SUMMER ESSENTIALS - CAPRI PANTS

Hello again, everyone

I trust that you all had a fantastic Christmas and are gearing up for New Year!!!

Ours is going to be quite modest due to my husband’s heart operation which he had in September, we don't want to go anywhere which is remotely crowded or too noisy.  So we are planning to have a fabulous dinner with our friends at a restaurant called Monopole and we will watch the fireworks from their apartment overlooking the Harbour Bridge.

Now that Christmas is over it does not mean that we, in OZ, stop partying.  There is still New Year to come and as summer is in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere, we, Australians spend a great deal of time outdoors eating, drinking, swimming, sailing and generally having a ball.

And what is one the great fashion staples that is perfect for summer weather?  The answer is a pair of Capri pants.  I will be honest with you, I have never been a big fan of short pants.  I have seen so many women wearing these type of pants that did not suit them that I quite often felt tempted to ask why would they wear such unflattering clothes?  

Then one day I walked into a Trenery store and saw a pair of white linen Capri pants.  Actually, I was looking for regular white slacks but I saw these and decided to give them a go.  As is my common practice, I brought them home and then spent the next hour mixing and matching them with what was in my closet to see how they would work together.

Mixing and matching is a lot of fun, it is a great skill that becomes better with practice.  It helps to utilise the contents of your wardrobe to its maximum capacity.  Once you have mastered it, you will be surprised about how many different looks you can create and how many various outfits you actually own.  Not to mention that is a very practical way to save money and time so you don’t have to look for a new dress every time you received an invitation to a dinner party.

Following wise saying that, "a picture worth is a thousand words", I decided to take a different approach to writing about fashion and instead of just telling you what type of pants you should or should not wear, etc. (cyberspace is clogged with websites giving women this type of advice, so that there is nothing new left to add) but rather I will share with you some images of my take on Capri pants. I sincerely hope that they would give you some ideas and inspiration on how to wear yours.

However, if you have any questions to this post or any of my previous publications, please drop me a line and I would be more than happy to help.

On this note I wish you all a fabulous New Year and I will see you again in 2015!!!

Until then

Black and White is always trendy

Pants:  Trenery

Shoes:  Senso
T-shirt:  Sportsgirl

Sunglasses:  Ray Ban

Elegant shoes and smart jacket will change the look from casual to chic

  

Jacket:  Zara

Shoes:  Miu Miu (as before)

Bag:  Coach (as before)

With the help of an oversized tunic and contrasting shoes I am ready to rock 

Top:  Prada

Cardigan:  Sloane Society

Shoes:  Chloe

Keep it simple and let the accessories do the talking

T-shirt:  Trenery

Shoes:  ZaZou

BLACK AND WHITE PALAZZO PANTS JUMPSUIT

Hi everyone,

With less then a week left before Christmas, it feels like we are almost reaching the epicentre of the huge tornado called pre-Christmas hysteria.  Even those who celebrate different holidays of their faith get caught up in a swirl of traffic, shopping, school holidays and cooking all of which are tightly pressed together waiting to be released on 25 December.

With that in mind, I will be quick and to the point or should I say "to the dot?".  Point in case, is my new jump suit.  This is one thing that I love about Christmas - it is the pre-Christmas sale.  You don't need to wait till after Christmas to buy yourself a gorgeous outfit with quite a substantial discount. 

Jumpsuits are very hot right now, in 2014 the trend has been a major staple for every fashion magazine and department store across the globe.  And rightfully so. Whether you are heading off to a casual Saturday lunch at your favourite cafe, a backyard barbeque or looking for something to wear to dinner or to a cocktail party - you can't go wrong with a jumpsuit. 

Light cotton flowing jumpsuits in pretty prints are great for day-time casual outfits but for the evening look it is better to have them in one solid colour, such as in black.  The interesting details like lace, sequins or a plunging neckline create a dressy vibe and make the jumpsuit a great alternative to a cocktail dress.  As someone once said:  "A jumpsuit is the 2014 equivalent of the LBD."

Choose the shape of the suit according to your taste:  skinny legs, boho style or wide-leg are just a few options you would may consider when shopping for one.

For me, the most crucial factor to consider is your body shape.  Find the jump suit that suits your figure and you are bound to look fabulous?

Jumpsuit:  Sass & Bide

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag:  Chanel

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Linking up with Not Dressed as Lamb, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Penniless Socialite

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

I can feel that you are about to scream “Not another LBD!!!” and you would be right.  However, when talking about wardrobe essentials, it is mandatory to mention the importance of having a Little Black Dress in my wardrobe or what kind of stylista would I be without it.

A Little Black Dress from Valentino's "50th Anniversary" Exhibition

Dress:  Le'Elegante

Shoes:  Louis Vuitton

Cuff:  Hermes

As much as I try not to overburden my wardrobe with identical items, I ended up having two LBDs  - one with long sleeves for cold months and a short or sleeveless number for warm balmy nights.  Over the course of time, I came to realise that a black dress can last you a good few years before someone will notice that you wear the same dress time and time again.  Surely, if you have one of those elaborate ball gowns you bought for a very special occasion, I would be very careful not to wear it in the same crowd more then once. Case in point the dress I am wearing.  I wore three times:  once to the Italian National Ball and second time - to a wedding and the thirdt - to my 50th birthday party.  Since those three occasions involved almost everyone I know, there is a very slim chance me wearing this dress again. That's why my two other dresses are of a much version with almost no frills, bells and whistles and I wear them time and time again until I grow tired of them.

As I mentioned in my previous posts, accessories are the key to making a dress look different every time you wear it.  The possibilities are endless, as black is one of those colours that matches with every other possible hue, colour, pattern or fabric.  A black dress can easily be dressed up or down with an effortless transition from a regular daytime routine into a night of fun and adventure.

All you need to do is kick off your office flats and put on a pair of killer heels in black or contrasting colour (for a colour pop and more fun); and swap your modest necklace for a piece of eye catching jewelry. 

Dress:  Cue 

Shoes:  Manolo Blahnik

Bag:  Chanel

Necklace:  George Jensen

Dress:  Max Mara

Shoes:  Christian Louboutin

Bag:  Chanel

If your taste is on the more conservative side, pearls, real or fake, around your neck or in strands cascading down the front of your dress always speaks style and elegance.  Just think of Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.

And most importantly, never leave home without dressing your lips in glamorous red.

DOUBLE SPLIT MAXI SKIRT I BOUGHT IN BALI

At the beginning of this year my husband and I decided to go to Bali for a week of peace and relaxation.  We both absolutely adore this island and have visited it numerous times.  It is inhibited by spiritually calm and beautiful people and we love watching their slow unhurried pace, experience their kindness, patience and immense tolerance towards the hardships of life. There is so much to do and to see here but it is also a great place to relax and recharge before heading back to the rat race. 

The flora is so rich, bright green and luscious.  Everywhere you look, the beautiful flowers which are as bright as the colours of the rainbow are blooming, the aroma of frangipani is intoxicating and the tropical birds dart back and forth chirping happy melodies above your head.  Not to mention the breathtaking sunsets over Jimbaran beach enjoyed over freshly grilled seafood cooked right in front of you and accompanied by a glass of chilled wine, the remarkable architecture and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed.

Tourists enjoying freshly cook seafood on the beach at Jimbaram beach

A sole vendor on the beach

There is another side of Bali that has been in the making for the last few years, modern Bali with a multitude of five star hotels, bars and night clubs, hot beach clubs and restaurants and of course, shopping.

Walking along the streets of Seminyak, we were amazed by the number of high-end shopping boutiques, art galleries and other creative hubs that have up during in the last few years.  Hopping from one smartly fitted shop to another, I spotted a maxi skirt in bright vibrant colours that I ended up buying.

Art for sale in one of the many art galleries of Seminyak

I love maxi skirts.  The first thought that comes to mind is that their length promises cover, but they are not as innocent as one would think and for the women who are past the age of wearing skirts that look more like a wide belt rather than an actual garment, they provide a perfect opportunity to show off your toned legs without being called immodest.   A point in case is the split, running along the front or the side of the skirt, both are great or the one I am wearing now - a double front split maxi skirt.  Think of Angelina Jolie and JLo and you know what I am talking about.

The beauty of the maxi skirt is that it is good for almost any occasion, from a backyard barbecue lunch to a night of drinks at the bar.  Correct accessories is the key:  whilst flat sandals or wedge shoes provide necessary comfort and look great for the backyard entertainment, I would swap them for the killer heels when night falls.  A cutting edge necklace and a compact hand bag or purse will complete the transformation.  Oh, almost forgot - my signature look - red lips.

Mama San in all her glory looking down at diners at Mama San restaurant

Tanah Lot - a home to the pilgrimage Temple

Top:  Dotti

Skirt:  Bali boutique

Shoes:  Ted Baker

Bag:  Vivienne Westwood

Glasses:  Ray Ban

Until then,

Anna

xoxoxo

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS - BLACK PANTS

In my last post I shared with you my thoughts on gorgeous extras, ie shoes and their role in the every stylista’s wardrobe.  Today I would like to talk about one item of clothes that, in my opinion, every modern woman should have in her closet, a pair of gorgeous black pants.

But first, let me tell you a little bit about my philosophy on shopping.  One thing I can say for sure is that I am not a spontaneous shopper nor do I follow the latest fashion trends.  I very seldom buy clothes on impulse or because it is “hot right now”  for a few reasons: a) I do not want end up looking like everybody else around me and b) once the trend becomes yesterday’s news, I don’t want the face a dilemma of “What should I do with this piece now”? 

And it is not just the money you paid for it, you have to find valuable space in your closet to store this currently out-of-fashion item until the wheels of fashion roll over yet again (say every 10 years!!!) and you will be able to wear it once more.  My guess is that by that time, you will probably forget its existence and your body shape could be a different size.

My philosophy in buying clothes is quite simple and logical, to me at least:  avoid impulse shopping, do not succumb to short lived trends; instead look for timeless classical pieces that you never grow tired of and when buying a new piece think whether it will go with in your existing wardrobe.  Mixing and matching is a lot of fun, and if you can master this trick, you instantly double or triple the volume of your outfits.

When shopping for new clothes I prefer to buy them in the stores that allow you to bring the item back for a refund and not just for a credit note.  I like to bring them home and see how it complements what I already have and if not, I return it.

There are quite a few items in my wardrobe, I call them “My capsule collection” that I bought a couple of years back but I love and wear them regardless. Clothes like dresses by DVF (see previous post), a white silk blouse, a smoking jacket or a pair of timeless black pumps are my saviours when I am clueless or in doubt about what to wear.

A case in point is a pair of black slim fit pants I bought while visiting my in-laws in Cape Town. Not only do I love the fact that they are not entirely black but rather have shimmering pattern, they also fit well because of the classic slim cut.  But what is most attractive about them is their versatility, every time you pair them with a different top, it’s like you have a completely new outfit.  They are like a blank canvass and it is what’s in your wardrobe together with your personal taste and imagination that will make them look dressed up or down, helping you achieve an elegant and sophisticated look, or to be playful and casual. 

I love to wear them with loose blouses for the office, with quirky tops and short boots when I am out for a drink or movies and with a pair of elegant black shoes and a pearls and an onyx necklace for a night at the Opera.

Top:  Georgio Armani

Pants:  Fabiani (SA)

Shoes:  Mark Jacobs

If you, like me, a lady of certain vintage, you would know exactly what style suits you best.  It is possible that the slim fit pants might look on you like a second skin or on another hand, you’d prefer to cover some parts of your body by way of plaits, layers or loose fit, so you would opt for some more streamlined silhouette. 

Points to remember:

One – high heels make anyone’s legs look longer and add few extra inches to your height;

Two – regardless of style and colour, your pants should be of high quality and fit perfectly.

Top:  Zara

Pants:  Fabiani (SA)

Shoes: DKNY

Bag:  Louis Vuitton

Top:  Sass

Pants:  Fabiani (SA)

Boots:  Midas

Top:  Fabiani (SA)

Pants:  Fabiani (SA)

Shoes:  Christian Dior

SHOEMANIA

When I travel, I am always on the lookout for exceptional window displays by department stores, shops or even restaurants.  Other people’s creative talents are always an inspiration for my own imaginative thinking.   These photos were taken in London at Selfridge department store.  The advertising campaign was called “Shoemania”.  The brainchild was to bring together over 200 shoe shops and labels under one roof, dedicating an entire floor to them.

I was bemused by the imagination of the creative team behind the window displays.  They utilised those boring, familiar to every housewives utensils and transformed them into the most desirable, admirable girl’s second best friends (after diamonds).  I couldn’t miss such an experience and went inside to find myself completely disoriented and overwhelmed amongst too many rows upon rows of shoes of every possible colour, shape, size, etc, etc.  Needless to say, I left empty handed…except the photos and lovely memories, of course.

A Piece of Kitchen Furniture 

Sewing Machines

 Irons on Heels

 A Pair of Dustbusters

 Diamonds are a girl's best friend

"Fatal Attraction"

 A shoe with a secret storage compartment

This shoe is about 4 meters tall

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES - SHOES AND HANDBAGS

Hi there, my dear readers,

Today I would like to share with you my thoughts on beautiful extras - shoes and bags.  They have the ability to transform your look drastically and with minimal fuss, from a casual day time look to evening glamour but try to reverse the scenario by pairing a swanky dress with plain casual shoes and the wrong bag and the result is a disaster.

As Rebecca Miller once said: “Like most girls, I understood from an early age that shoes are magic vessels”.  And I totally agree with her, I strongly believe that good shoes and handbags are the best investments that will carry you over many fads and trends always looking stylish and fashionable.  You don’t have to wear expensive clothes with good extras.  Better to wear higher quality shoes and a cheaper dress.  When the shoes and bag appear classy, no one ever assumes that the clothes are down- market.

Shoes speak volumes about your personality and your taste; shoes and bags in vibrant hues instantly spruce up your basics and take a muted monochromatic look into a completely new level of fun and creativity;

If you, like me, love to wear high heels, indulge yourself.  The added height lengthens you and gives your calves a toned look.

Whether it is to treat yourself or to simply boost your mood, buying an awesome piece of footwear is a fabulous thrill – and it will look great on any figure!!!

An awesome pair of shoes are girls' best friends

 

Shoes:  Dolce & Gabbana (I wore them here)

Shoes:  Ted Baker (I wore them here)

Shoes:  Chloe

Handbag:  Naomi Levi (I wore them here)

 Shoes and hand bag:  Luis Vuitton (I wore them here)
 

An injection of vibrant hues add new vibe to black and white colour scheme



One dress -  two different looks (accessories is the key)

HOW TO WEAR BLACK AND WHITE

My love affair with the dresses continues (see my earlier posts) From vibrant and exciting bright colors to a classic and sophisticated black and white monochromatic palette, I simply can’t get enough of these garments.  

Dress:  Zara

Boots:  Robert Clergerie

Bag:  Louis Vuitton

Monochrome is a trend that timelessly carries on from season to season, it looks marvelous on its own, works beautifully with an injection of a bright colour (colour popping is the term, I believe) is added and screams with confidence when mixed and layered with different patterns. 

Dress:  Zara

Boots:  Midas

Coat: Jane Lamerton

Bag:  Louis Vuitton

Of course, time of the day, an occasion or just the mood you are in right now should be considered when choosing the outfit and accessories but no matter what you opt for, choose the one that works for you and wear it with pride!!!

Pants:  Glassons

Shirt:  Zara

Shoes:  Repetto

Coat: Jane Lamerton

Pants:  Trenery
Top:  Sportsgirl
Shoes: Senso

Jacket:  Lovers
Pants:  Sass & Bide
Shoes: Repetto

Pants:  Glassons (as before)
Top:  Seed
Shoes:  Miu Miu
Bag: Coach
Necklace: Bondi Markets

Pants:  Sass & Bide

Top:  Marcs

Shoes: Midas

Pants:  Sass & Bide

Top:  Marcs

Shoes: Midas

Bag:  Georgio Armani

Jacket:  Saba