Bronx Woman #StyleDiary

It is that crazy time of year again. You know, the one where you're supposed to be buying gifts for others - but because there are so many year-end functions, Christmas parties and general merriment, that you end up spending a fortune on outfits for yourself.

This year, I needed to think smart. I wanted to find items that I could use again and again, and even after party season has come and gone, I'd still be able to use them for life in general.
Big call isn't it?

Well, I teamed up for a little Christmas Party look with Bronx Woman and Miss Port form YDE. They challenged me to do a little StyleDiary post using some of their shoes and clothes and I turned it into a little Christmas themed bash of my own.
Instead of choosing a dress, I went for a big white lace midi-skirt that flatters every shape and helps us short girls look a little longer. I paired it with a sleeveless, structured white shirt that looks great with this silhouette - but is also perfect to use again and again after party season.
The white skirt can be dressed down too - or paired with other tops for a completely different look. So all in all, mission accomplished.

I paired the all-white look with some seriously out there tropical print pumps from Bronx Woman. It is summer and I felt like this added some colour and a whole lot of fun to the ensemble. I am involve with the gold stiletto heel!
Plus, in sticking to my versatility theme, these babies are going to look killer with skinny jeans and a black came for more casual summer soirees.

My accessories are from Tessa at YDE and my hair was done at Sorbet Dry Bar - a perfect option to level up your regular blow out. My makeup is all from Benefit - how amazing are the  lashes? Its the They're Real mascara - I am obsessed.

Now for the fun bit - you can score a massive prize in time for Christmas! A hamper consisting of an outfit form Miss Port or X&O of YDE fame, a pair of Bronx Woman shoes, some Benefit Cosmetics makeup and a blow wave form Sorbet Dry Bar.

You just need to vote for my look on the Bronx Woman page over here:
https://www.facebook.com/BronxWoman/?fref=ts
Just comment and vote for the look you prefer - which obviously better be my one!
You have until 14 December so hurry on up! Voters who pick me will also go into a draw run my me on the side for a little something extra. You know, I'm all about incentives ;)

PUMA BY RIHANNA CREEPER

Yep its a pretty odd name for a shoe - but Rihanna isn't exactly well, not odd. She's the queen of strange and all things street so its not really a surprise that PUMA collaborated with her on a range.

There are 3 new colour ways and they are all available right now! I am obsessed with the white ones. Remixing the iconic PUMA Suede, the PUMA Creeper exudes a little bit of punk and rebel with its notorious creeper platform sole and suede upper. This month’s drop features NEW colour variations of peacoat/cool blue, off white/gum, and coral cloud pink/green/oatmeal.

I have been deliberating on a pair of platform sneakers for a while now. I am terrified that they'll make me look short and chunky. But I like the neutral colour of these platform soles, they're somehow less daunting and definitely less "Spice-Girlish" than ones with white soles.

The PUMA Creeper will be available at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Johannesburg, Braamfontein.

Splurge vs Steal

Today we're earning some serious street style cred and talking about wedged work boots. Every celeb has been spotted in a variation of Timberland boots every single winter, from Jessica Alba, to J.Lo and even the Kardashians (not a fan, but they know their street style).

I love Timberland boots. I love the colour, the chunky heel, the leather ankle detail and the signature laces. But I am also really, really short. Therefore chunky boots like these or Doc Martens don't work for me, and they cut my legs short and make me look bulky. The stiletto and wedge versions of this cult classic are my only options. While I adore the stiletto version, its not really practical for my lifestyle and all the running around I do. So I'm sticking with comfort here.

Getting hold of a pair of Timberland wedges will set you back about R2000. Instead, snap up a pair from local brand, Bronx, for R629 in the original colour, or a gorgeous light grey. Instant style points at a fraction of the cost. Paired with skinny jeans, a comfy knit and a fur gilet = cosy, comfy winter style. Or black leggings, white t-shirt and chambray shirt for a casual day out. I've even added some outfit inspiration below.

Images: Source, Source, Source

New in | Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots used to be used for horse riding, and they were generally only spotted on the girl in your high school class who had a plait down to her bum and always wore her jodhpurs to civvies day.
Apparently that girl is getting her sweet revenge now because her shoe of choice is the shoe du jour this winter.

Image | Source

Style it with black tights, or some rolled-up/cropped skinny jeans and throw on an oversized coat to finish off the look. Or try them with a skirt and chunky winter knit.
I am loving the jelly ones, which are waterproof and perfect for rainy winters in Cape Town. I love my Hunter boots, but they can get a bit bulky. So finally I have some easy going 'style-in-a-hurry' black jelly ankle boots. Now I actually can't wait for the rain and bit of puddle stomping.

Animal print jelly boots | R149,99 | Mr Price

Isadorra burgundy leather boot | R1119,20 (on sale) | Country Road

Black jelly boots | R149,99 | Mr Price

Grey buckle details boots | R539 | Superbalist

Beige low cut suede boot | R450 | Truworths

Chocolate D&g textile boot | R1899 | Lilikoi

Trinomic Tuesday

Every week the PUMA Twitter account posts a picture or three of the latest covetable pair of Trinomic sneakers, which I obsess over, send to friends and contemplate yet another purchase. I just had to collect a few of these from their PR team and post them together.

With the statement sneaker trend going nowhere fast, you may as well accept that your current plain white ones need an upgrade. Your best bet is the PUMA Select store on Bree Street where you can find limited edition stuff and designer collaborations. I am still the happiest of sneaker heads for snapping up a pair of Alexander McQueens last year. I love going on First Thursdays for a mini street party vibe and perusing the new stock over a craft beer.

Have your eyeballs take in a few of the options from collabs with Vashtie and House of Hackney, amongst others.

Shop now | Wedges

Don't judge me, but I don't like wedges. I know they're comfortable and ridiculously chic, but I've always felt like that, being shorter and having fairly muscular legs that they did nothing for me other than make me look chunky. I also can't walk in ones that are insanely high (what is the point?).

But summer events are not stiletto-friendly. If you're going to a day at the races, a garden party, or dancing the night away at a wedding, then wedges are a girls best friend.
So this summer I was determined to convert and went on a hunt for a few pairs that were comfortable, not too high and petite enough so I don't end up looking like a monster truck in them.

Here are some of my finds... I think I did good!

1) Espadrille booties, R799 at Woolworths
2) Platform wedge, R399 at Cotton On
3) Strappy wedge, R999 Witchery at Woolworths
4) Nude wedge, R499, Madison at Spree
5) Metallic wedge, R440, Madison at Spree
6) Animal print wedge, R129,99 at Mr P
7) Buckle wedges, R399, London Rebel at Spree
8) Gladiator style wedge, R1190 at Errol Arendz
9) Black snakeskin wedge, R520, Madison at Spree
10) Black & white chunky wedge, R699 at Woolworths

Fashion comes to Takealot

Yip, you read that correctly. That rather efficient online store that you've been buying books and gadgets from for ages has a fashion department now. You know, the one that your other half constantly brags about technically getting his annual FIFA game for free from because of eBucks? No, just me then?.

Well anyway, Takealot.com has launched a fashion department and they're kicking it off with SA's favourite retail brands such as Levi's, Havaianas, Zoom and G-Couture. They also have a killer accessories department featuring the much-coveted Daniel Wellington watches and interchangeable straps.

Here are some of my favourite picks available now:

Black fringe detail bag, R599, Zoom at Takealot
Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield watch, R2499, Daniel Wellington at Takealot
Turquoise tear-drop earrings, R79, Miss Maxi at Takealot
Grey leopard print scarf, R130, Miss Maxi at Takealot
Embellished silver thing sandals, R259, Zoom at Takealot

Takealot has come to the rescue on more than a few occasions for birthdays and Christmas with their incredible delivery times and efficient returns. I think the addition of a fashion department is long overdue. And using my darling husband's logic, if I'm using eBucks, those shoes are free, right?

Save the Boots

The weather certainly is playing along with the timing of this post. I didn't think I'd be taking my boots back out of my closet in November! Shame, they've been gathering dust since the big Spring-clean back in September.
But here we are, and the timing is perfect for the gorgeous little girly gadgets I'm showing off today (and giving away, but more on that later).

Most of us are naughty, sloppy buggers when it comes to storing our beloved shoes. Boots suffer the most in my cupboard because I don't have space to lie then down or keep them in their boxes. The thing is, as I've got older and wiser, I'm not spending small amounts on these shoes. They are generally leather, great quality and ruddy expensive. Yet they look a little something like this flopped over in the back of my closet:

 This is where my girl Amanda comes in. She has a shoe and handbag collection second to none, and she knows more than most how to look after your prize possessions. It came as no surprise to me at all when she launched her company, Bootyfull, that she was about to school us all in proper boot storage.

These inflatable boot shapers are genius little helpers that enable you to store your boots upright in your cupboard - which means no more creases and folds, and it also saves space because if you are currently laying them down flat to preserve them, you no longer have to. This means more space for more boots - so you then have an excuse to buy another pair. You see how this is a must-have right?

There are currently 3 designs available, all their own kind of chic, girly and ready to pretty up your closet space. At R135 a pair, they are so affordable, and they'll make perfect stocking fillers for Christmas.
Here are the designs available at the online store currently:

Now for some silly season fun. We're giving a pair away to 3 of my readers and its really simple to win a pair. You just need to do the following:

1) Show some love to the Bootyfull Facebook page  or Follow them on Twitter here

2) Tweet them or comment on their Facebook page why you need a pair - get creative and snap a picture of your poor, sad flopped-over boots if you must. Just remember to use the following hashtag on both platforms so we can track your entry #SAVEMYBOOTS

3) Share this competition for extra entries



You have until Friday, 7 November. Good luck chickens. Do it for your boots.

Splurge vs Steal

Sometimes you see something in store and think its okay, but not your thing. Then a little while later you'll see that same thing, or something similar on someone else and becomes something you absolutely have to have in your life. This is the case in today's Splurge vs Steal post. I saw these Jenni Kayne flats last year on holiday and thought they were pretty - and pretty bloody pricey too and moved on.
Then my all-time favourite bloggess, Emily Schuman, from Cupcakes and Cashmere picked them up and featured them in numerous style posts and I became obsessed with finding something locally that came close. And I came up empty handed and down trodden. Here are some of her posts featuring some of the chicest flats I have ever seen.

Image: Source

Image: Source

After all these months, I have finally found an alternative. The Thurman pony hair slipper from Stylemology. And they deliver to your door. Bonus, no mall trawl for these babies.
The Jenni Kayne ones are sold out - in case you were actually contemplating dropping six grand on a pair of shoes. So your only option is the Thurman pair from Stylemology. To be honest, I prefer their full slipper as opposed to the JK pointy flats. Probably because they are more casual and that suits my day-to-day work life a little better than the points would.
For R899, they are yours - available now.

FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Streetstyle Superstar - Sophia Chang for Puma

Every day I spent a large amount of time pouring over style blogs and getting myself worked up over some serious wardrobe envy. So when I was sent these images, video and interview from Puma, I was grinning from ear to ear. Its such an honour to feature this superstar of style on my little blog today.

Sought out from the streets of Paris, Los Angeles and New York City, PUMA’s global group of Collection Directors have been assigned to enhance PUMA’s seasonal key products with their creativity, vision and passion under the ‘Next Starts Now’ platform.  The first of the Collection Directors to be introduced this month is Illustrator, Designer and self-proclaimed ‘Bun’ Queen, Sophia Chang. NYC-born and bred, Chang’s enthusiasm for killer product designs and POP culture was infectious for her first collaboration with PUMA.  Tasked to visually reinvigorate the season’s Women’s Lifestyle Footwear collection, Chang and her dream team of talents, used the city streets of LA and New York as her backdrop for a photo-shoot that was remarkably colourful, spontaneous and empowering just as the collection itself.

Read the interview below and be inspired!

    What is the best part of being an illustrator and why?

     SC:  You’re living your dream as a kid! Well, I am at least. Fortunately, I work for myself so I set my own deadlines and act as my own boss.

     Finish this line – I get my best ideas when:

     SC:  …I’m hanging out with friends and chatting.  So I tend to interrupt 90% of the conversations I’m in.

     Your illustrations have a signature style – how did you develop this aesthetic?

     

     SC:  I didn’t have a “style” throughout college. That was a real struggle for me.  I think the style just came thru time. The more I worked, the more exposure I had with different tools…it eventually just evolved. 

    

     You say you love and are inspired by hip-hop…Who are your top 3 hip-hop artists/acts of all time and list your top 5 tracks?

SC:  I’m inspired by a lot of hip-hop and R&B overall. The list changes over time. It’s very difficult for me to pick a top 3. I guess maybe SWV, Jay-Z and 2 Chainz for now.

Do you remember your first pair of PUMAs?  Do you have a favorite PUMA style & why?

SC:  Yes! My first pair was when I worked at PUMA Retail in college. It was a pair of black and white PUMA Clydes. I’d say that would still be my favorite pair, it’s an all-time classic!

This is the first season you have partnered with PUMA on a project, what was it like to work with the campaign from start to finish? Which part of the PUMA collaboration do you find to be the most interesting?

SC:  Working with PUMA on this campaign has been a great experience!  I was able to wear different hats as a design consultant, producer, stylist, and illustrator.  I was also able to reach within my own network of creatives and form a dream team for the vision – photographer, Ja Tecson, Fruition LV’s team and NaiVasha Thomas.  Team work makes dream work!  I love multi-tasking and wearing different hats…or should I now say sneakers?

What does “Next Starts Now” mean to you?

SC:  It’s an optimistic message.  It means so many things to me…. It’s an encouraging message - the future is bright so don’t delay and take hold of your goals!

 What does the PUMA brand represent to you?

SC:  PUMA represents a classic brand that is a staple in footwear culture.

 Are you a self-proclaimed “Bun Queen” or did that title come with time, and finally, how high does your bun really go?

SC:  Good question (laughing)!  I have a lot of hair and it’s super thick…basically like a lions mane.  When NY summers got really hot and humid, the hair went up in a bun.  I’ve done this my whole life but the summer of 2011, it started to become my nickname.  I would meet up with friends and they would say “I spotted your bun 3 blocks away!”

As I was out and about that summer I started to take photos on Instagram of my hair with people, places, textures, patterns, landmarks and so forth.  It became this weird sensation and I just went with it!

 What’s NEXT in store for Sophia?

SC:  So many things!  I work on a lot of different creative platforms – magazines, branding, design, apparel, graphics, web/mobile and more.  I have a few upcoming projects with PUMA I am very excited about and the next few months will be very interesting.  Can’t give away too much detail, so you’ll just have to stay tuned!

Sophia Chang, Designer & Illustrator
Site:  http://www.esymai.com                                                                                    
Instagram:  @esymai #bun
Tweet:  @esymai - http://www.twitter.com/esymai

FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST