What are you wearing, dude?

Spotlight: Cynthia Gieskes

2008-12-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

After previously featuring as a spotlight on this blog, I chose to focus on some else that I knew inspired my style and that of many others. I chose to focus on this beautiful girl, not only because she's family, but because she has an effortless way of being chic without overdoing it. She always looks chic and cool and knows how to attract the attention of others by pure simplicity. She has the most amazing shoes and bags and this cool kid just knows where to shop...including online stores... need I say more... just check her out...

Name: Cynthia Gieskes

Age: 23

Occupation: Sales Support

Who and what inspires your style?
I'm a big fan of the 60's. Rock'n Roll t-shirts and plateau shoes (adapted to 2008 of course).

Favourite store:
Zara and H&M are the basics. I love to shop at Urban Outfitters, they have crazy vintage stuff and very interesting second hand shoes. Then you have Top Shop (they have the whole Kurt Geiger collection :-)), Women's Secret, Princess Blue and some small (not very popular) boutiques.Oh and the online stores of course...www.asos.com is my favourite.

Favourite city to shop:
London City

Favourite designer/ label:
Marc Jacobs

Your favourite item of clothing:
Shoes, it makes the difference!

Trend prediction:
I have a strong feeling the pointy shoes (or whatever they are called) are coming back. Miu Miu, Chloé and many others have them in their new collections. Some are nice actually...

Yoda fashion moment (your style advice):
Don't follow the trends, trust your feeling. If it happens to be trendy, you're just lucky.

RANDOM BONUS QUESTION
*Mascara or eyeliner?
Thick Double effect L'Oréal Mascara ;-)

x G x

The Sarouel

2008-12-01T01:01:00.000-08:00

We love it... the sarouel has now taken over the world, not only is it comfortable to fight bad guys with swords (as demonstrated in Aladdin), it is also great for effortless cool and simple fashion. You can wear it with heels or flats. I particularly like them with gladiator heels in the top right pic... so chic

x G x

Ho Ho Ho...Merry Christmas

2008-11-26T02:14:00.000-08:00

Charles David Satin Minis Sandal

Hollywould Pamela Pump

Diane von Furstenberg Rita draped Sandal

Kate Spade Hera Sandal

Christmas has come early this year, in the form of Red Satin shoes. There's no better way to bring back the element of classic style and beauty.... Satin is an indispensable and timeless fabric for timeless beauty and class... I'm loving the fuschias and purples mixed with orange...

Julien Doré... Je t'adore

2008-11-25T04:06:00.000-08:00

Julien is no strange face to the French... ever since his humble begginings on 'A la Recherche de la Nouvelle Star' - the French equivalent for Idols - his typically Parisian chic style has grown along with his music... he is yet another example that men can look good... how cool are his shoes in the first pic...

x G x

This is Sparta!

2008-11-25T02:18:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies... what better way to feel (and look) like a goddess than a good pair of dramatic heels... we've kissed stilettos good bye a while ago and we're now welcoming the spirit of Sparta in wardrobes...

x G x

La Bella Italiana...Margherita Missoni

2008-11-25T01:37:00.000-08:00

Hey friends... as my first post on this blog, I decided to focus on Margherita Missoni. This 20-something Italiana is nothing new to the fashion scene. Her family started the Missoni empire. Her style is nothing like the usual trend followers that walk the streets of Milan; she knows how to look sexy, sophisticated and dress her age.... she mixes timeless Missoni pieces with clothes from second hand stores and her vintage style could definetely give Sienna Miller a run for her money... her style is a true inspiration... but then again that's no surprise, since style is practically embedded in her DNA.

x G x

The New Team

2008-11-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report that cool music-loving, turquoise-wearing, happy-jiving keithG is joining this blog... as well as previously featured Linda who always knows whats what in the fashion scene. They will be regular contributors to this. Yay yay.

SL update, new pics and stuff

2008-11-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my week's absence; I have been SL-ing it up from 9-5 everyday. golly gosh.

Anyway, its been great fun and lots of work. I have learnt mountains of useful things; I did a bit of writing, I assisted at fashion/ product shoots, I've had to communicate with the likes of Tamara Day and Tasha Baxter and of course, i did the street shoot photos at the Goldfish concert at Emm dam. showee.

I'm posting some of the photo's i took of cool people that didnt make it in to the magazine... such fun kids. One of the most amazingly dressed people was a guy called Etienne who wore skin tight stove-pipe jeans with an unbelievable distressed leather belt, a vintage looking vest and a top hat.... a complete english rockstar look.

A dude named Jaco was also spotted in none other than butter yellow stove-pipes- not every guy can pull these off. He gave off this crazy-nut vibe with his outfit choice (white wayfarers and all), but it was perfect for this music event.

I sifted through thousands of people; fortunately met the singer of goldfish and the bandmembers of Tasha Baxter and finally, I came across two gorgeous ladies whose images practically oozed summer in gorgeous floral dresses and straw hats!

Here are the pics

Enjoy

ps. the rest will be in dec issue of SL

Spotlight: Jarryd Kin aka "Messy Perfection"

2008-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy, style in the form of kooky-ness and total abusrdity can only best be described by fellow blogger and designer Jarryd Kin (and model. yes. a model!). This kid takes alternative to a new level in his careless and somewhat indifferent approach to style.

What we love about him is that he is different, eye-catching, unpredictable.

His mix of old vintage pieces and new-age, cheeky logo shirts create a cartoon-like character appearance. but in a good way.

Watch out for him - his graphic work can be seen on cool people's sneakers.

Read his blog - http://www.the241collective.blogspot.com/

And, he drinks copious amounts of tea.

yes.

Name: Jaz

Age: 21

Occupation: Vega Multimedia kid

Who and what inspires your style?:
CircusNinja. Even tho they closed. Characters. um...Girly things like little bows in my hair. Dunno what really 'inspires' me. I just throw shit on and it works I guess.Mix and match from people and just add my style to things.
i like old digital stuff too. like those 25th anniversary casio watches. bringing old school elements is really cool. I got my grandfather's old jacket and my dad's leather jacket. Pin some badges on them and combine them with some new school stuff and you got a winner.

Favourite store:

The Bin. Ke Ai. Even tho they closed.

Favourite city to shop:

All my cool clothes are from Dubui Dubai

Favourite designer/ label:

Pull & Bear. CircusNinja

Your favourite item of clothing:

I love the skinny jeans.

Whats not cool?

RANDOM BONUS QUESTION* If you were a cannibal, what would you wear to dinner?

Do cannibals dress differently to other people? I'd bring a colourful bib tho.

Well Hellooooooo there!

2008-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm back kids... sorry for looooongggggg absence. exams and crap.....

anyway, I'll be back in blogging business from today! There is so much to write about lately, plus there is a magazine internship lined up for me in the next two weeks. so will keep you posted on that too!!!!! lucky lucky!

Here are some inspiringly inspiring inspirations for you to drool at. Well i think these girls look great.

yes we like.

2008-10-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Since this blog thing is all about great looking products, stylish people and all things cool, I shall not hesitate to advertise fellow friend's design blog.

Boy oh boy is he a talented kiddo. Its a colaboration blog. I think. its called Fill in the blanks. go visit it. http://www.the241collective.blogspot.com/

yay.

PS. this is him below.

Rachel

2008-10-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Found some pictures of Rachel Bilson in the new york post- just for some Summer inspiration...

I'm super happy to post pics of her cos i think she's got a great look.

Oy-fa-voy!

2008-10-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of my fellow scout Amy Gobes, this thing was spotted at H2O... we were wondering if she owned a mirror or sold it to pay for her stripper lessons.... hmmm.

Maybe she came from Sexpo?

Any hoo, lesson of the day is.... never ever ever ever wear such things (not even at home). seriously.

some street style for the boys

2008-10-01T00:34:00.001-07:00

I came across these street-style pics, and found them incredibly inspirational.

All showcase a style thats very european crossed with a bit of New York...

Notice how the trend for men is leaning toward shorter pants, showing the ankle. I think that is darn right cool.

Notice how "grease"/60's the boy with the blonde hair is. awesome.

Summer Hummer.. Love white

2008-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

This summer, along with bright look-at-me colours, WHITE is also a marvellous choice. Pick bold, crisp white statement pieces that yell fresh and clean.

Here is a beautiful editorial that focuses on the whitest of white... (courtesy of fashion-nation)

simply beautiful.

We're back!

2008-09-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, just come back from a trip to Sun City. hoorah!

Besides the creepy over-sized steroid gorillas with their backne (acne on their back) and the abundance of the rusty-orange-fake-tanned girls (Sho that was a mouthful), the whole spring break thing was pretty fun...

Did i spot any new trends while I was away? no, not really... but I did manage to discover a really cool designer by the name of JC de Castelbajac. The pic here shows his tendency to be really quirky and fun. In his latest collection he plays with the France's signature colours. I love this!

Toy Watches

2008-09-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

OOOOOh i wish i had one of these giant neon time devices. They look like toys.. but they real.

They've been seen in a giant trend-sweep all over the streets of New York.

Spotlight: Linda Gieskes

2008-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here she is, incredibly stylish student, Linda.

Why did I choose to spotlight her? Well, that's easy. The flawless way she puts herself together is obvious kids.. Everytime we meet, I -along with all other folk- are completely inspired by her chic-cool-ness. She does trends, but not in that cheesy kitsch way. Always carrying the most beautiful bags, Linda goes about her day in a creative mix of local and overseas brands... and what's even more cool is she's not afraid to shop like a student... cheaply. woah. From top to toe, this girl is cool. Watch out for her....

Name: Linda Gieskes
Age: 21
Occupation: Student

Who and what inspires your style?

I love Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen and Kate Moss’ style (of course)… they inspire me to a certain extent; I love that element of comfort and simplicity in what they wear… simplicity is key! I love grey and white… I think they go beautifully together… I like being simple with a statement piece… I usually wear scarves

Favourite store:

Wow, there are so many… H&M, Zara, TopSHOP (cheap and oh so chic), Monsieur Pricé had its time of glory, but I feel as though that’s starting to end, Gerard Darrel (if I could afford it), and Mango, Petit Bateau

Favourite city to shop:

Antwerp in Belgium, they have the best stores… and of course the best sales

Favourite designer/ label:

I love Marni, Stella Mc Cartney, Byblos, Bottega Veneta (I love the way they do nudes), Cop. Copine (very young and fresh), Vera Wang, Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs…

Your favourite item of clothing:

a white vest… I have so many… they’re really useful.

Trend prediction:

oversized and thick framed reading glasses are definitely making a comeback, liquid leggings and lazy baggy pants for girls

Yoda fashion moment (your style advice):

Simplicity and comfort are key! If you’re comfy in what you’re wearing… it’ll show…

RANDOM BONUS QUESTION (From the fans.)
*Do you like cheese?

I love it… my favourites…cream cheese with black pepper and sweet chilli sauce (wow), camembert and Boursin.

Tie me up, dude ;)

2008-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

For the guys, or girls wanting that cool androgenous look; ties are a necessity in the wardrobe. Especially now that you all are growing up... entering the work place; doing the whole formal thing...

These by Ulterior Motive are such fun. Both visually appealing and completely orignal, it is guaranteed that no one will be wearing the same one as you.

Go hunting around vintage stores and thrift shops to find your retro-eyecatching accessories, like these ties.

Wear a tie. You can't go wrong. (well you can, but we trying to be positive.)

p.s. the skinny tie is best.

Roc Star

2008-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Another international trend coming your way... ROC STAR BACKPACKS.

How much do you want one???!!! come on, admit it.

Can't get them in SA but they so fun to look at.

Fred Perry

2008-09-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here boys. Introducing Fred Perry.

What a great artist. you WANT to be dressed in him...

a little preppy, but edgy. a little dorky, but effortlessly cool.

Stripey scarves.

2008-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Although Summer is just round the corner, do not neglect your stripey scarves.

Put one together with a plain white T and voila! style.

Here some ideas.

Hoooooooooooodies...

2008-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

these are naughty aren't they???

Well designer Takahiro Miyashita is known for being rather contraversial....

F*** you. Makes sense.

Spring has Sprung

2008-09-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

Rightee-ho. Good bye to winter. Hello to shaving legs and shorts.

Don't forget your shorts this summer girls ( and guys, if brave enough)

Here are some ideas.

Happy September people!!!

2008-09-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

For the guys... yes yes I'm all for skinny jeans on you. but.... what about them boys who just don't have the umph to wear them, or don't have those long legs to carry them off? Well i am now introducing you to the alternative.... Bonobos!!!! 'What' you say? well these fun-sounding pants are nothing more than loose fitting (but not baggy), stylish, brightly coloured, made out of light cordroy bottom accesories.

get some.

(thanks to thecoolhunter.net)

Woot Woot. You look so cool man.

2008-09-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

Some more street inspiration....

Loving the bright contrasting colours...

Loving clean, but statement-making t's

Loving guys not afraid to wear neon.

Loving fedora's/ panama hats.

Loving the belted dress. So original huh.

love love love a boy in stove-pipes...

Boys, you need good jeans too.

2008-09-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

I think guys should just embrace the stove-pipe/ cigarette-leg/ skinny jean now... ok.. so it isnt for everyone's body type but those who can... should try. It isn't feminine ok!!

The Tsubi brand is all for the skinny leg on guys... here is their range to give you some ideas on how to wear them.. (if you feeling brave, pink takkies are fun too. )

And if you not in to the whole showing off your leg-shape vibe, maybe choose slimline jeans. which are not as dramatically tapered in the leg as skinnys but still give you that long lean line. Basically, every boy should have a pair of good, well cut, kick-ass fitting, awe-inspiringly stone-washed jeans... and holes are great too. the more worn in your jeans, the better...

What do you want to see?

2008-09-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

ok... so thanks Mohit - I'll be posting more guy style from now on....

Let me know if you want to see something specific on this blog... like in terms of fashion and trends, not so much music, thats keiths thing... http://www.kgotha.blogspot.com/...

right-tee-o... let me know... I'd appreciate it.

while i wait for you, here is a guy. he's pretty cool.

Boyfriend's Jeans

2008-09-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Forget skinny's. okay dont really forget skinnys.... but here's a new look coming in. boyfriend jeans... so swipe the coolest pair in his closet... here some ideas

Balenciaga Resort collection

2008-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

loving this: Balenciaga Resort collection...

You've been spotted.

2008-09-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Love spotting well dressed kids... here are some.

Sanlam SA fashion week

2008-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Right, sorry for the absense.

I was lucky enough to attend this year's Sanlam SA Fashion week. cool man.
There were interesting aspects, but over all, it was rather dull to be honest...
thirty bucks gets you in and 15o if you want access to all shows.
I have to say, the designers show only the tip of the iceberg, that is South African style.
Although talented and amusingly creative, very little 'chic-ness' was was shown, but then again this isn't Paris. Luner was lovely, and look out for relatively new designer Abby Keats.

I managed to stroll around the 'stalls' - the place where some designers are able to sell their stuff, and found very little that made me want to rip out my purse and part with my last ounce of wealth. In fact, I mainly saw clashing fabrics, confusing patterns and unfinished hems. yugh.
The worst sight had to be a girl advertising LISOF, standing in, obviously one of their creations, a vulgar black "dress" with no edging and uneven white stitches. Not being mean or anything (nudge nudge) but... golly. It looked like a black garbage bin sewn together with a twig and left over dental floss... ( desired effect achieved perhaps?)

Anyway, on the positive side, I found and met the designer of I Love Leroy. Her designs are so fresh and innovative. The clothes actually look better on you than the hanger (GASP), but that is not to say that they dont look great on the hanger. She makes little frock dresses that whisper elegance and sweetness. So I did buy something, a cute waisted baby pink dress. It was perfect.
Look out for this label at The Space I think, its gorgeous.

See by Chloe

2008-08-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

So i'm sure every single girl who knows whats what would love a chloe bag... yes.

Chloe has launched a 'little sister' bag collection called See, by Chloe... nice huh? Basically they for the younger generation and have a fresh edgy vibe.. here are a few I found and liked...

Black Pumps

2008-08-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Now, here we're talking about wardrobe must-haves. A beautiful and practical pair of black pumps is as much a necessity as a toothbrush...

Whether they be outlandishly high, patent or carry a t-bar, a pair of black heels is essential. They create a sense of sophisticated style actually go with everything.

my advice though, is to pick the length and angle of the heel correctly so as to show off the arch of the foot; heels too low don't give you that showee! factor, heels too high end up being less versatile and sometimes may look cheap.

Here are some of my favourite styles, (Louboutin of course....)

From the Top...

Declic Pump

Pigalle Paillette Pump

New Simple Pump
Square Toe pump
Wallis Mary Jane Pump

Very privé pump
Ron ron pump

Decolette paillette pump

Marc Bags

2008-08-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs have been showing a cute collection of bags called the miss Marc bags, unfortunately they are not available here in South Africa but they nice to look at and dream about...

(http://www.shopstyle.com/)

Peter Lindbergh

2008-08-22T02:58:00.001-07:00

here is some peter lindbergh work.

gee whizz he's a clever man

Barbara Bui

2008-08-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

another of my favourite designers, barbara bui, (look out for her!)

i happened to come across some of her shoes.. here they are. So beautifully dramatic and godess-like. dont you think?

pity, don't think she is available in South Africa...

see. focus. click

2008-08-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

now I'm such a huge, massive fan of photography. A beautiful still can say everything a language can not...

I would love to post some of my own photography on this blog, but i still need to get permission from some of my subjects... ( you know who you are)

In the mean time, while we wait for their "yes's" ( could be weeks, good grief) here are two photographs i came across to day that really inspired me...

Look out for photographer peter Lindbergh...

bean x

Corset Belts

2008-08-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

ok so it seems corset belts are not losing steam on the trend-train just yet...

they do create a beautiful line and give girls some waist ooomph...

these girls do a good job

bean x

Party Party

2008-08-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my very good friend's 21st party. What fun!

I took my camera along hoping to spot some cool-kids and gee-whizz did i find some!!!

Here are a few that stood out...

Birthday girl/ Ming; in a sexy little red dress that hugged every curve... grrrr.

(and what a bargain apparently!)

Grunge kid, Cheyne: Doing casual but smart perfectly with a beautiful black blazer and a striking yellow T under. Good contrast kid!

William: rocking those skinny jeans and crazy cool cardigan... "From where?" i asked... he wouldn't tell me... little bugger. and he wore red shoes... delicious.

Asian wonder; this dude (er...didnt catch his name) combined scruffy jeans (so awesome) with a grandpa vest and white collared shirt. it worked. marvellously.

Winston; the other asian cat with the perfectly groomed hair, showed up in a mint green shirt and cool jeans. great sneakers too. But i think i liked the hair the most. chuckle.

Well done for making the cut!

Bean x

ps. this whole outfit spotting will be featuring regularly in this blog... yay.

All Hail the Plaid Shirt!!!

2008-08-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

Right, so the plaid shirt, flannel, cotton, whatever, is cool. Put it together with stone-washed jeans, or for girls, over leggings or tights... the plaid shirt or log cabin shirt (as i like to call it) creates a rocker/ Kurt Cobain/ i'm-too-cool-to-give-a-shit-about-what-you-think, type of vibe....

Here's some ideas...

go get one... or two... or three...

bean x

Yes. Men Can Dress Nice.

2008-08-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

It may not be a not be a new development, but neither is it a common sight. No no, one does not see a really well dressed boy as often as those darn "fight the war on drugs" posters they have on every blimmin' lamp post...

On the rare occasion however, you catch a glimpse of a well dressed boy; a stylish boy. No, not the type that wear 'pink shirts' with the collar up and a belt with a buckle bigger than a number plate... yug. and no, i'm not talking about the cool cats that wear running shoes with jeans (usually an inch too short), people, I'm talking about those unique individuals who put themselves together in a way thats eye catching and different. These kids are usually brave enough to boycott the perpetuating cycle of white loafers...

I love spotting guys who do their own thing, and stand out. uh huh!

Here are a few famous dudes who do it well.. Justin Timberlake, altho corny, has an effortless cool, David Beckham is probably form another planet, and... okay, now i know the Jonas Brothers are a terrible kitsch tween band, but hey, their style is worth looking at... don't you judge me.

Some regular joe's also earned an appearence...

Love Bean

Johnny Depp hmmm Johnny Depp.

2008-08-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

morning.

Johnny Depp inspires me.

Thats all

Bean x

Trend Alert!!

2008-08-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

Giyls, forget bout aviators this summer... go Lolita and get apair of heart shaped glasses!!! uh huh. how cute. Moschino also showed a pair in their collection. And nicole richie was even seen lurking with some.

Come on. Do it.

x Bean

Alexander Wang

2008-08-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

here is some of his work....

marvel at his simple and provocative style....

yes pls!

Spotlight: Alexander Wang

2008-08-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

Alexander Wang; a complete genius. A yoda of style. His work is so clean and well..... what wouldn't i do to be able to get a few of his pieces for myself.......!!!!

His vision is so similar to what I believe style should be, "Anyone can get all dressed up and glamourous, but it is how people dress on their off days, that is the most intriguing." Style emerges from everyday life. For this designer, individuality must be upheld and the 'normal' what-every-one-wears should be broken...

A t-shirt and jeans can be just as fasciniating and stylish as an evening gown....

unbelievable.

bean x

Bet you'll see this soon....

2008-08-18T00:39:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this long flow-y skirt look. Many of the major fashionistas have been seen wearing their maxi skirts in new and surprising ways. Have a look.

Also, the one shoulder dresses have also made an appearance in the collections of some of the great designers.

love Bean
x

Spotlight: Clemence Poesy

2008-08-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

Seeing as this blog is based on my style choices, here is someone who I believe to be the jam in the jam donut of style.
Clemence Poesy uses a neutral colour palette wityh clean lines. And of course black tights are a staple, yes please, i love black tights.

love bean

ps. go get black tights if you dont already have x

Welcome, Welcome, first post. now

2008-08-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

good morning seuns and meisies

this is my blog. well actually, this is my wanna-be magazine/ whats-cool-in-my-little-eyes type thing, the easy budget way. So basically, ill be sharing with you whats nice these days... like what looks nice on who, and where is nice, and what you should buy etc. yes.

welcome.

love bean

ps. if you reading this, you should probably check out my fellow blogger keith's pages. he's fun.

http://www.kgotha.blogspot.com/