All fur Everything

This winter every girl needs a faux fur gilet.

(faux fur kids, please for the love of puppies, stick to faux fur!) 

They teased us a little last winter, and this year they are in the picture big time. Initially I thought finding one that didn’t look cheap and nasty would mean spending a fair amount, but our local retailers have proved me wrong. And our Aussie imports haven’t done too bad either. Here are some that I’ve found, for every budget. I have also found faux fur jackets, scarves and the cutest accessories that I love for a luxe looking, but cosy winter ensemble.

Pink faux fur coat, R999 at Witchery 

Faux fur short jacket, R599 at Superbalist

Faux fur gilet, R299,99 at Mr P

Pom Pom beanie, R59,99 at Mr P

Colour block faux fur scarf, R899 at Country Road

White faux fur vest (and my favourite of the lot), R699 at Witchery

Fluffy pink cross body bag, R99,99 at Mr P

Spoiling mum

I love May. It is not only Mother’s Day, but also my mom’s birthday month – so she gets spoilt twice within a two weeks and its so much fun. Picking out the perfect gift makes my heart very happy because she is my best friend and I know what she’ll love. I don’t think any gift could ever really repay her for all that she has done for me, and the sacrifices she has made for my brother and I. I think we all feel that way about our moms. We don’t really understand how much they’ve really done for us until its almost too late to say thank you. 

 If I could do anything for my mom it would be to take her barging and wine tasting through France – which I am working towards – but for now I’ve got some pretty and thoughtful ideas for spoiling mom which I thought I'd share with you.

Structured tote bag, R550 from Woolies

Faux fur heart scatter cushion, R160 from Woolies

Antique look candle, R139 from @Home

Polka dot slipper boots, R89,99 from Mr P

Nome Scone/Cobbler baking kit, R29.50 from Nomu

(This is for you to buy AND make for your darling mum FYI - scones and tea on Mother's Day are mandatory!)

Awesome Mom card, R19,95 from Woolies

Mother Daughter necklace set, R220 from Romeo Foxtrot Designs

Cosy cream scarf, R199 from Superbalist

March Edit | 9 must-have Autumn wardrobe updates

I love this time of year. The stores are changing up their windows to feature comfy layers, as well as some teasers of what we can expect this Winter. Each year I use Autumn as a chance to invest in some great quality basics, that will see me through the season and on to colder days. So instead of latching on to whatever colour/print is on trend, I stick to black, camel, white and beige, and just about anything with stripes.
I have been searching for weeks for the perfect tailored navy blazer, which I found in Zara (another great option here). And that Mango coat is too beautiful - although you may want to take a size smaller as I thought it looked a bit boxy in my normal size.

As much as we are all so tired of hearing it, Cape Town really does surprise you with four seasons in one day, so you really don't need the chunky knits just yet. A coat over a t-shirt will do. And ballet pumps and statement sneakers will easily see you through to June before you need to whip out the knee-high boots.

Here are nine beautiful and effortlessly chic items to get you started.

Stripe scoop neck t-shirt: R199, Cotton On
American Apparel floppy hat: R699, Superbalist
White ribbed knit: R999, Country Road
Studded clutch bag: R199 at Spree
Camel coat: R1799 at Mango
Beige leather ballet pumps: R750, Cinnamon
PUMA Trinomic sneakers, R1500, PUMA Select
Olivia Burton double strap watch: R1299, Superbalist
Navy Blazer: R899, Zara

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

Pineapple/ Ananas/ Piña

Whichever way you say it, the pineapple is rather hot right now. Pineapple print seems to be just about everywhere, from tote bags, to bedsheets.

It's very young and girly, so you need to be careful with how you style this print - or else you're going to look like the 2014 remake of "13 going on 30". A shopper/tote bag or printed vest is probably safest - or anything beach related with this print is pretty.
If you're going to take the trend to your accessories, keep it dainty and simple with a ring or bracelet. And for some flirty fun, you can always express your summer love affair with pineapple print by upgrading your phone case.

Shop the trend here:

Country Road tote bag, R349 at Woolies
Pineapple ring, R25,99 at Mr Price
Printed vest, R29,99 at Mr Price
One piece costume, about R400 at Cotton On
Printed beach bag, R59,99 at Mr Price
Pineapple charm bracelet, R150 at Romeo Foxtrot Designs
Printed phone case, R325 at Phonecases.co.za
Pineapple candle holder, R399 at Superbalist

Jewels and shiny things

I am stuck inside recovering from my op and have got some serious cabin fever. All I have as a window to the outside world is this laptop of mine. So what else is there to do but peruse the internet for pretty, shiny things?

Statement necklaces aren't going away so you always have an excuse to add more to your collection. Here are a few I've found this week.

1) Crystal Necklace, R250 at Spree
2) Gen Statement Chain, R79,99 at Mr Price
3) Resin Splice Necklace, R399 at Witchery
4) Cabochon Torque Chocker Necklace, R199 at Spree
4) Pendant Necklace, R150 at Spree
6) Silver Necklace, R130 at Truworths

FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

6 pairs of must-have Chic Kicks

Sneakers are everywhere for the coming season. From high-tops, to bright coloured trainers, to neutral colour Chuck Taylor styles - you need a pair or 3 for the coming Winter. So far I've invested in a pair of black high-tops, and not just any old pair, but the much-coveted Alexander McQueen Street Climb from the brand spanking new PUMA Select store. I am completely and utterly in love.

But one pair isn't going to cut it and I definitely want to inject some colour and fun into my winter wardrobe, and comfy and chick sneakers are the perfect was to do it. So here are some of my favorite of kicks:

1) New Balance trainers, R799 at Zando
2) Nike wedge sneakers, R1100 at Zando
3) Corina high-top sneaker, R849 at Country Road
4) Alexander McQueen for PUMA, R3000 at PUMA Select
5) Nike pink suede sneakers, R650 at Brands Online
6) Grey Melange sneakers, R199 at Woolworths (hello bargain!)

FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Valentines Day for the boys

The boys don't get much love here on Pretty Mint - so seeing that it is the month of love after all, we thought we'd make sure you spoil your special guy with some goodies that he'd actually like. Walk away from the devil-print boxer shorts and heart shaped candy ladies! Stick to this gift guide and you'll be sure to have happy camper on the day we know he's dreading.

1) Happy socks twin-pack, R129 at Superbalist
2) Polka-dot tie and hankerchief set, R140 at Woolworths
3) Mustache watch, R249 at Style36
4) Travel mug filled with shortbread biscuits, R69-95 at Woolworths
5) Mustache cufflinks, R479 at Style36
6) Burburry Brit for Men, R950 at Rubybox
7) Tall, dark and handsome chocolate bar, R59-95 at Woolworths

8 Summer Sandal Must-Haves

Finally summer is creeping out from under the covers and we can start shopping for warmer weather! This year the gladiator sandal returns and retailers have some gorgeous options in stock - even for the more conservative among us. I for one won't be wearing them all the way up my calf - but each to their own I guess. We also see the huarache sandal make a resurgence, and this is a staple that you absolutely need in your Spring/Summer 2013 wardrobe, in a few colours or in gorgeous snakeskin. Or both. I vote both.

Thongs are always going to be chic - and give just about any outfit a soft, feminine and bohemian feel. 

So enough rambling, check out some of the pretty options we've sourced for you!

1) Dana Sandals by Billini, R600 at Spree
2) Faux Snake Skin Huarache, R99,99 at Mr Price
3) Leather Buckle Gladiator, R149,99 at Mr Price
4) Colourblock Sandals, R299 at Woolworths
5) Multistrap Huarache, R89,99 at Mr Price
6) Charlotte Sandal, R699 at Country Road
7) Tan Cuff Sandals by New Look, ± R632 at Asos
8) Georgia Metallic Sandal, R399 at Woolworths

FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST