the top of the Vogue Best Dressed of the Year 2010 List (yes, we are all about the lists today). If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will probably guess that we don't have too much of a problem with that. Good for her.
However, what was far more of a pleasant surprise was that First Lady, Michelle Obama, was named at number three,
So I did a bit of reflecting back on the year. Mrs O wore Alexander McQueen the week after his death as a sign of respect. She turned up just this week at an event wearing the super-brand-new trend colour, tangerine. She has pioneered the kitten heel. She has embraced the full circle skirt and the new length. As much as Mrs Obama her her own very distinct personal style - which has directly influenced the fashion world - she is also able to adopt trends as soon as they glimmer. And do it all looking like a normal woman from your neighbourhood. Accessible + fashion forward + unique personality = Vogue Best Dressed List. I like it.

Business of Fashion's Top 50 Fashion Creatives Announced

So the Business of Fashion published a preview on the list of INDUSTRIE's 50 most influential and inspirational creatives working in fashion today. And what a kerfuffle ensued. Seriously. Everyone loves a list. It is as much fun arguing with it as it is making it onto it. A list gives us a yard stick and some recognition - in someone's opinion. It does not make you creative or not. It does not state as fact, your talent. It is just a list from someone's head.
But the outrage that ensued has resulted in some hefty tail between legs and promises of public polling next time. Ha! Like that will change the resulting outcry. How I chuckled at that idea.
This list excludes Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington in favour of the French Vougittes, and includes Tony Richardson, so obviously my list of the most creative fashion people would be quite different. But for your information and entertainment, here is the top 10.
1. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, Photographers
2. Phoebe Philo, Creative Director of Céline
3. Nicolas Ghesqiere, Creative Director of Balenciaga
4. Central St Martins Fashion School
5. Miuccia Prada
6. Tom Ford
7. Nicola Formichetti, Stylist/Creative Director of Thierry Mugler, Uniglo, Haus of Gaga
8. Riccardo Tisci, Creative Director of Givenchy
9. Emmanuelle Alt, Carine Roitfeld and Anastasia Barbieri from French Vogue
10. Joe McKenna, Stylist
Just to repeat: THIS IS NOT MY LIST. Have fun. Play nicely.

MARISA TOMEI
Robyn: Marisa Tomei has always been charmingly beautiful. But whilst I never really thought she deserved the Oscar nod for My Cousin Vinnie in her sweeter days, I definitely think it was deserved for her more mature woman role in The Wrestler. And it is this more elegant and self-aware Marisa that we see in this tangerine Westwood creation. On trend. Beautifully fitted. Still loads of personality. Gorgeous.
Marco: She whined a lot in the nineties, but I always thought she was a good actress. The real-woman-next-door kind of gal. Normal, perhaps which in itself is rare in Hollywood. The tangerine is anything but sour, in fact I think this is perfectly age appropriate and sexy all at once. She seems quite comfortable in her mid-forties while looking easily ten years younger. Dina Lohan could take cues from this one.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Marco: I've always favored Harry and his scruffy look over Williams clean cut much-like-his-dad look. Still, the royal engagement really does put old Willy in a modern day fairy-tale. And when you have such a knock-out for a fiancé then who cares about a little receding hairline? Nothing like a little blue-blood in a blue suit to show them. Beautiful tie, beautiful tailoring. This is why less is more.
Robyn: You know I am totally on board with this Royal Wedding situation, right? I mean, we had the FIFA world cup this year, next year it is all wedding and this time we can dress up. But I almost think that one of the reasons why Will must take a wife is so that she can be the ‘star’ and he can quietly do his Royal thing largely unnoticed. He seems like a sweet bloke. Let’s leave it there.

Dannii Minogue Covers Marie Claire UK January 2011

So everyone from book club has been a bit busy recently. It's that time of year. I have things on every night. Vicky is flying between the States and UK and has the boys and David to look after. Alexa is also trying to do the transatlantic thing and has her new show on in the UK GonzoWithAlexa. And Dannii is hard at work with her boys on the X-Factor. And looking stunning every week. Twice a week.
How she managed to fit in this shoot with the UK Marie Claire I really don't know. But just look how utterly divine she is. Baby Ethan is clearly good for her.
This is what I call a role model. The fact that she is an Aussie and not a South African is a detail. She might as well be.
PS: Can I just mention that Dannii has been on the UK cover of Glamour twice this year, InStyle once and now MC. Doing quite well I would say.
PPS: No, I am not deranged. I am well aware that my book club is a fantasy one. But fantasy football is allowed so so is fantasy book club. Who would be in yours?
PPPS: Yes she is wearing Victoria Beckham on the cover. One of the dresses Vicky leant her.

The Other Royal Wedding-in-Waiting: Charlene Wittstock Dazzles in Armani

Yikes guys. It seems we have forgotten that there is another Royal Wedding next year. And this time it's personal.
Our very own Olympic swimmer, Charlene Wittstock, is set to marry Prince Albert of Monaco on July 2nd 2011. So even when Wills and Kate are all done and dusted on 29th April, we will still have a big occasion to dress up for. Yay! How exciting.
This week has seen the Monaco National Day's celebrations, where onse Charlene very cleverly chose to wear a Giorgio Armani Privé silk suit with a small two-tone jacquard pattern in cognac and tobacco. note the masculine lapels and soft peplum of the jacket that off-set the broad swimmers shoulders. She was exceptionally well received by both the media and the subjects of Monaco which is good to hear.
Apparently Charlene plans to launch into humanitarian work after her wedding. Prince Albert was quoted as saying the following about his future bride,

"[she has a] great sense of humour and insatiable curiosity. Charlene has a very strong personality and I have no doubt of her desire to get involved in things alongside me. She is already committed to humanitarian causes such as the Born Free Foundation, the Special Olympics and the Nelson Mandela Foundation and wants to intensify her involvement in lots of other areas."

Yet another wonderful South African, stylish on the inside and outside.
PS: Charlene is not the first Saffa that Prince Albert has dated, of course. He also went out with model Heather Mann. I remember this because she was at school with me. A long time ago.

Nicole Ritchie and StyleGuideCT: Sunglasses Mindreaders

I have been wearing glasses since I was eight years old. You all know by now that I am a speccy. What you may not know is that my glasses are also a part of my identity, a mask against the world and a cunning disguise as to my true age.
If you buy the January issue of O Magazine (out just before Christmas), you can read an explanation of all these things and also get to see how easy it is to choose the right glasses frames (specs or sunnies) for your own face.
And then last night I read this from designer Nicole Ritchie, “When I wear sunglasses, it’s because I don’t wear makeup. I don’t know how to do makeup — it’s just not a part of my life. That being said, sometimes you need to put something on your face, and that’s why I tend to wear bigger frames. So I almost think of sunglasses as masks to just cover it up.” Dude has been reading my mind! Or an early copy of O Magazine! Who knew she and I were so alike?

Burberry is Social Networking King. Christopher Bailey Says Thanks.

Yesterday Burberry reached three million facebook fans. Not only is this a staggering amount, but it is also the first time a luxury goods brand has been able to break this ceiling. What is more interesting is that it took Burberry a single year to reach one million fans, another six months to reach two million fans and just one month to reach three million. Exponential growth indeed.
Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey put his designing skills to the test yesterday and designed this note to thank the Burberry Facebook fans for their devotion.
Now we all know that it is not NUMBERS but INFLUENCE that count in social media. We have read the reports by Harvard, Gartner and whom ever else. And we agree. But still. This is luxury fashion. It is a niche of a niche market. I think we can celebrate this particular number. And the good manners to say thank you.