Little Red Soles

Back to blogging and the great African bush

2010-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

There really is nothing quite like spending a few blissful days in the beautiful African bush. It also helps to be completely disconnected from modern technology - I'm talking no calls, no blackberry, no email, no internet and not even electricity (in our chalet at least). As scary as it sounds, spending a few days far away from the stressful buildup of modern living is an absolute pleasure, and one that needs to be scheduled into my calendar more often.

Often, we're so caught up in making things happen that we forget to enjoy the little pleasures in life - apart from shoe splurging that is. While shoes do offer that little spark of enthusiasm, nothing helps you to clear you mind and refocus your energy quite like sitting on an open air Landrover, driving through the bush and spotting nature's most amazing creatures.

And with that I've decided it's time to get back into my blog. Although my big blog StyleScoop is doing phenomenally well, I still need a little place to call my own - somewhere to share some random ramblings.

So, hopefully I'll be making a point to blog here more often. Whether it's sharing my favourite beauty products, fabulous fashions or my attempts at photography and decorating stay tuned...

Loubie Lust - Maggie

2010-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

I first spotted these gorgeous, Ga-Ga-GEOUS Christian Louboutin heels on the cover of People magazine, and who would you think was wearing them?

Victoria Beckham (of course), who, by the way, I'm sure has more Loubies in her closet than most celebs and probably owns every single pair ever made. I wouldn't be surprised if she did!

In fact it was in her book, That Extra Half and Inch where I first spotted and fell in love with Louboutins, one specific pair (http://littleredsoles.blogspot.com/2009/08/love-affair-begins.html).

Now that's how you go to a Lakers game - VB style in Louboutins!

PS, Personally I love the tabacco and black pair, but they also come in a lilac/ navy combo which is also hot. I priced these babies on Barneys' website and they are going for $930 - R6 825, which is not bad for Louboutins, in fact it's pretty good! Now just to get my ticket to NYC and then wake up from my dream!

Love this look

2010-01-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

Sweetie ♥ by ♥♪♥♫♥ ℐℯɲɲɑℓℯℯɲ ♥♪♥♫♥ featuring Alexander McQueen

I HEART these heels

2010-01-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

When I say I love these shoes, I mean I L-O-V-E them!

How beautiful are these heart-shaped Alexander Mqueen patent peep toe heels?

As if the peep toe isn't cute enough they have a gorgeous, striking yellow sole that gives them uber sex appeal! YUMMY!

I also found a hot pink pair while browsing online, as if you needed to scream louder as to just how much you love thee heels...
Just ask Taylor Momsen (AKA Little J from Gossip Girl).

All black with a pair of gorgeous pink heels, Taylor looks sexy and striking!

Had ourselves a Merry Little Christmas...

2009-12-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas time, the only thing I don't like is the feeling of over-indulgence that surely follows on Boxing day!

This Christmas we had (almost) the whole family come down to Durbs, and despite the rain on Christmas eve (and day), we still managed to host a fabulous Christmas Eve dinner at our home...

My very festive table
Gorgeous Gammon

My home-made Christmas cake - First attempt and DEE-LICIOUS to boot!

Louboutin arm candy - yes please

2009-12-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge fan and loyal follower of the fabulous Rachel Zoe. She has such an amazing talent to make, well, anything look super stylish and she always pulls it off in a classy and sophisticated way.

A few weeks ago I subscribed to her daily mailer - TZR (The Zoe Report) and I look forward to every days' mail. It pops into my inbox usually after 5pm which signals "me" time, and what a great way to start "me" time!

Yesterday's TZR was my favourite so far... Rachel has brought a true piece of heaven to my inbox, and while Santa didn't leave a gorgeous Christian Louboutin Cadeau clutch under my tree, this gorgeous clutch is certainly on my lust list. So, if you ever want to get me a prezzie, don't say I didn't give you any suggestions ;-p.

The Christian Louboutin Cadeau metallic gold Clutch is adorned with a beautiful bow and is said to retail at close to 900 US Dollars - so expect to fork out close to R7k to get one of these babies on your arm.

Obsession - Black and white delight

2009-12-12T11:21:00.001-08:00

Black and white block-colour dresses have become my new obsession. I absolutely love the contrasting colours and how they can be worked for daytime or an evening affair, it just takes the right pair of shoes.

I particularly LOVE ones with high waisted styles like these ...

This one from Forever21 via www.splendicity.com is super cute, simple and classic and I love the high waisted look of it! Plus it has an understated elegance. Classic, simple... PERFECT!

Of course Mrs Beckham always makes it my style books, and here are some black and white delights from her dvb collection...

Very high-powered fashionista!

So POSH!

A longer length dvb Dress looks sensational

I was absolutely stoked when I managed to get a gorgeous black and white dress from YDE and better yet, on SALE!!!

It's not the greatest of pics, but I love this dress! It's straight cut at the bottom, with a GREAT fitting top section and I love the high waist!

Dresses that impress

2009-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Supposedly we're in summer right now? Well looking out my window for the past few weeks, all I see is doom doom and gloom. In December - WTF? Where is the sun hiding?

All through winter in July, I was inspired by sunny, summery dresses and stocked up on a few, but judging by this miserable weather, I wont be able to wear them until next summer :( - So now I'm inspired by winter dresses - how gorgeous are these from Raxevsky?

This one is so gorgeous and classic. I could SO see myself wearing this one. The only thing that's missing is the big ball to wear it to :). I love dresses with pretty details and this one has a gorgeous detail, high up on the waist, and a beautiful lace detail at the back.

So gorgeous! This one reminds me of a 1930's flapper dress today. The colour is simply stunning and the black belt really modernizes this timeless dress.

This one is super cute. Like I said, I love details on dresses. I'm very much a plain Jane when it comes to dresses, I dont like over the top stuff with too much going on, but love the subtle details that make it unique.

In Paris Hilton's shoes

2009-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Today I spotted Paris Hilton's shoe collection at Stuttafords in Gateway

Some of them were quite nice and I liked the little pink soles, but I can't say I'm totally crazy about the whole collection. However, there was one pair that made me go gaga...

Not the greatest of pics, but here they are - I fell in love with the heel! Gorgeous ain't it?

I found better pics of them on heel heaven - www.heels.com

I didn't get a chance to try them on, so I'm definitely going back this weekend to try them on and walk in Paris Hilton's shoes for a change :)

Obsession - Smoke and Mirrors

2009-11-10T03:24:00.001-08:00

My favourite thing about being the editor of StyleScoop and GLOSSY magazine is when the couriers arrive, bearing new cosmetics products for me to try out and shoot for beauty features on the publications.

One of my favourite, new products at the moment is the Smoke and Mirrors eye shadow compact from M.A.C

M.A.C have always made some of the hottest eye shadow shades and their products are long wearing and affordable. Plus they last a really long time and even longer when you apply them using the M.A.C brushes. Yes, any makeup brush would probably do, but if you've used a M.A.C brush before, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. There just is no comparison.

Now, back the compact. How stunning are these colours? Check out my pic below, which I created using this compact.

For this look I used all three shades in the bottom row. I started with the first shade on left and used my M.A.C 224 brush to apply the shade from lash line to brow bone. Then, I applied the darkest shade in the bottom right hand corner on my lids using the M.A.C 239 Eye Shader Brush. And finally I blended it all in using the gorgeous shimmer shade in the middle with my M.A.C 217 Blending Brush

Obession - Leather wrap belt

2009-11-03T02:12:00.000-08:00

My new obsession is my haute new leather wrap belt. I bought it from Aldo a few weeks ago, but havent' worn it yet... None the less, I plan to very soon and here here are some leather looks I love!

Jeannie Mai is fast becoming one of my new style icons. Although she will have to take her place behind Victoria Beckham on my style icon list. This look is so gorgeous! I love how she's mixed totally different pieces and it works - on me, it might be a little different, but on her it looks Ah-mazing!

There's that leather belt (similar to mine actually) and I love how she's used it to roughen up an otherwise "girly outfit"

Even though this belt it totally different to mine, I love how leather added to such a delicate, feminine can look so chic. And the colour combo - tra la la - Emmy Rossum

I like this outfit of Emma Stone's for an evening affair. Again, I like how she's used a leather belt to give her simple dress an edge!

Frankly Miss Scarlett... I love it!

2009-11-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

So, I know this ad with Scarlett Johansson for Mango is kinda old news, but I was paging through one of my magazines and saw it again. She looks absolutely sensational...

I love this look and I so want that leather skirt, and that top and those shoes and well, everything! High waisted skirts are my new poison, now to find one I love.

November GLOSSY

2009-11-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest issue of GLOSSY

Be sure to let me know what you think :)
www.glossymag.stylescoop.co.za

Obsession, Leigh Schubert and The Space

2009-10-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm always the first person to complain about the lack of "variety" in our clothing stores. And yet, every time I'm out shopping for an outfit, or just "because" I always find myself back in the same old, bland and boring stores... (you know exactly which ones I'm talking about).

I'm also one of "those" people who walks past a store, and just scans the racks, and of course, there is nothing that I like. I don't really look, I don't really shop! So, the other day I challenged myself, to really check out the racks, and no, not in "those" stores either, but rather in more edgier, more exclusive stores that have that something different.

I found myself at The Space at Gateway - which is now, by the way, my absolute favourite store. It's such an great little store, that stocks a variety of local designers; Amanda Lard Cherry, Leigh Schubert, Colette Palin and Colleen Eitzen are some of the names.

I found the most amazing pair of satin pants from Leigh Schubert, I had to have them and I did! For 7 days at least. As much as I loved these babies - they are still super hot - they just didn't look so great on my body shape. I have naturally big hips and am so used to flared pants, that straight cut slacks just look odd on me. I took them home in any case, to try them out with my Aldo babies, but the image in my mind looked a lot hotter than the mirror.

Even though I don't have them anymore (sniff sniff), I still think they are super hot...

Check out the back!

Behind the scenes at ELLE

2009-10-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Last month, I was fortunate enough to attend ELLE magazine's first local cover shoot, featuring local starlet Vanessa Haywood. I was sent to cover the "Behind the scenes" action on my blog and style website, StyleScoop and I must say it was quite an experience.

The other day I picked up my copy of ELLE and it's really amazing to see what materialised from the shoot. Vanessa is truly a professional, I mean seriously you would never have thought that this chick had been at it, posing non stop from 6am to 6pm. OK, I lie - she did stop once or twice to change her wardrobe.

As it was a "Behind the scenes" I also managed to catch some live camera action...

I could kick myself for not taking more pics, especially with Vanessa and the fabulous ELLE team, but it was a truly great experiance.

Closet dreams - Rachel ZOe

2009-10-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

A girl can always dream cant she? Well, right now, I'm dreaming about Rachel Zoe's closet ...

Blog ♥ Love - The Shoe Girl

2009-10-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

I have been following the fabulous Shoe Girl for some time now and every time I open her blog my little heart flutters and my face goes green with envy. Why? Because she has the most fabulous, gorgeous, delicious and delightful shoe collection any girl could dream of!

The Shoe Girl is a shoe designer herself, and apparently a H-U-G-E fan of Louboutins too. That's why Im giving her loads of Blog Lovin today :)

Go check out her blog, apart from her gorgeous shoes, she also has great style and you'll become instantly addicted to her blog.

October GLOSSY is up

2009-10-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Check it out, the October GLOSSY - StyleScoop's fab, free, digital fashion, style and beauty glossy magazine is up!

To read the magazine and flip through the fabulous pages go to glossy.stylescoop.co.za.

Enjoy!

Have a little faith

2009-10-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with these super cool gladiator platforms from Faith. Now I know Stuttafords used to stock Faith shoes, but I wonder if these will come in South Africa? They are so, so, soooo hot! Anyone going to London?

And speaking of having a little Faith, how different are these?

My "Field" of dreams

2009-09-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Why, why, why can't these be a little closer? I am in love with these three items from Patricia Field... I will keep staring at them until they are in my closet :)

First, the belt
When I saw it on Sex and the City, I had to have it and have searched high and low to find something similar - nadda! It's so, so, so gorgeous and so darn different - I haven't seen anything like it and I love how it can be worn in so many different ways.

Next, the jacket

and last, but certainly not least, this dress...

Found: Another Fabulous SA Fashion Blogger

2009-09-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

I think it's so great that so many local gals are blogging about fashion... Fashion Jazz, Pippa Lynch, Kim Gray and Robyn Cooke are among my faves. I stumbled upon another fab African blogger, Nandi Mngonma.

Go check out her blog

I'm loving the blues...

2009-09-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Two blogs in one day... I'm catching up, but really, I do have a lot to say - what else is new? Lately, I have a slight (just a slight) obsession with Blue...

It started with this gorgeous pair of Electric blue Steve Madden Trinitie Platforms...

Which, I got as a gift from their lovely agency in South Africa. (They sent me a black pair as well, but it's all part of the perks of being a fashion editor heheh).

Seriously though, these heels are so comfy and the colour is so unique and amazing, Im actually too scared to wear them in case I mess them up. But on the other hand I cant wait to wear them and show them off!

Speaking of blue, what do you think of my blue nails?

This colour reminds me of bubble gum! I had to cut them shorter because long nails just looked weird this colour.. The shade is "GreenPort" by Essie

The super boot - can you go any higher?

2009-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

First, I must apologise for not blogging more often, duty calls! However, you'll be pleased to know that I have been working on the October GLOSSY magazine and also giving StyleScoop a hot new look. Go check it out!

Sky high, over the knee boots are hot, hot, hot for Fall 2009/10, which means they will probably be super hot for us on the other side of the equator come July 2010. Remember that's around the same time as the World Cup Soccer here in sunny SA, so hopefully the international fashionista's will strut their stuff while their guys catch the game. Girls, please bring along all your fabulous shoes, I will gladly take them off your hands. I wear a size 39 or US 8 :-)

Anyway, back to the boots... how devilishly hot are these Bebe Fabiana boots?

Or these...

I found these babies via one of my favourite blogs - The Shoe Girl. They are by Stella McCartney and as you can see go way, way, way beyond the knee. They do make a flipping sexy, seamless tights/hot heel combo. I don't know if I'd wear them, but they look absolutely amazing!

That's them on the catwalk. You can't even tell they are shoes at first glance.

Now, something I would definitely wear and it fits in purrfectly with the whole versatility thing are these leather leg warmers from Fendi. Yes, I said it out loud - I love leg warmers, but only if they are hot as these...

Worn with the right shoes, which have got to be super high, concealed platforms, then these look ammmmmazing!

The first time I spotted them was in the Fendi ad in the September British Vogue. Model Jessica Stam looks amazing - that whole look...Sensational! I must have these!

By the way, apparently Chanel's front man Karl Lagerfeld was not only the creative director behind this campaign, but he photographed it too! Go Karl!!!

Friday fun

2009-09-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I happened to bump into this really awesome website called Looklet and had some fabulous, Friday fun putting together designer outfits in "real time"...

This is my floral with a "rock-chick" edge. I've actually been on the hunt for a studded belt and the perfect little floral dress or skirt to put a look like this together.

How sexy are those shoes?

I love this look for a night out - The dress is by Karen Miller and has a nice flash of purple - I love purple!
But it 's the back of this look that I really love! How gorgeous are those Alexander McQueen heels? I know.... I want them!

And a trend I am very drawn to at the moment is layering a long tank over a sexy black top, with simple black heels, black shades, some leather or wet-look pants and lots and lots of layered necklaces like this..

My babies...

2009-09-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today when I went into Aldo, I couldn't control myself. Usually, I go in, see a pair of shoes I love, think about them, then go back, think about them again, and then decide if I'll get them or not - I want to be sure you know!? Now, I must admit oftentimes I leave the thinking a bit too long and before I know it someone else has zapped all the size sixes - one of the beauties of having a "common sized foot".

Well today, I walked in, spotted these babies and ...

Now they're mine!

I couldn't resist and can you honestly blame me? I mean they are H-O-T! Super high, super sexy, super comfy and just plain fabulous!

The only thing that remains is finding the perfect outfit and an excuse to wear them. But, they look great with jeans too, so I don't think they'll stay brand new for too long :)

New York, New York

2009-09-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

You've just got to love New York (not that I've ever been, but that city calls me every day!).

Then again, what's not to love? In New York you get Times Square... Sex and The City..... Manhattans and Cosmopolitans... shopping and designer labels lining the streets. But there is also the most important event in the fashion calendar.... The Mercedes Benz New York Fashion week and it kicks off today!

Photo: New York Times

Anyone who's anyone will be there to check out the upcoming Spring 2010 fashions from the top designers. It all goes down in Bryant Park today and the fashionista's get to indulge until the 17th September 2009.

Today's designers include Michael Angel, BCBG Max Zaria, Davidelfin, Duckie Brown, Mara Hoffmann, Nicholas K, Whitney Eve, Ports 1961 and Rosa Cha.

Lets see how it goes....

There's Gladiator and then there's Spartan

2009-09-09T01:05:00.001-07:00

Gladiator heels are super hot and it looks as though they are going to hang around for a few seasons (YAY).

Now there's gladiators like these from Dior...

And then there's Spartans, like these new, very different heels from PRADA baby...

As spotted on the catwalk for Prada Fall 2009.

Rock me baby...

2009-09-08T06:03:00.003-07:00

Lately I've been a bit obsessed with the whole rocker-edge look. Skulls are so hot right now and of course, lots and lots of barra-BLING!

I've even resorted to wearing my studded "heavy metal" leather bracelet from way back when, but this time round, wearing it with my "girly" bangle.

I also found this super hot ring from Sass Diva - It fits over two fingers - kinda like a knuckle-duster, but I wont be leaving my mark on any one's forehead :)

Gotta wear it with red nails!

My new favourite Nail Polish is "Red Tango" from Estee Lauder - Yum, YUM!

Good Hair Days...

2009-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

Coming my way....

Check out the fabulous ghd shampoos, conditioners and treatments that arrived this morning... I've been dying to try out the Opulence Mask, so yay, I got it. Ill give you the verdict soon!

These are all for my October GLOSSY magazine feature on sexy, summer hair.

Gotta love my job :)

Obsessed with

2009-09-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin booties...

This pair is so gorgeous!

Shoe Porn - Viktor & Rolf

2009-09-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

Black and white and all things nice.... How incredibly whack are these Viktor & Rolf heels?

If you've ever seen a Viktor & Rolf fashion show, you'd know these guys love pushing the boundaries... Their whole show revolves around the artistry of the collection - the music is always a little haunted and trance-like and their models (and designs) always stand out.

Remember their Autumn/ Winter 2007/ 2008 runway show?

But anyways, back to the shoes. This pair of geometric pumps are certainly no exception to their wild style.

Here is a runway image from the Viktor & Rolf 2009 Spring Ready to wear collection featuring model Shalom Harlow.

I just ordered...

2009-09-05T13:44:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited, I just ordered my copy of WhoWhatWear from Kalahari and I can't wait until it gets here... Also threw in a copy of How to Walk in High Heels :)

Synopsis
A smart and stylish fashion and beauty guide from the creators of the popular website WhoWhatWear.com. Now, the creators share their tricks of the trade, translating high fashion in a low-fuss, accessible way. Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, two former 'Elle 'magazine editors, are the fashionable duo behind the booming website. In 'Who What Wear 'they've compiled the best of their tips and advice into one stylish compendium.

Trends come and go at a dizzying pace and it can be challenging to just get dressed in the morning!Kerr and Power banish those fashion faux-pas fears and give readers the tools necessary to update their own personal styles 'and 'recognize and incorporate the latest runway and Hollywood looks.

Celebrity contributors such as Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, and Rachel Bilson also dish their insider style secrets alongside images from the runway and beyond.

How to do florals this season

2009-09-05T06:39:00.001-07:00

Florals will always be spring/ summer staples, but forget about being frilly and hippie chic this summer. The trend for florals this season is to add rocker edge, like these fab ladies have done...

"Loops" on Chictopica
Loops is rocking the floral rock chic trend by adding a little "bad ass" to a cute floral skirt. Love, love, love her belt and the bag and gladiator heels finish it off nicely.

If you really want to make a statement check out The Glamourai's blog to see how she's worked this trend. Who said you can't mix prints?

And last but not least, you can always draw inspiration from Carrie...

You can actually buy "Carrie's belt" from Patricia Field item for $120 from her website. This belt is an exact replica of the vintage belt that SJP wore in the movie Sex and The City.

Blog ♥ Love - Blicious

2009-09-05T01:42:00.001-07:00

I bumped into this really cool blog from a follower and now friend on Twitter (don't you just love Twitter?).

Lately I've been a bit obsessed with finding really trendy fashion blogs and am soooo jealous with all the fabulous shoes these girls snap themselves in.

So, this week I'm sending much Blog Love to Blicious - for her cool and inspiring blog.
Check it out!

Rock & Heel

2009-09-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

I love these heels by Rock & Republic. Who knew they made such sexy shoes?

You can get them from Zappos.com and they retail at around $200 (about R1528) - $2700 (about R2700) a pair.

Move over Beyonce

2009-09-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

There's a new hottie in town and her name is Megan Fox.

The smokin hot, "Transformers" starlet is said to be replacing Beyonce as the new face of Armani. She's also been reported to take over Victoria Beckham's throne as the face of Armani's Underwear Line.

Madge dazzles in thigh-high Louboutins

2009-09-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

In her latest music video for "Celebrations", Madonna has traded in her signature leotard for a super hot, dazzling Balmain dress, complete with studs and shoulder pads.

She's rocking this feisty number with a pair of sky high, Louboutin Supra Fifre thigh high boots...

The black suede, thigh high boots have a heel that measures at 4.5inches/ 120mm with a 0.5inch/ 10mm concealed platform and gold-toned buttons that fasten on the front.

They are available from Net-A-Porter for £1,565.76, which converts to R19 623!

Glorified diva

2009-09-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

I've always been one to promote and support local designers, but I am getting slapped in the face with the harsh reality that certain local designers don't feel the same way about up and coming media.

It's quite ironic though, when they started out with only their sewing machine as their team, they expected the media to publish and promote their lines - which wasn't all that long ago! But now that more than one person knows who they are, they have moved to "instant diva status". Even their telephonists are walking around on cloud nine, because they have elevated themselves to a god-like status!

Despite being a digital magazine (and downright fabulous too) our readers also want to be trendy, they want to be stylish and they want to wear designer, and with so much talent in this country, we should be wearing local designers with the same pride that we wear, um Prada!

Sounds easy huh - After a phone call to one very arrogant, very snooty designer assistant AKA glorified diva, of whom I will rather not mention, I was basically told that they are featured in enough magazines and don't need more exposure. So I wonder, why bother working or for that matter answering your phone if you are just that cool? You might as well take up permanent residence on the beach, switch off your cellphone and let your clothes sell themselves.

Marchesa launches bags for Spring

2009-09-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

The house of Marchesa will be launching their own range of elegant evening bags in time for Spring 2010.

The collection includes 28, super cute clutches which will debut in a spring presentation on the 16th September 2009 at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York.

These clutches are the very first items from Marchesa's new accessories line. They are set to retail from $995 (R7 811) up to $5,000 (R39 254) for the exotic skin bags.

Remind me again who said we were in an economic recession?

Sex and the city sequel has started

2009-09-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

... filming that is. So, the movie Sex and the City was not the end of the fabulous four and fans of the TV series will be happy to know, that soon they can get more of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte and thier fabulous, Manhattan life - dont forget loads of fabulous heels!

SJP was spotted on set, in a beautiful white dress (and Louboutin shoes) looking sensational.

Put a spring in your step

2009-09-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought this post was going to be about fashion, Louboutin's or Victoria Beckham - well guess again.

Today is spring day and what would spring be without a good ol' spring clean? So this afternoon I decided to put a spring in my step and start by cleaning out my work space...

Before...

OK it's not too bad - I mean I can still see my desk right? But it is quite cluttered, and I'm starting a small junk collection on the left...

I am a beauty editor, so it's natural to have make up all over my desk. I cleaned most of it up after I finished with the mag features, but some always seems to remain as part of the decor...

After...

So what do you think? I clean up good don't I? And my workspace feels like new and best of all, I'm inspired to get on with the October GLOSSY magazine now...

I even updated my Inspiration board.... with fabulous spring trends and I don't inspiration from scarves and winter woolies.

I get my cut outs from various magazines, mostly international ones as these the trends are ahead of us. There are some cut outs from local mags too - Like the Beyonce Pic which was a cover for and issue of ELLE. I love that pic of her - she looks amazing.

And just in case you're thinking that I shoved everything into the cupboard under my desk, think again - it isn't called spring clean for nothing...

Before...
After...

I even managed to fill a bag of unwanted paper to add to recycle bin...

Shoe spotting: Fab Flats

2009-09-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

I spotted these GORGEOUS flip flops at Woolies the other day and snapped a pic of them. How sexy are they?

Posh swings for fall

2009-09-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

Last VB post for the day I promise! !!

Victoria Beckham has been photographed swinging - in Louboutins no doubt. But this image isn't of Posh playing mom with her boys, it's for the new commercial for her Fall 2009/10 collection. And for the shoe fetish freak - the Louboutins are Burgundy, patent Louboutin Bianca Platforms that retail at around £480 - which in our currency is R6 077.
Check out the ad online

Spotted: Becks in boots

2009-09-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

Now we all know Victoria Beckahm has a slight Louboutin fetish - I wonder how many fabulous, red soled shoes she has in her cupboard? Or is that a room she's dedicated to her shoe collection? Or perhaps even a separate house? Yes, she does have that many!

Check out her spotted Leopard Louboutin booties. These are super sexy...

Made in Italy, these babies are 16 cm high and gorgeous!

Blog Stalking Sunday

2009-08-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

I was blog stalking and came across the blog of Marie Phillips. For those of you that are unfamiliar with her work, she is the author of "Gods Behaving Badly" - a fabulous book that really is a breath of fresh air.

It's also one of my all time favourite books and I'm eagerly awaiting her next masterpiece...

Synopsis: Being immortal isn't all it's cracked up to be. Life's hard for a Greek god in the 21st century: nobody believes in you any more, even your own family doesn't respect you, and you're stuck in a dilapidated hovel in north London with too many siblings and not enough hot water. But for Artemis (goddess of hunting, professional dog walker), Aphrodite (goddess of beauty, telephone sex operator) and Apollo (god of the sun, TV psychic) there's no way out...Until a meek cleaner and her would-be boyfriend come into their lives, and turn the world literally upside down. "Gods Behaving Badly" is that rare thing, a charming, funny, utterly original first novel that satisfies the head and the heart.

Buy the book from Kalahari - you won't regret it!

OH, and Marie's Blog is called The Woman Who Talked Too Much

Katie Holmes to launch a fashion line?

2009-08-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Clearly Miss Cruise has been hanging around Victoria Beckham too long that she's kinda lost her own direction...

First with the big sunglasses, then the short hair, then the same kind of dresses and even as far as posing just like Victoria in the background. Now reports from WWD.com say that Katie Holmes is to launch her own clothing line?

If you remember correctly, in 2008 Victoria launched her Dress Collection, featuring a limited edition of 400 pieces/ 10 styles of stylish, sophisticated dresses. Now Katie has taken her lead (again) and her "premium designer" line Holmes & Yang will premier exclusively at Maxfield in LA in the fall.

The line will include a range of ladies and children's wear in a classic vein.

Kim Kardashian goes goth?

2009-08-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

Kim is that you? Check out these new pics of Kim Kardashian that popped up on her website this morning.

The pics were taken for a YRB Magazine shoot by Mike Ruiz and she was styled by Darius Baptist. They were apparently done the day she left for Africa.

She looks like a Dior ad campaign, but this stunner can really pull off any look. Go Kim!

GLOSSY is flipping fabulous fashion...

2009-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's here, it's here, it's here!!! OK, almost here!

After working my butt of doing the layout and design of this issue, I am happy to FINALLY shut down my InDesign (at least for a couple of days before I get to work on the October issue).

But seriously, how hot does this new, revamped issue of the StyleScoop digital glossy (now called GLOSSY) look? Yeah, super hot indeed!

The premiere issue of GLOSSY, launching on September 1st 2009, features articles by stylists and fashionistas, interviews with designer Abigail Keats as well as Highveld’s stereo's drive time presenter - Bailey Schneider. You can also get the inside scoop on beauty trends that have been tried, tested and loved or check out the hottest trends for spring with the fabulous spring 2009 look-book.

I can't wait, only 4 more sleeps to go! In the meantime go to www.glossymag.co.za to check out the teaser.

Making some noise

2009-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

So, check out this supercool, pink Vuvuzella I got devliverd by courier today - don't you just love couriers?

It's to launch the new MEGAWATT MASCARA from Charlie, which will be launched in SA in September 2009... (watch this space and StyleScoop for more info)

Pretty cool hey?

WIKI TRIVIA: A vuvuzela, sometimes called a "lepatata" (its Setswana name) or a stadium horn, is a blowing horn, approximately one metre in length, commonly blown by fans at football matches in South Africa. The origin of the name is disputed. It may originate from the Zulu for "making noise," from the "vuvu" sound it makes, or from township slang related to the word for "shower."

LOUBOUTIN LADY: Strike a Victoria Pose

2009-08-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

My style icon! Some of you may hate her, others love her, but Victoria Beckham is the ultimate style icon of the naughties. Funny enough, I couldn't stand her much during her days as "Posh" but she has evolved into the next Jackie Onassis for sure!

I have yet to see a picture of Victoria Beckham in the papers looking anything but utterly immaculate. Whether she's taking her boys out to the park, screaming for her hot hubby at one of his games or walking the streets of Rodeo drive, this lady's always got style!

Pictured here with Dita von Teese and Claudia Schiffer at the Roland Mouret Spring/ Summer 2008 fashion show, Victoria proves that you dont have to look like Barbie or even be tall to stand out. Check her out next to Claudia - sorry, but she's working it much better and Claudia was a professional model?!? Claudia's pose looks kinda Paris Hilton, but Victoria's looks so feminine, sexy and sophisticated.

Even sitting down, she just looks so comfortable and elegant as if it comes completely natural too her. I wonder if she's practiced it much or if she's just got it?

Oh and, Dita and Victoria are both wearing Louboutins.

Prisoner of WAR-drobe

2009-08-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

I must confess, as much as I love fashion and clothes, most days I have very little sense in styling myself. Different story when I'm shopping and picking out itemes for a friend or styling for the magazine, but my own style - eish! I'm just one of those chicks that finds a "uniform" and sticks to it until I get bored, or in the most recent case, until my boots break - embarrassingly while I'm still shopping at Pavillion.

I am what I like to call "A prisoner of Wardrobe". Like a prisoner in his (or her) bright orange jumpsuit, I am a prisoner in my own clothes and get summoned into wearing the same old style. Yes, I said it! I am one of those loonies that buys the same shirt in about five different colours because it's just too cool. Ok maybe not five, but you get my drift!

My "winter uniform" consisted of my favourite Diesel Jeans worn with my black boots and a top that covered the jeans - because as much as I love these jeans, I hate the pocket styling in front. Plus, a longer top balances out my hips and makes me look leaner - bonus!

After my boots broke (sniff sniff - but I guess that's what happens when you don't buy Louboutin's) I was forced into a new uniform.

Now I'm into tights/ leggings that end about mid calf - I don't like them too long or on my ankles because I end up looking like a golf club! I wear them with my super high, super sexy Aldo concealed platforms that are about 13cm high in black leather. For the top, I like to wear an over sized one that ends past my butt, preferably tapered in slightly at the bottom.

Now to break out of the uniform....

COCO, I-vant to see

2009-08-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

One of my all-time favourite style icons is the infamous Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. So it comes as no surprise that I'm dying to see the new Coco Avant Chanel movie, featuring the very Coco-looking Audrey Tautou which opens this Friday, August 28th 2009.

Here is the writeup from SterKinekor's website:

Receiving its debut at last month's Cannes Film Festival in France, director Anne Fontaine's romantic biopic of famous couturiere Coco Chanel is an enthralling exploration of her early life before she rose to worldwide fame as the most celebrated fashion designer of the 20th Century.

Starring Amelie and A Very Long Engagement's Audrey Tatou in the lead role, the film is based on the book The Nonconformist by author Edmond Charles-Roux wherein we meet the young Gabrielle Chanel, illegitimate daughter of a travelling salesman who learns to sew in a Catholic orphanage before following her singing ambitions lead her to a cabaret club. It is here where Chanel earns the nickname Coco and also where she catches the eye of several high society gentlemen who would ignite her passion and become instrumental in the development of her remarkable career.

The film features authentic dresses and costumes from the Chanel collection. House of Chanel art director Karl Lagerfeld himself supervised the creation of accessories and costumes.

A blessing or a curse?

2009-08-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Being in the Southern Hemisphere we are always a season behind the latest fashions trends on the international circuit - AKA the big players - London, Paris, Milan and New York. But I wonder, is this a blessing or a curse?

Jean Paul Gaultier - Women's Collection Fall 2009/10

Sure, we can't wear the items hot off the runway, but we can get them on ebay when they are out of season there and very in season here. Ok, I don't know why I said ebay, I've never shopped there, but seriously think I should - hmmm?

The other downside is that we can't really "make the trends" per say. Yes, I know you can add your own little touch here and there, but chances are somewhere, someone in the Northern hemisphere has worked the trend, blogged about it and probably already thrown it out of her wardrobe or given it to charity, which means some poor, homeless person could be wearing your masterpiece - and you thought you were stylish.

On the plus side, we can see what's still hot a season ahead of time. Right now as we prepare to welcome summer, winter sales are everywhere. This is a great chance to see what items have still remained fashionably on trend and stock up on the sale items. The bonus, you get more bang for your buck, literally.

The love affair begins...

2009-08-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I can still remember it, my very first glimpse of the fabulous heel that started my love affair for the infamous red-sole shoe. Of course I'm talking about Louboutin's...

I had first seen this pair of shoes in Victoria Beckham's Book "That Extra Half an Inch" - the tag line said "My favourite shoes - Christian Louboutin for Roland Mouret".

These shoes spoke to me - I mean, really, really spoke to me. I searched the internet high and low to find a pair like these - curious to see how long I would have to wait, or just just how much of my soul I'd have to sell for a sole like these.

Before this shoe I had no idea who Christian Louboutin was and it was well before he became a household name in South Africa too!

I was paging through a local fashion magazine a few months ago and spotted "them". Ok, it was not them, but pretty darn close and bonus for me - they were at arms reach - well, almost anyway...

That's them on the right. I went to Aldo and drooled over them for a good couple of weeks before my husband gave me a voucher for my birthday - inside it said "x1 pair Aldo shoes".

The same day I went to Aldo and got them. T-H-E shoe!!! I squeezed my poor over-shopped foot into them and as much as it pained I decided no it's genune leather, they will stretch so I took them home.

They were fabulous, all thirteen centimeters of them. They made my legs look fantastic and gave me incredible height.

Sadly, after wearing them around the house I decided it would be foolish to keep them becuase I would never be able to wear them. The thickness in front of the shoe was just too small for me, so as much as it broke my heart, I had to part with them, but not before trying a bigger size which was still uncomfortable.

Which means, Im' still on the look out for the Louboutin's above... anyone seen them?