New in | Kirsten Goss OXO

And so the Kirsten Goss wishlist grows longer.....

The latest range, called OXO celebrates 80's teknik - with interesting names like notwist, forma, mars, styks and pop. I might not really get the references as it was a little before my time, but I really don't care because the range is just. so. beautiful.

The pieces are bold yet simple and I love it.

The collection is available online and in-store from the middle of this month.

New In | Missibaba Bow Bag

I have fallen in love/lust again. This time with Missibaba's Bow Bag collection. I've had my eye on one of these for years. It is the perfect bag for daily use, but also for travel. I love using a bag that is lightweight, good quality and fits across my body for travel. I also prefer bags that zip closed for the sake of keeping my passport and camera safely stowed, and hence I don't travel with tote bags all that much.

The Iconic Missibaba collection serves to celebrate the brand's 10th birthday and 

Missibaba devotees can expect to see a total of five much loved styles revisited during the Iconic Missibaba collection campaign period, with a new beauty being revealed each month.

The Bow Bag was the second style produced by the Missibaba team 10 years ago, so it is fitting that it has been revisited with the likes of the Sgt Pepper and the Possum. 

The Bow Bag is

 priced at R3250 and is 

available in a delicious palette from juicy apricot to bottle green and is made up in a selection of patents, suedes, butter soft cowhides and kudu leathers.

Just look as these beautiful colours. I really can't decide which one I love the most.

View the collection on 

www.missibaba.com or pop in at 229 Bree Street.

Kirsten Goss | #GetPersonal

If you've been reading my blog since the early days, you'll know I have a massive obsession with dainty jewellery. I've come to love a good statement piece, but small and pretty will always be my go-to when accessorising. I hadn't bought any new jewellery in a while, and then the Kirsten Goss invite popped into my inbox (Houston, we now have a problem. The fire has been reignited. >>insert money with wings emoji here<<). 

I'd been admiring her brand and her journey from afar, yet never had the chance to have a look at any of the collections or meet the designer. All of that changed last week when she hosted a couple of fashion bloggers for a showcase of two collections, called #getpersonal and #diamondcondition. I'm just going to show you the first range today, because there is one hell of a lot of pretty to take in here. In a nutshell, KG is now offering personalisation on their range of jewellery and it is beautiful. Popular options are the Pinny and Barboa necklaces, or the Halo ring. The items are hand stamped by a very talented and patient goldsmith. You've got choices of sterling silver, rose gold vermeil, gold vermeil and 18kt gold. 

We were also treated to a fashion film and a chat with Kirsten herself. Getting to chat to her and see her contagious energy and passion first hand made me fall in love her designs even more. Hopefully, just by wearing them, they'll pass on a bit of her incredible spark onto me. She also passed on this gem (if you'll excuse the pun): "While diamonds are forever, they are also for everyday". I like that. I like that a lot. This woman could be trouble actually....

At the end of KG's fabulous event, we were sent off with a little present - a Pinny necklace to call our own, which I've been wearing non-stop since. I love the simplicity. It is terribly chic.

The unlucky husband has already been sent a wishlist that covers every birthday, Christmas and anniversary presents for the next few years. I tried convincing him that we should celebrate 'monthaversarys' as well, but he was having none of it. Luckily there are plenty of lovely brunch spots along Bree that I can use as an excuse to pop in, with Dave in tow, and I'll slap him with the best puppy eyes I can manage. Or just slap him. Whatever works. (just kidding boo!)

Go on. Treat yo'self. Drag along someone who loves you and pop into the store on 229 Bree Street in Cape Town, or 366 Florida Road, Morningside, in Durbs. Joburg, there is even one for you at 64 St Andrew Street in Birdhaven. Or shop online at www.kirstengoss.co.za

Splurge vs Steal

Image: Source, Source, Source

Almost every single international style blogger has been rocking a variation of the Chloé Drew handbag and isn't gorgeous? While I was in New York last month, I thought I'd pop my head into good 'ol Bergdorff Goodman and peruse the designer handbags. It felt oh-so-good being the presence of Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada and Chloé  to name a few. And I made a list of 'investment' pieces that I'd love to own - but to be honest, the Chloé didn't make my list. At around $1450 (roughly R17 000), it is pricey for a trendy and rather impractical bag. It is tiny, so your standard wallet, smartphone and sunnies are going to have a hard time squeezing in - and thats before makeup, keys and whatever else us girls travel with on the daily.

So while it is incredibly beautiful, its really not a day-to-day bag and you'd only really use it for a night out or event. So instead of R17 000, I spent R299. Oh yes, under 2% of the designer price! This Riley bag from Superbalist caught my eye the other day, shortly after I landed, and I couldn't help but notice how similar it was to the Drew. So wisely, I snapped it up for myself. I think you should too.

Steal vs Splurge

Every girl would love a little Kate Spade classic like their Emerson handbag, and I am honestly toying with the idea of tossing caution to the wind, along with my savings, and buying one next week while we’re on holiday. I love their bright colours and structured silhouette. But given I’m busy launching a women's finance blog (watch this space!), I need to keep it real and think practically. Managing a fashion blog along with a women’s finance blog isn’t going to be an easy line to tread, because as much as my heart wants to shop, and tell you to do the same, my head is reminding me of my goals in terms of savings a for travel, future business and home plans and of course, retirement. And while its not as much fun as shopping, I’ll certainly be encouraging you guys to read up and be smart too. Its all about balance when you’re aspiring to live le good life I guess..

So if you’ve got the budget for the Kate Spade (at around R5000), lucky you. But if you’re looking for a dead ringer, in a great quality leather, Erato has the perfect substitute for a third of the price.

New In: Forever New Botanica Collection

A gorgeous new collection has landed at Forever New stores. Aptly named the Botanica Collection, the range is inspired by bouquets of flowers and Monet's garden landscapes.

The collection features ultra-feminine shades of aqua, mist, apricot sorbet, powder blue, petal pink and Chantilly cream combined with stunning details such as lace, crochet and delicate embroidery.
I love the gentle and romantic feel. It makes me long for Spring and the promise of warmer weather, lighter layers and soft fabrics.

Source: Forever New SA

Source: Forever New SA

Source: Forever New SA

Source: Forever New SA

Source: Forever New SA

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#StyleBloggerStarter - Challenge Two: "The Review"

For our second #StyleBloggerStarter task, we have been challenged to review a new establishment. The catch is that it can't have opened more than 3 months ago.

Ever the wannabe overachiever, I have discovered a fashion haven that is yet to open. Yes, I am so hipster right now, I am delivering you a review before anybody else can.
Before it becomes too mainstream. *Slips on skinny jeans and ironically large glasses*

I could have done a review on a restaurant and it would have been easy enough - but shopping for pretty things is what this blog is mostly about. Its what my readers love, so its what I will deliver!
I give you The Shoestring Collective:

What:

The Shoestring Collective is a 'pop-up' shop and a fantastic collaborative offering of beautiful fashion, homeware and textiles, accessories and jewellery, art and stationery and even beauty products. The best bit is that its all made by top local designers.

I am talking jewellery by Famke, Oh Dear Megan and Bow Peep, and gorgeous clothing by Coppelia and Good Clothing.

Prices are mid-range to slightly pricey, but its worth it. You're getting unique, handmade and quality items instead of mass-produced retail. Think investment pieces.

When:

The Shoestring Collective opens to the public officially on Monday the 8th of July.

Trading hours will be:

Weekdays: 9am to 7pm

Saturdays: 9am to 5pm

Sundays and public holidays: 9am to 2pm

Where:

Gardens Centre, Cnr of Mill and Buitenkant Streets, Gardens, Cape Town.

To contact:

Email: shoestringcollective@gmail.com

Facebook: TheShoestringCollective

Twitter:  @TSC_PopUpShop

Famke Jewellery

GOOD Clothing

Oh Dear Megan

Understudy Clothing

Homeware by Tjou-Tjou

Pins by Pretty Pretty

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#StyleBloggerStarter - Challenge One

So for our first assignment, Glamour challenged us to become a "street style" photographer for the week and send in between 5 and 8 pictures with a common theme.

I have to say it had me in a spin because I am not the most outgoing person in the world and asking people to stop and pose frightened the bejeezus out of me. I had no idea where to begin.

My first thought was that I could fib and just tell people that I was an intern for The Sartorialist and hope they aren't too disappointed that they didn't get featured in his latest book. But you know, legal issues and such....not such a great plan.

Source: http://clatl.com

Plan B was to invite the bestie over for dinner, feed her lots of wine, promise her endless macarons and then con her into doing a fashion video montage a la The Sweetest Thing. But I have no doubt she'd push me in front of oncoming traffic if I posted that for the world wide web to see. That and, she has more dirt on me than this blog ever needs to see. So we'll nip that idea in the bud.

Finally, after much researching using my favorite style websites, blogs and good old Pinterest, I came up with a plan. I realised that the posts and pictures I enjoyed the most when it came to "street style" were ones of models "off duty". For example, the endless pictures we are seeing of the lovely Aussie shmodel Miranda Kerr making day-to-day style look easy. 

So for my street style theme, I have chosen "Models off-duty". Its not focussed on a particular current trend, but rather a gorgeous collection of the gorgeous people rocking the best of Winter 2013. Because who interprets current trends better than the people who get to see it first, right?

I have to say a massive thanks to Donne at Ice Genetics and the wonderful models themselves for letting me rock up at your offices and stalk you all with my camera. And thank you for being just so ridiculously good, good, good looking.

You may also notice a familiar face - and I just have to say a special thank you to the unfairly tall, talented and beautiful, Liezel Van Der Westhuizen for joining in and her amazing support of the blog so far. Much love to you lady!

Now, I'll stop rambling on, and instead let you enjoy the pictures. I am beyond happy with the results. The fabulously trendy outfits, and the array of covetable boots and handbags - all just too gorgeous. 

As only the pretty people can do...

This bag. No really, this bag. Gorgeous.

Love a man who isn't afraid of colour. And the boots - love!

Can you even handle that clutch?

The boots. The bodysuit. The studded jacket. I want it all. And her fabulous hair.

Have you ever seen neutrals look so good?

Legs for days. Amazing faux fur gilet, and the perfect "goes with everything" tan boots - from Green Cross
would you believe?

The loveliest lace look I have ever seen, and the grey suede booties and that aqua bag are on my covet list!

Don't forget to vote for me on http://www.glamour.co.za/2013/06/18/fashion-celebrity/the-style-blogger-starter-in-association-with-orange?iidx=8#iidx=8

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