Tassled bags

I am crazy about hassle bags making a comeback! It gives me the opportunity to get involved with the boho chic summer style without going too retro. I have seen them everywhere from high end stores to forever 21 and they are sticking for the next season! Bring on the 70's style tassels on everything from suede jackets to stilettos. Here are some awesome tassel bags for you to get boho.

Image from whowhatwear.com

Sports Luxe

The sports wear as everyday wear trend has been surfacing quite a lot this year, and I have admittedly been fighting it. After all, is sports and work out gear not meant to be seen exclusively when you are at the gym or being active? Well my mindset has finally changed, and do you know who changed it? None other than Kylie Jenner. I have always had mixed emotions about the Kardashian clan and their materialistic ways, but there is no denying that one thing King Kylie knows is fashion. Her sports luxe looks as of late are urging me to bring out the spandex!

Image from mailonline.com

Blue and white print

The boho chic fashion trend of summer has brought with it beautiful Grecian inspired tops, pants and blouses with crisp white cottons and blue paisley prints. There are also the D&G inspired china/porcelain prints that take the sophistication to a new level, as well as the mediterranean blue leaf craze. I have seen this print everywhere and it is so in right now! Pair a shirt with a high waist denim skirt or find the print as a flowing shirt dress with lace up sandals. A must-get trend for summer.

Image from lookbook.co

The Death of Skinny Jeans

As sad as I am writing this blog post, staring at a pile of my skinny jeans, it must be done for the sake of the fashion world. Skinny jeans are officially dead!

It may seem juvenile to get so upset about parting with a mere style of pants, but the fact is they were a staple item in all of our wardrobes (and still are for those such as myself who haven't quite let go yet). So now we have to part with our slim fit friends and move onto the trendier bootleg, wide cut and boyfriend jean style of the season and possibly the next few years. 

The one thing I am most restless about is how to style this seemingly unflattering trend! That is why I scoured the Internet for inspiration and good old street fashion looks that we can easily pull off without shedding too many tears over leaving our dear skinny jeans in the back of the closet. Here goes!

Image from sincerelyjules.com

How to avoid low quality clothing

We have all bought that pretty top or those really nice pants whilst shopping, only to find that after a few wears they look cheap and nasty. These such items almost always end up in the back of the closet or out with the trash. Isn't it so frustrating when you get those horrible little balls of fabric on your clothes that make you look so tacky? Or when your favourite jersey starts gathering holes?

Along with the advantage of having a fashion designer as a mom (shout out!), I have come up with my own ways of checking whether an item is low quality. As I get older I have more appreciation for quality instead of quantity, and as young adult I find it is more beneficial to invest in a few expensive items instead of tons of seasonal trends. Nothing is fool proof though, sometimes us females get too distracted by the pretty details to inspect the important stuff. Can you blame us?

So Yesterday Volume 5

It's that time again...where I rudely share with you all what to stop wearing as of right now. Of course it is completely your decision to subject yourself to the criticism that is this blog post, but I just have to get it off my chest. How can I keep this precious information to myself? The answer is I simply can't. Just like yesterdays newspaper, the following trends are no longer relevant. Take note!

Girls wearing guys underwear

I am very aware that Beyonce wore underwear in her latest music video 7/11, and everything she does is awesome... but some things we should just leave to her you know? There is a reason they are called 'mens briefs', because they are in fact for MEN. If you took a selfie in the mirror with a pair of of Calvin's sticking out of your jeans, shame on you. No more of this please.

Image from tgcaptions.org

Summer Dress Picks

Sorry to all you lovely South Africans back home enjoying the cold winter (I could actually use a few cold days myself) but it is summer in Thailand for most of the year and I can't help but admire the beautiful dresses that are in fashion at the moment. For me there are not many items of clothing more feminine and fun to wear than a summer dress! Here are my four top picks for the season, and they kind of make you want to dance around and pick flowers in the garden... or whatever.

Pop-over dress

This pop-over dress has two layers which brings a fresh new way of vamping up an otherwise ordinary silhouette. It also covers up problem areas and gives the sense of chic structure. Choose from a high neck cut to a flattering v-line cut with thin straps. I personally prefer a patterned option when it comes to this style, but with a simple white version you can never go wrong!

Image from urbanoutfitters.com

Karate Belt it up

Obi belts are no longer just for karate lessons, they are the biggest accessory trend of the season. Not only do these belts accentuate your waist, they are stylish and fun to wear. Tie it in a simple knot at the front or wrap around your waist twice to create that obi belt look. You can pair this belt over a summer dress, with a top and wide leg pants, or any other loose fitting garment that could do with a bit of structure. Whether you choose a white belt or a black belt (get it) or any colour in-between, this is the trend to look out for this summer!

Image from whowhatwear.com

Airport Attire

Airport attire is more than just planning a cute outfit, it has to be comfortable, well thought-out and sensible. These words might sound slightly boring when talking about clothing, but allow me to prove that you don't have to look like a dogs breakfast to have a great airport outfit. This is especially necessary when you are on a long flight, because your sense of humour will soon fade if you haven't chosen the right kit (trust me).

The 90's Denim Skirt

Yay! I have been awaiting the revival of the denim skirt, especially since everything else made of denim has become so popular. I am done with dungarees, give me skirts! Not the mini skirts from 10 years ago, but rather the high-waisted button up variation that our mothers wore in the 90's. They are flattering and so cute, and go with pretty much anything (my favourite kind of trend). I urge you to all go grab one of these skirts, and pair it with a laid back t-shirt and sandals for summer, or stockings and a jacket for winter. 

Image from bohocheeck.tumblr.com

The Chelsea Boot

Not only is this style of boots named after one of my best friends, it is the most stylish winter shoe for the upcoming cold season. I know South African seasons are pretty much opposite to most of the world, but that doesn't mean to say you can't pair these boots with a cute pair of shorts or a summer dress if you live elsewhere. 

The Chelsea boot is known for its small block heel and pull tab at the back, and it was notably designed by Queen Victoria's shoemaker-how much more convincing do you need? I have already seen them advertised on mrp.com, which means there are affordable options too! Get them in black, tan or dark maroon for that edgy winter look, and pair them with tights or skinny jeans tucked in/ folded above. Alexa Chung wears them, so should you.

Image from oughtonlimited.com

Mom Jeans

Can you actually believe how retro fashion trends can be sometimes? Not even two decades have passed before the 80s/90s inspired 'Mom Jeans' style has come back. I have not been completely won over just yet, but I can't ignore these comeback jeans anymore. They are high-waisted, they are baggy, and they can easily make you look like a mom if not styled correctly (consider this a warning). I can't help but laugh and think of that Saturday Night Live sketch about 'Mom Jeans'. 

Either you can embrace the trend, or ignore it and stick with your skinny jeans. The choice is up to you! As always, keep it simple and pair these jeans with a good belt and a simple white or striped top that can be tucked in to the front. This style works well with heels as it elongates your legs, but if you want to stick to flats go for sneakers and roll up the bottoms.

Neutrals from head to toe

There has been a huge transition from colour blocking and bright accessories to entirely neutral outfits consisting of greys, beige tones, light pink, black and white. The trick is to combine these neutrals in a way that you don't look boring or washed out, which can so easily happen without a pop of colour. Neutrals always look classy and expensive, and if you don't believe me then have a look at Sandra Bullock's wardrobe from The Blind Side (I have NEVER been so inspired by a wardrobe from a movie).

My favourite colour of the moment is that light dusty pink, which is surprising since I have never really been drawn to this colour before. Either pair a pink top with a pair of white pants or shorts, and beige heels or a monochrome grey and black combo with gold or silver jewellery and you can't go wrong. Any kind of animal print (leopard, snakeskin) works well too, and could be included as a neutral since all the colours are subtle basic tones. Along with Sandy B, let me share with you a few of my favourite neutral inspired outfits.

Image from exploregeorgia.org

So Yesterday Volume 4

Here is another instalment of 'So Yesterday', just to remind ya'll about what is no longer in fashion (at least as far as I'm concerned). We have all been victims of the fashion industry at some point or another, so I am here to maybe assist those that have trouble letting go of old trends, or simply refuse to. Fashion evolves over time and so should we! It is easy when you know your personal style basics and add fashionable pieces to it as you go along, instead of being trend obsessed and looking like you try too hard from head to toe- don't be that girl.

Upside down Crosses

The only place you should be wearing a cross is around your neck as far as I am concerned. Apart from upside down crosses on a crop top being equally blasphemous and offensive, they are not even cool anymore so please I beg of you to stop wearing them. This includes scarves, pants and anywhere else you want to spread your non-Christian ideals. That's all!

Image from gojane.com

Block Heels

Okay so Im going to be honest here, I was not a huge fan of block heels to begin with. I have always loved the feminine stiletto, and a block heel just seemed to give that unappealing sense that you are about to do some long distance walking to work. However, seeing these shoes literally EVERYWHERE kind of made me love them after a while. Fashion does this to people-it's brainwashing!

Block heels of all kinds are a huge fashion trend for both summer and winter. They add instant sophistication to any outfit, whether it is casual or evening wear. I love shoes like this that are versatile and can be worn with anything, because you really do get your moneys worth in terms of usage. They are also really really comfortable, and the thick heel prevents getting stuck in the grass or getting that heel wobble (been there). My personal favourite is wearing them with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans and a white shirt, which is just my favourite go-to look at the moment.

Image from shopstyle.com

Choker Trend

As a true 90's girl, I can see how the decade of casual and grunge is coming back in so many ways with mom jeans, black lipstick, denim on denim and crop tops... and now most recently chokers. Remember those necklaces that hugged our throats? With jewels and velvet straps or those plastic lace looking versions? It's all coming back to me now, and I think I like it!

Rihanna has recently started yet another fashion movement of her own, wearing chokers of all kinds. Her effortless way of pulling off unusual trends simply makes us want to copy her time and time again. Other choker trend-setters are Alexa Chung, Miranda Kerr, Kylie Jenner and Iggy Azalea.

Whether it is simple with a gemstone, fully bedazzled or thick and gold, decide which choker style suits you. You can easily layer them with a cool t-shirt for a day time look, or wear one thick band with dark lipstick and a ballgown for an evening look. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Image from instyle.com

Going Gingham

A well-known favourite has returned to the fashion world, and that is gingham print. For any of you that are not familiar with gingham, it is the double-check square pattern (think Italian restaurant tablecloth but much classier). This print is easy to style if you keep it simple, whether you pair a gingham shirt with baggy boyfriend jeans or a gingham skirt with a tucked in tank top. The matching trend is still going strong, and if you pair two gingham pieces together you are on point. To start off with, try a navy and white gingham, or the seasonal light pink and white. Loving this trend!

Image from refinery29.com

So Yesterday Volume 3

Here is the first 'so yesterday' update of 2015, and since all the January sales are taking over the malls at the moment, I thought it would be the perfect time to say what is out and no longer fashionable. Lets review what trends should go in the bin, or to the back of the closet.

Flower Crowns

OMG FML please can everyone stop wearing these I beg you. You are not at coachella, you are not a hippy (if you are then please continue as you were), and you are definitely not fooling anyone with those plastic flowers. They were cool for a minute but now everyone is either over them or overusing them. Byeeee flower crowns!

Image from buzzfeed.com

The Casual Sneaker

This quirky trend has swiftly made its way from the runway to the streets, and in 2015 the sneaker trend is only going to become even more popular. Trainers and sneakers are no longer kept for gym sessions and long walks, they can be worn with everything from dresses to smart suits (aka Cara Delevigne in DKNY).

Choose an eccentric pair that stands out, and make them the focal point of the outfit to create a statement. Not only are sneakers super comfortable, they add an effortless style to an otherwise boring outfit. Find your pair and get involved!

Image from instyle.com

Floppy Felt Hats

Felt floppy hats are the signature trend of summer/winter 2015, and they are so flattering and stylish. I love how they just flop perfectly in all the right places, and they are suited to a day or night time look. Colours such as beige or black are a must, so you can make full use of the hat by coordinating outfits. Incorporate a chic low bun or a natural wavy hairstyle with the hat to pull the whole look together, and keep it simple like I always say!

Image from shopmodmint.com