ShadesGalore

Christine Coetzee and Shezi keeping it fashionable.

                                                   

If you dont own a pair of shades Im worried about you.  And if you feel you dont have a reason to get shaded google 'effects of the sun' or read some magazines.  Personally I wear shades because of fashion and trends; and my eyes have gotten used to shade (being office bound and all!) so I cannot be in the sun without them.  If I had a choice I would have an entire closet of shades from donkey years to current styles and shapes; a pair for each day(and night) of the year!

It used to be that only top brands retailed shades; which means most people couldn't afford them.  Voila local retailers blessed us all; plus most come with UV400(atleast they claim to!).  Now you find all styles, shapes, colours, prints, and no-colour everywhere at costs you wont believe.  Trendy for fun shades range from R20 - R150 (on the street - department stores); better brands from R150 to R400; then branded upwards.

Obviously shades came with some country that leads in fashion; as I do not recall people wearing shades during my childhood days.  In fact, those who wore glasses were either helpless without them(remember bo ma 4eyes!) or just beings silly and mocked by the public.  Yes I'm a farm child.  I do know though that brands like Police, and Rayban have been around for years; hey I had Raybans in Grade9 and didnt know their value!

For this post I asked my friends to assist me.  I must say I have fashionable friends; who have style and know what's current in fashion.  Lets look at the trends on peoples faces today:

1. Wayferers
 

Clear Wayferers

....are simply the most trendy and sexiest shades ever!  This shape looks good on men and women; and kids.  It comes in all kinds of frames; colours; and sizes.  The clean pairs will be referred to as vintage 10years from today; and the detailed ones are such statement makers!

Samantha Vlok wayfering life!

2. Fading coloured frames/lenses


Andiswa Nkosi romantisizing them'shades!

 People on trend find these...somewhere! As I have been searcing for these forever; I came close to owning them.  My friend gave a pair to a friend just a minute before I arrived....damn!  This colour also has a vintage feel to it; but also a certain softness about it.  Lovely!

Thepi & Lindi looking fresh.

Zama Sibaya styling it up!

3. Rounded

Andiswa Nkosi and friend setting trends!

Big or small, bright or just black, mirrored or transparen; rounded shades have been around for as long as I've been wearing shades.  They are the best shape for big round or heart shaped faces.  They are the basic pair we all have as we know they are on  trend everyday.


Zama Sibaya looking fab!

4. Frameless

Daphne Zulu branded!

Think Dior. Or high class ladies in big cars go for this look.  They are mostly branded and highly priced; or they just look tacky if not.  These scream glamour and sophistication; but I will admit they wont make it to my closet.   I just look with envy at people who look great in them; simply don't have the face for them.

5.  Aviators


Andiswa Nkosi fashionista!

The best look for most if not all men.  These are mostly two toned with thin frames(at most metal) or no frames! Imagine sailor men, pilots or soldiers....oh ok just men in uniform!  Yes that's the look; it has been around for centuries just like the wayfarers.  Also this one depends on the shape of your face; they look sophisticated too and ofcourse trendy.

Mmammotsa Makhene...ever so trendy:-)

6.  Lessons from my mother


Busisiwe Mashile (mama) 1984 in clear aviators!



Namaste from The Workshop Durban

Ta
Budgie

*Thank you to Andi, Lindi, Zama, Mmotsa, Daphne, Christine, Shezi and Sam; also polyvore.com; blogmyglasses.com; contagiousfashionfever.blogspot.com*

Trend Report Mzantsi Style

Fashion houses release trend reports almost every season; and traditionally South Africa follows these reports.  There is nothing wrong with following trends of any country; as long as we have a style we can call our own; and are able to add out touch to new trends.

1.  Blossoms - Mablomo

I love flowers; who doesnt?  Florals have been in for the past 2 or 3 years and thankfully they are still in.  The great thing about this print is that it can be on anything, from dresses to harem pants to sandals to pums to bags to jewellery to hair accessories, etc.  They are small, medium and large blossoms; anywhere and everywhere; even on men's shirts!

2. Africa - Afurika

The dark but brightest continent on earth!  It seems we have either exported or the world has stolen our swag fashion.  Prints and colour are gracing catwalks everywhere; and animal print can only originate from a place where animals are found...zebra print, leopard print, peacock!  Animal print has been around for ages and NO it wont leave; make peace and wear it. Also while you at that familiarise yourself with the different African country prints/geometric/colours; and embrace your Africanism fully.  I mean if Beyonce can, what are you waiting for. Short left to Zambia!

3.  Neon - mmala

This simply translates into extreme brightness and shower of colour.  Imagine your favourite colour in its brightest shade ever...yeah that's it.  Not getting it...think of the colours of Pedi, Tsonga, Ndebele and Venda traditional outfits; yes those colours just brighter.   Colour is what we do best in eMzantsi; our national flag says it all. This trend goes well with colour blocking; so it seems that's staying too.

4.  Sport - Geometry

Think of clear line patterns; almost like the Xhosa women's traditional attire.  In the west Victoria Beckham does it best.  This trend is inspired by sport and lines (geometry apparently).  It works well in formal office wear I believe.

5. Peplums
                                                                             
The first time I heard this word I loved it.  A peplum is merely the piece that flares out on a top or skirt(as in picture).  It adds a feminine touch to an outfit; makes it pretty.  These can be found on skirts, dresses, shirts, costs, jackets, sleeves and pants.

6. From the past
20s

Think of the jazz era; pearls, red lips, cigarettes, feathers, whisky, tassells, mary jane shoes and pantyhose.  This look has a theatre look about it; as if you are about to perform.  I do own a tassel dress and have worn it once as the style simply doesn't complement my pear body.  I am waiting for a tassel dress that will look good on most females in South Africa. 

50s

Think of the pretty perfect Stepford wife; immaculate, clinched at the waist and a full skirt.  At most these dresses were in delicate colours, fabrics and finishes.  Florals, lace, ribbons, on full cotton skirts.  Heeled and flat pumps go well with this look.

7.  Sorbet

Do you remember ice-block?  Do you remember the milky ones?  This colour trend is exactly that; the opposite of  Neon.  Think of all the colours in the lightest and softest shade; a shade that brings peace to your soul and makes you think of romance.  Also here soft fabrics like lace, anglaise(crochet) and chiffon are a hit.

8.  Shimmer/Shine - Tjarara

The only colours allowed to shine are all metallic shades and black.  All the other colours cannot be allowed to shine, especially not if its tight at the same time(shiny leggings!).  Metallics look great on handbags, accessories and footwear; you can get away with a shiny dress or jacket. Good luck!

9. White

Oh my! Star white outfits used to scare me; like denim suits!  Well white is in or atleast coming back soon.  First item on my mind is a maxi dress with large amounts of accessories.  Or linen pants(thick linen please).  Not sure about white shoes unless its an Allstar sneaker; white handbags look great with metallic finishes and hardware embellishment.

10.  Paisley - Mantariane

Not much to say except this reminds me of my childhood; and those always-wrinkled shirts/dresses men and girls wore.

There are more trends instore for 2012; visit harperbazaar.com, vogue.co.uk, marieclaire.com, wordpress.com, and oodora.com, shadders.net, opalescentminx.com to see more.

Ta
Budgie

Research and pictures: from harperbazaar.com, vogue.co.uk, marieclaire.com, wordpress.com, and oodora.com, shadders.net, opalescentminx.com

what figure?

It is not news that the world relates sexiness or ‘hotness’ to a body shape; and in most cases the hourglass figure leads the pack.  Think of Kim Kardashian or Scarlett Johansson.  South Africa is no different to this; there is a certain shape that is thought to be hot; this shape gets a double take, a whistle, and most possible a Zulu marriage proposal when it strolls down the street.  

First lets clarify the shapes that the world (or some professor) has classified women body shapes into. There are apparently 4 shapes: hourglass, pear, apple and banana.  Each resemble the literal noun meaning of each word.  Hourglass shaped women have their weight at the top and bottom, and a small midsection.  This means they have ample bust and bottom. Pear shaped (right way up) women have more weight at the bottom; and get smaller as we go to the top.  Apple shaped people have their weight spread almost evenly on bust, waist and bottom.  Banana shaped women have a boyish look; could be described as straight.  

My body shape gave my mother grey hairs in my teenage years because it was so different to hers.  My mother was boyish in her teen pictures; and now I believe an apple shape. I have a narrow waist, round bottom, and smaller top. My bottom (along with my thighs) appeared first outgrowing my entire body; to hide this mother bought me 1-size-too-big clothes; which only made me even bigger.  Her biggest concern was that I would get so much attention from men; and she was right and still is.

I will discuss the pear shape from a personal view as I choose to be this shape.  I knew there was something different about me in High school when my netball coach shouted at me for sticking my bum out while running.  The more I tried to explain to her that I wasn’t, the more she called me lazy.  By Grade10 I had gone from ‘Sara Bartman’ to ‘bumgie’ to whatever else names I do not want to remember.  All these experiences made me fearful of exposing my derriere; I did not and still do not appreciate the comments I get about it.  

It is true that we want what we don’t and at most times cannot have.  I have met a few ladies who think women with a big/large derriere are 'hott' and blessed as all South African men want a big bum.  I never know how to respond to this because from my experience most black South African men like big anything/everything; most white men like slim anything/everything; and then there are all the in-between men who challenge the majority.  My body shape taught me that I need more that just a body to be relevant; I need a personality, a purpose and substance.  I cannot and do not rely or ever use my body to achieve anything; except maybe fashion.

To all the ladies that think they are not sexy or hot; sexy is not entirely defined by your body shape.  It should come from somewhere else; whether it is your heart, brain, achievements, etc.  Look at the world, they call people like Alicia Keys, Beyonce Knowles and Kim Kardashian sexy but they cannot be on a fashion ramp.  The fashion industry’s sexy is a size 0! And all countries have their own type of sexy; so do all cultures.  In my family the rounder you are the prettier; loose weight and endure all the questioning stares.  God was not stupid in making us all different; and it makes life that much more exciting.  The trick is to know yourself; your body; your needs and most important how to show off your body well by not doing too much.  I have all shapes amongst my friends and family, and they are all sexy (not a lie!).

All pics via Google!

Oh to be African!

Yesterday I wanted to chop off my hair. Yes chop off.  I'd had braids for approximately 3 weeks (*embarrassed*) and I was tired of them.  I have always been the kind of girl that has the simplest hairstyle at all times. My mother kept my hair in plaits for my entire childhood; while my father was canvassing for a haircut everytime my hair grew a millimetre!  He said 'I want smart girls not beautiful girls'.

After Grade 12 I had my mind set on dreadlocks, and so did the rest of the world...or atleast South Africa.  I had my 1st set of dreadlocks for 2years; cut them because they started falling off as they were home made.  I then kept my second set of dreadlocks for another 2years; they were rich healthy and people envied my patience and perseverance.  Then one day I chopped them off in the kitchen with scissors.  It was time.  I was tired of them.  Dreadlocks are easy to carry but work to maintain; plus you run out of styles to do with them.

                                                     

Cutting my hair was like liberation from a long war.  I felt free and suddenly realised I could do anything absolutely anything with my head.  Oh my! I kept it short and red for a while; red is my favourite colour and short hair felt so great after a head full of locks.  During this time I also learned that I had features I didn't know I had on my face.  They had been hidden by my locks for all those years.  

For the past 2 years I have had numerous hairstyles; I cannot remember the exact number.  It is still a struggle to decide what I want to do with my hair when the time for change comes.  I mean there is so much to choose from.  I know I am not a fan of weaves; no not because I think its 'fake'.  I feel weaves are demanding; they are itchy and always in your face; plus I do not like combing hair.  If you have ever had your mother/father yank an afro comb through your ethnic hair...you understand why I hate combing.

So last night I got my sister to remove my latest braids. I had had enough.  I was going to cut my hair again...for the 3rd time in 2years.  After removing them I realised my hair had grown; and I changed my mind.  I washed it and blew it (with a dryer) and alas WOW!  My hair is thick and long; something I have always wanted; and if I keep growing it next year this time it will be double this size.

We are so lucky to be African; to have our ethnic hair that can be converted into just about anything; to have the ability to achieve any look to complete any outfit; to have an album of many faces of the same soul.  If you haven't a clue what to do...hey cover it up.

Ta,
Budgie

Suited Man Swag

In second year I will be introduced to the male figurine; the male basic blocks and eventually how to make men's clothes.  I am more than excited about this.  This is a field I have never felt comfortable treading into; and is looking forward to getting formal training in.

I have always appreciated men who put effort into their appearance.  Don't get me wrong, I am not saying they should compete with their female counterparts when it comes to personal care but all men should always look presentable... and if he smell good its a bonus. 

In my early youth I was in love with men who looked amazing in a good pair of jeans.  There is a certain way a pair of jeans sits on a man that just looks perfect; as though the jeans were made so he could find them.  No boys it is not the 'sagging' look that is frequenting most boys who are supposedly following 'hip hop' culture; nor is it the super tight skinny jeans.  They sit where they should, have the right amount of masculine detail and are always paired with a great top and always always great shoes.

Shoes...I love shoes; be it female or male.  I find myself shopping in men's shoe stores for no reason at all.  Just to appreciate the looks, the finish, the smell of footwear and the swag that any man carries with a pair of good shoes.  A friend of mine taught me that a man should have great shoes, a great belt, and preferably a good watch.

In my later youth days as I get nearer to my thirties I have come to appreciate 'The Suit'.  Hmmmmmmmm...there is nothing more delicious to see than a man in a well tailored suit.  I believe a man can be any shape or build; if he is in a well tailored suit he is automatically 'hot'.  This is the reason I am super excited about second year at fashion shcool; the goal is to make amazing well fitted suits for all the men in my life.  I have realised that most of them actually don't know how what a great suit is; they settle for sets that department stores offer them...yes there is a difference.

As much as the world demands women to be prettied up all the time; I believe men should join the club too.  Why must we look amazing and make them look good; how about we both make the effort and become a powerhouse.  No please don't pluck your eyebrows, don't wax, don't do botox or go under the knife...oooohh! There are still so many avenues to explore in men's fashion before going that extreme. So boys no more box pants (those straight looking things with the 'iron' line!), no square toe shoes, no badly maintained nails(toes too!), no bad hair, no bad smells, no dry skin (including your feet), and save us from super tight clothing! Lets rather go for 'swag' with little effort.

Ta,
Budgie

Pictures courtesy of Google!

shweshwe fabric shopping

Traditional gears have always been a must in every South African woman's wardrobe; be it your own tradition; your partners or just because you like it.  The common factor in all is COLOUR, or should I say BRIGHT COLOUR!  In all different cultures one pattern or type of fabric remains...Se SHWE SHWE.  I used to believe it belonged only to the Sothos but alas no we all have it in our gears.  Today you get it in almost all colours whereas before it was merely brown or navy(bleh!).  On my last trip shopping for a SHWESHWE fabric for a dear friend of mine; I had fun just looking at the colours: red, purple, yellow, brown, orange, green, blue, navy, and on and on they went! Each with a different pattern...not Sotho influenced but trend influenced.  The other lovely designer find is the textures are different; so you can make anything with SHWESHWE; from thin to thick.  And it is just cotton, so it breathes...aaaaaah.  On this trip too a lovely African woman (Dudu Mathabe) walked in in a full print dress with headscarf! The excitement was from my feet to my hairstrands! She went on to teach me how to do the headscarf as it is part of our culture, latest trend and my end of year range.  Her outfit was of WAXPRINT fabric... with north Africa prints. And they call it the dark continent?

the dream

People always say never let go of your dreams; no matter what.  The problem is some people never realise their dreams because it is a true challenge to achieve your dream. The word dream means a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep - which makes it sound like its unattainable wishes.  Things we see and really want but believe it is impossible in reality - when we are awake. 

I had to start seeing my dream as a message from God or someone who truly loves me and wants the best for/from me.  That led me to believe in it.  It is a challenging mission as there are so many obstacles in this world of ours; plus how many creative houses are there today; especially ones influenced by fashion.  But but but maybe God has a portion of the population that is waiting just for me and my services; yes with so many designers and aspiring designers somewhere somehow I can make it too.

Lindi and I met in tertiary, for the same reason. To do a commerce degree.  But deep down we both new we should be in an art class using our hands and letting the creativity flow.  We survived the edge, in between Economics, Marketing, Commercial Law, Business Accounting, Management and Tutorials we found time to make dresses.  Yes in my little student residential room on Stiemens street Braamfontein we ran an informal business that only functioned during the festive season.  We didn't care about class but getting out of the Edge; we didn't care about sleep but getting the dress done; and we missed out on all those things that student life represents...partying, jolling, all res picnic etc.

Just like model 1st born daughters we went on to graduate; and find fitting jobs.  For two years we pulled the new graduate look well; devoted to our jobs; taking in everything we saw, heard and experienced.  But but but the dream wouldn't go away.  And it will never go away. Today we are doing something about the dream.  And God has sent us so much support in the form of family, friends and mentors. Re ya leboga.

So friends I wrote this piece to tell you (probably reiterating what you have heard already) that you must NEVER give up on anything you want.  And lazy does not feed anyone; so also don't wait for it to come to you. Passion, prayer, patience, sacrifice, determination, strenuous work and stressful times are just some of the things you will need to make that dream(night) and reality(day).  Aluta Continua.

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