Steampunk or Neo-Victorian? Viva Victoriana

I absolutely adore people who are true to themselves. Artistic, interested and interesting. Matthew is studying art (what else would he be studying looking as fabulous as this? Poetry perhaps...he reminds me of one of the olde English poets with those flowing locks. I just cant figure out who right now. Okay the degree works only to a certain extent...) Chelsea is studying film (I wish you luck in your new endeavour Chelsea - you're a proper fit) Doesnt she look like she could do the costume design for an English costume drama? This is modern, corsetless and slightly sexy Victoriana - that hemline would have sent many asking for hemlock waaaaaay back in the day. Does he look like Alexander Pope, or more like the cover of my copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray? It's a mystery I will have to solve at a later date, my goode fellowe...

Tanielle - Work it!

Girl you're wearing those aviators! A total change from the perennial gladiators, you dont gotta hate her coz she's looking fresh and beautiful in those Grandma heel pumps (I heart!!) Diggin the bag...pity the store where she got it from is no more. More reasons to NV Tanielle - yep, she got the leggings from her mom's wardrobe. Unh unh, now that aint fair! (The Ebonics - courtesy Missy Elliot. She makes me think different when I listen to her music!) (And it is a post about wearing black really well. Copywritten so dont copy her style!)

Lenina Rassool stars in 'These boots were made for walking...'

We experienced four seasons on Saturday. Plus a fifth one last night which we still cant explain. So boots and a tiered gray tank are not unusual down in iKapa. You also have to carry a denim jacket or cardie just in case there's a nip in the air. It doesnt bode well for anyone's hair, but Lenina is definitely bringing sexy back with those curls. I am SO envious of this girl's locks. The nose ring is also evidence of a carefree attitude that is more stylish than anything you could hope to wear... although I must admit I NV the Identity jeans. How do you say 'pour yourself into them?' in French? I have a thing about French today. Lenina, tu es trés belle ma cherie.

hey hot stuff where you been all my life?

Sven is a tall, handsome environmentally aware German who also happens to be my boyfriend. Yes, I picked out the Gramps hat from Woolies. He got the shirt from Urban, jeans Levi's and I gave him the shoes which are Country Road. How does it feel to be one of the Beautiful People Svennie? Whoaaaaa.... (he's introduced me to all sorts of music and Marilyn Manson happens to be on as I write this....cool, huh?)

Lianne

The nautical theme is strong this spring and Lianne wears red-white-and-blue by teaming red hoodie and white cropped pants with lace edging in a way that's pretty and feminine. As usual, Cape Town is all about weather. A denim jacket is a must have.

Morgan

I would never have thought you could look this good in a vacation tee. Local girl Morgan takes it up a notch by showing off her hometown. Dig the pants and the shoes.

La Princesse Nubienne sings Bizet's Carmen

With her regal bearing and soulful gaze, you'd be mistaken for thinking Noma is a princess of Nubian descent. Actually you wouldnt be mistaken because she is from a Zulu royal line, but Nubian? That's just being what we call 'creative'. Worlds apart really. She inspires me and is like a sister to me, definitely the younger sister I never had. I know she's beautiful, (being a model and actress this comes in handy) but it's more about her heart. Such a good heart. She is a fantastic singer and is already making her mark here in Cape Town. I wish you many things, Noma darling, but I know it is this talent that will drive you forward!!

Those shoes, that smile...

Nonkululo does not need much adornment with that gorgeous smile as her best accessory. The first thing I saw, though, was her shoes. Of course. Nudes are all the rage this summer, and if you can wear tan shoes and a mocha tee together, you're there. I also cant believe she's mother to a teen. Or was she a preteen? Anyway, beautiful mother and daughter duo. I just couldnt get all the details as they were both in a hurry. Well, when you're busy being stylish, you dont have time for the rest of us riffraff now do you? I also hope I spelled her name right. I'm usually good at these things, but the 'No' names seem to confound me. Just ask my friend Nontando and her roomie Nontuku- Nontabi- Non-something.

La jupe 'seleston'

It's me rocking a skirt I had a Congolese seamstress mock up for me last week. I got the cloth, a Kenyan print with the usual Swahili written on some of the borders, over a year ago. I guess it was waiting for a burst of creativity. My closest friends know I am chitenje crazy! Any excuse to wear African print. I really wish the magazines etc would stop calling it 'tribal' print when they dont even know what tribe made it. There's no harm calling it African-inspired. Afro-inspired. African. Say it loud, say it proud. Even when Fergie and co wear it. They've been here, they're not afraid. OK off my little politically-correct getting-on-many's-nerves soapbox.

The tanks (by the way) are Top Shop from Meltz (told you i'm mad about white tanks) , and the lilac cardie is from a shop I cant remember the name of right now but apparently it's French. Modem, or Diadem or something. I'll remember just now. Anyways, totally fitting as the style of my skirt is something that sounds like 'selestow' and I am sure there's some sort of silent n that Isabelle, the seamstress, kept pronouncing in her Francophone accent. Lots of waving of hands and telling me to sit and be comfortable, and what did I mean by 'piping'? We settled on a colourful edge and matching band at the hip. Originally the hair was out but then the Cape weather would have shrunk it in 2 seconds flat. As in - from Afro-poufy and rockin to flat and shapeless. I usually dislike my side profile with a passion, but I've made a concession here. Oh yes! The shop the cardie is from is Promod. Yellow made-in-South-Africa thong sandals - Meltz.

The pretty poisoners - no crimes of fashion in sight

Caitlin's look is indie-hippy chic personified (seriously - how would you describe it?) Definitely one of my favourite looks - the hair, the colours, and the intelligent, gorgeous face! Adore the salmon-coloured (geez, do I spot a theme in Cape Town?) vintage shoes. The title of the book she got at the stalls at the Old Biscuit Mill's Vintage fair...

The lovely lipstick lady is the every-stylish Bielle, who is co-owner of Pelican and Peony. I love this girl! Yeah, she's my friend, but I can tell you now...with appearances at the Design Indaba, Top Billing and House&Leisure Magazine, she's one half of a design duo that's definitely going places. Now if someone would just give me a well-paid permanent job I could afford the furniture they design. Still and all, surrounded by items from the company at their stall at the Old Biscuit Mill Vintage Fair, there are some items that even you and I can put our greedy little mitts on and walk away with. I mean...pay for, and then walk away with. A steal considering how hip and amazing Bielle and Tara's work is. Catch Bielle's musings and artistic leanings at pelicanandpeony.blogspot.com


Ladies, who said I never think of you? Brendan is hot right? Drop in at the Exposure Gallery, Ye Old Biscuit Mill, and he can teach you about lomography. And by exposure we dont mean what you are thinking. To know more about art, lomography and totally amazing techniques check out www.exposuregallery.co.za

La belle Afrique

Philisa rocks her Afrocentric look (and locks) in a colourful way that's both classic and modern. I'll let you in on a secret - I love love love it when people are proud of who they are. Being from East Africa myself, no item of clothing warms my heart more than a multi-purpose chitenje (known as a khanga in South Africa) Here Philisa wraps hers around her shoulders as a loose foil against the chill. She looks relaxed and happy as she browses through the displays in Kalk Bay. I dig the leather slippers. The hair, the harem pants that actually look good! (come on now, most people look absolutely horrendous in these things) Big up!

La logophile

Very rarely do I meet someone who loves words as much as I do. This beautiful young woman not only looks good but she taught me something when I met her yesterday in Mythology, the lovely shop where she works, in Kalk Bay. It has dozens of gorgeous items, but I came away with an addition to my vocabulary, and this picture. As you can see she has some great tattoos - the sweet lass has the name of her parents on each arm. There is one more that says 'sinistra' and she explained to me that's where the word 'sinister' comes from - sinistra means left and long ago left-handed people were thought of as evil. She also helped me take the next picture of her co-worker - and told her to stand with arms akimbo. Smart, beautiful, maybe she's born with it! By the way her white 60s shift dress makes all the right statements about this summer! Gladiators, anyone? Latin roots of English words, anyone?


Here's Dominique, also of Mythology, with a pose you just cannot easily replicate! I'm saying it now - tank tops, especially white ones, are my thing this summer. Here Dominique teams her great one with a salmon-coloured high-waisted, belted pencil skirt. Gladiators add a touch of cool...summer has (almost) started in the Cape. Fresh-faced and stylish- now that's a total Do!

Sneaker pimps

I hope to see chinos draped all over the menfolk this summer! So far I've seen a few young guys rocking these classics - Kurt does so with white sneakers. Muy bueno.

Felicity

Felicity's gorgeous dress and calm radiance won me over. She designed the earrings and necklace, which I really liked. A creative woman who looks good!

Robyn and Shannon

Too too cute! Robyn and Shannon wear their looks casually, comfortably and most important - with candour. (I like c's) I am going to have to find someone to get me little chains with the sweetest knick-knacks. Robyn's shortest one is an heirloom from her Gran, the yellow duck she cant remember where she got it, and the longer one a friend made. I love this look, ever since I saw a similar effort on my chic co-slave's neck. more about that later. Shannon's shades are darling, as are the colourful laces on Robyn's plimsolls. They were terrific during what turned out to be a mini-photoshoot. Thanks girls, you rock. After this, it was a snack at a pretty little spot, a creative turn with a Congolese seamstress then on to a publishing house to sort out some review books. Meeting everyone today was great, and I had such fun in between my various errands. I shall have to make a special post to show you my finds...

i can see a lot of light in you

I found my photographer. He' s barefoot, bearded and soft-spoken. You know how you walk into a place and just see someone and instantly feel connected to them? Not in a creepy, stalkery way (yeah, you would KNOW about that professor of antiquities!) but in a way where that person just gives off good energy. Like he trusts the earth, so you can trust him, in a way. (I mean really I would hate to walk barefoot anywhere but the beach, I dont trust the earth that much! but many South Africans do walk barefoot. Mostly in Pretoria, so it was a shock to see Bruce unshod) Maybe that's too much to say for someone I dont know, but Bruce gave me this feeling. Yes, he's good-looking in an unexpected way, but there's something more. He gave me advice after I took these two shots, and then he had to dash (he'd already waited for me to buy my beads) Maybe it's just the fact that I am taken by male photographers in general, or I like bohemian people. combination of the two? No offense to my lovely and amazing boyfriend - it's just good to meet people you find attractive, but would not necessarily pursue. Except for a photo and some advice!

Nobathembu

What we do have in Cape Town is weather. All kinds. Today we had plenty of that strong South African sunshine. Not to worry...I love it. I need it, it's healthy. However for taking a photo of this pretty woman it proved tricky. An amateur with a camera, yet people are so gracious and kind. What I need is to find a photographer to give me tips...or I should stop being lazy and read that manual. Anyway, Nobathembu took it in her stride, as cool as the outfit she has on. Another thing I love? Shirts! They're difficult for me to pull off without looking like a stuffed sausage, but I love them anyway. This guava/salmon colour is lovely on Noba's skin, and the wide-leg pants set it off beautifully.Definition of preppy chic. With a shoe of toes too! Love it.

Charné

I dont know why I stepped into this shop, but I found the lovely Charné. The choppy hair, the radiant smile, and of course the maxi dress with the retro graphic print. Loving it all. Oh yeah! They had a sale...I'm a sucker for sales. But didnt browse as my errands rushed me down the street again.

let's head down to the African coast for some sun and fun

It's windy in Cape Town once the cold and rain stop. It means winter's over, and a great deal of sunshine, and sometimes a wind called the South Easter, bear down on Slaapstad (Sleepy Town) Also, we get tourists. Here Canadian Lisa and Polish Agnieszka smile as the wind tosses their hair everywhere. Colour, accessories, hair with character, dresses and flipflops - you're alright in my book.

Johan

This gentleman is hip. He didnt know it, but he is! His tshirt says 'Bastille Day Franschhoek' I'm guessing if he's got French blood, as most people from Franschhoek do, style is therefore, n'est-ce pas, in the blood. You'll find out that I have a thing for hats this year. As unsuitable as my old noggin is for hats, it will be summarily forced into one this summer. Johan's straw trilby is the definition of cool

Adoné

A piercing here, a tat there. A great top from Mememe, a vintage leather bag and apple green wayfarers - the recipe for relaxed cool. Anthropology student Adoné had a few questions for me too...

Anyang and schoene gruesse de l'Afrique

Tourists! Marcel from Germany and Kim from South Korea. Kim caught my eye first (he' s so cute!) but Marcel was with him and a group of other guys, and was almost translating. Almost because he has a French name but with the German accent it took me a while to figure out what name he was saying. Very sweet guy. Shame, tourists. Gotta love em, they're always in Cape Town!

far from the madding crowd

Anna's platinum blonde locks and a la mode way of dressing makes her stand out. Yes the jumpsuit is a uniquely 70s and 80s look, but the naughties are paying respects to the decade that style forgot in a gorgeous way. I love the belt, I love the shoes. The tattoos (beautiful!) and the ring. She's got it, yeah baby, she's got it. I watched a German 80s music vid last night and thought - man, those girls look great! I spotted more girls who could have been in that video...coming up...soon

redheads are just cool, y'know

This year I definitely have a thing about redheads. They are so pretty! And the modeling world is taking notice, I think especially here in SA, where we tend to have very pretty women anyways...Anyway - enough about my bias. Here's more shorts, flipflops (!) and because we have unpredictable weather, Dominique threw on a cardie as well. There's so much colour here, and it's subtle and pretty. I have used the word pretty quite a bit, but it's pretty much appropriate when talking about Dominique, a marketing student at UCT, who's a pretty cool girl.

You're a character in a book...

UCT student Kat is fresh-faced and ready for classes in a vintage shirt, malachite string necklace and azure earrings. Check out her tote bag with shweshwe material that has Mandela's face on it. If that isnt African cool, I dont know what is! I did mention that I love the fact that we can throw off winter and bare skin! Kat's wine red toes set off the gold thong sandals nicely. (I know someone out there wants them to be gladiators but not everything qualifies people!)

Sedeeqa

Another pretty girl with laidback feminine style. Love the metallic shoes...I know gladiators are once again foot candy this summer (what, you thought there'd be something new this year? as SAfricans say "sorry for YOU!") but I like that there's more variety this time around. I think these are more Greek than Roman. (yes, professor of antiquities...yawn) I also love the skirt.

the girl with the red earrings

Beautiful girl with unique style. Even the shoes have something different to say. Leila's shoes were made by her friend, and they partner each other but are a different material. Love the colour contrasts and stripes. Thanks also for the great tip Leila!