Hot velvet

Velvet dress - Alibi

House of Holland stockings - Topshop 

T-bar heels - Call It Spring

Cuff - Chanel

Bag - Wardrobe

Necklace and rings - Sass Diva

Chip 'n dip with stocking rips. I'll be your baby girl today if you give me unlimited french fries. Spinning thrills and ketchup spills. I don't give a fuck. Fries before guys. Take me for a ride, I want to feel the wind in my hair and the love in my veins. There's no reason to pause beautiful moments when there's amazing days awaiting. If you're not having fun, get your hands on some. Speak via love hearts and laugh like crazy. Let the sun burn deep enough to stay with you tomorrow and never look back. 

Adriaan Kuiters and Take Care A/W

 
Here's a little peek at Take Care and Adriaan Kuiter's winter collection at their shared store. Both brands complement eachother with great tailoring and classic key items. I liked the texture present in Adriaan's collection (more men need fuzzy sweaters if you ask me) as well the utilitarian hooded shirts. My favorite garment was an interesting shirt in his lookbook that was printed with industrial pattern block text.

Skermunkil's jewellery caught my eye with their delicate and minimalist shape necklaces that will garnish any outfit in a chic manner, I'm a big fan! Finally Take Care gives us luxe ready-to-wear with beautiful waterfall cut jackets and their use of silks, cashmere and wool for a warm winter. Check out the Store at 73 on Kloof Street before a cosy dinner. Maybe winter is looking delightful after all.

AnnaJonesApparel x Acid Pony Giveaway

AnnaJonesApparel.com and Acid Pony are giving my readers the chance to win this cute "Bitches be trippin" tee and Indie-Anna & Jones navy cut out dress. I asked them to tell me about their labels and here's what they said...

Acid Pony has swag for days. We're an edgy street wear label, incorporating contemporary quirky designs and reworked vintage clothing. With a “tongue in cheek” attitude and some retro nostalgia, you’re gonna love to hate us.
  
Annajonesapparel.com's philosophy is to promote local designers and brands to a local and worldwide audience by giving them online exposure. An integral part of this philosophy is to communicate with local designers and brands the importance of having an online presence in today’s fashion environment.
 
I'm loving their clothes, if you are too, here's how to win:

• Like on Annajonesapparel.com on Facebook

Then

• Comment on this post with your full name and email address 

Or

• Facebook or Tweet me with your full name and email.

The competition closes 29 May. Good luck!

Bring the heat

Every season, I like to find a way to work trends into my wardrobe in a way that works for my style. I see it more as fashion challenge than fashion victim. I'm not too keen on the colder months so I'd rather find a way to work spring/summer trends into my winter outfits. So, if you're wondering what to wear with your stockings and scarves or what to bring out when the sun comes back, look no further, here's what you need to know about bringing the heat.

Stripes

Stripes are huge this season and are viewed as a timeless classic by many fashionistas. An extremely versatile style that can be worn both on duty and off-duty, make sure you know how to wear this trend.

Past runway shows have revealed a jumble of mod-leaning stripes and skinny styles. This year however, designers are showcasing a thicker pattern. Stripes are the perfect holiday choice and add a hit of instant sophistication to an array of ensembles with everything from skirts, tops, dresses, trousers and shorts being transformed.

If you’re not sure about being so bold with your striped ensemble then opt for striped accessories instead. Canvas wedges and oversized totes are great options for striped patterns and won’t make the look overpowering.

Floral

Once again, floral fashion is blooming for 2013. Regardless of whether the sun is shining or not, floral prints are guaranteed to add instant warmth to your wardrobe. Abstract prints, washed out watercolours and cutesy petal designs are big this season so make the most of the variety.

Leather

Leather looks are having a moment this year, with trench coats, dresses, shorts and skirts all taking centre stage. Pastel shorts and retro leather skinnies are perfect for both day and night and will add an instant edge to your current style.

Denim

The denim-duo was big last season, with models showing off their slim figures in a number of doubled up styles. This season, the look continues to be popular, with high rise flared jeans at the forefront of fashion. Wear these with heels and a crisp white shirt for an off-duty office style or distressed rock tees and trainers for a more casual appeal.

Getting Graphic

The geometric print of the past has been revamped to reveal an assortment of bold, on-trend outfits so get graphic! Think checker-board dresses with matching headbands and silk black and white skirts for a unique look sure to inspire.

Travel diaries: Monte Carlo

It's getting cold in South Africa so let's escape for a second. I wanted to share some more photos from my trip to Monaco. This affluent anomaly of a country is a gem of a place. I was always scared of venturing anywhere that French is spoken because I talk like a yankee. In fact, a few years ago when I arrived in Toronto, a very friendly guy speaking fluent French offered to help me with my bags. I froze, stared at him with wide eyes and completely (and irrationally) freaked out, thinking for a millisecond that I'd somehow ended up in France and that this man was going to whack me with a baguette for speaking English. Au contraire.

I've never been to France but I have to report that their neighbours in the Principality are extremely polite. They all say "pardon" as they pass, are generous with smiles and patient with tourists...when the young local handed me a bottled water and told me to "have a nice day", I thought, yes. Yes I will have a nice day Pierre. Then I proceeded to eat french fries.

In all seriousness, Monte Carlo is beautiful. Everything looks fresh and clean. The birds are very accustomed to people but there's nary a pigeon in sight, only enormous seagulls which can take on my sausage dog in a fight. I went to the Prince's Palace and admired the super fly traditional guards' uniforms then checked out the church where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier before heading to the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo. There are beautiful photographs documenting Grace Kelly's life all around Monte Carlo.

Speaking of glamour, everyone dresses so meticulously by donning designer suits and perfectly styled hair in the heat. Men in luxury sports cars slam on the breaks just to glance at women but no matter, they didn't delay the ambulance that quickly arrived to assist a lady who had fainted on my tour. Check out my experiences in the gorgeous photos below.

Where in the world would you love to visit?