Beautiful Image of the Week: Liu Wen for Estée Lauder

I came across this image three times in the past three days. And every time it arrested me. I stopped, looked carefully and moved on slightly happier. The image is so bold and yet soft, so colourful and yet mysterious. Just a great image. And it is always exciting when a simple image can change your mood entirely.
That the model is the first real supermodel from China, Liu Wen, doesn't hurt, with her incomprehensible beauty.
Liu Wen has become a fixture on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris since 2008and has shot editorials with the world’s top fashion photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Sorrenti and Dan Jackson. Liu Wen recently appeared on the cover of Chinese Vogue and has now joined Estee Lauder's roster of beauties with this campaign, the first time Estée Lauder has signed a Chinese model.

Of Africa, Pretty Shoes, Powerful Women and Other Stories

Captains Log 5, Blog Week 134

It comes to the end of another week and this one has been an excellent week for promoting African clothing and textiles in the States. I have posted no less than four times about it this week, here and here and here.
It has also been a great week for uniting some of the amazing women that I admire and respect, and sometimes work for... Oprah, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep and Dannii Minogue have all featured, often together.
And so, as we go off for the weekend of family, friends and fun let me share with you some more of my week of joys:

1. Reece Witherspoon looked wonderful at her Avon party. I am not a huge fan, although many of you are. But she got her hair, make-up, shoes and dress all perfect and on trend this week, so props to her.

2. The talent and craftsmanship of local leather designer, Chloe Townsend, has resulted in a new must-have sandal for the summer - the Missibaba Seraphine. Isn't she lovely?

3. We handed over the Oliver Peoples sunglasses, courtesy of Extreme Eyewear, to our blog winner Jasmine Ho. She popped into the office to pick them up and so we snapped a pic of course. I am so pleased for her!

Have lovely, restful weekends all my readers, and I look forward to bringing you another action packed week of fashion and news next week. For now, StyleGuideCT out!

Michelle Obama Revives Kitten Heels

I have discussed Michelle Obama's style at length here on the blog - and will probably continue to do so. But one of the ways in which her style has directly influenced me this week is in the footwear department. Having squished my toes into a brand new pair of patent red kitten heel Jimmy Choos this week and donning another black, classic pair now for the O tea party, I thought about how kitten heels are back and it is probably all Mrs O's fault.
The Huffington Post agrees and ran a lengthy article about it, saying, "Along with chiseled arms, kitten heels have become a trademark of Michelle Obama’s White House style and are an important puzzle piece in her carefully curated public image. Her heels are always low to the ground, but set a tone for how she presents herself to the world — and distinguish her from other first ladies."
They go on, "Obama’s kitten heels are both conservative but demonstrate a fluency in fashion; they’re simultaneously puritanical and vaguely sexy. Obama uses kitten heels in unexpected ways, playing them off an outfit with just enough whimsy to earn her style points in the fashion world."
But be warned, those that seek to emulate her in the style stakes. Kitten heels may be low to the ground but they are not by default more comfortable. The pointy front can be very unforgiving to your feet and toes and can lead to much pain! I know, yet I still wear them...

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Jake Gyllenhaal and Halle Berry

HALLE BERRY
Robyn: Now this is the cat-woman style we know and love. YSL red silk asymmetric drapery. You absolutely can not fault it. As I said on my blog last week, she is an alien life form, such is her perfection. Done.
Marco: Is it possible that she looks more beautiful now than when she donned this look the first time? I prefer the darker hair too, it's a mature version of her former self without making it look any less sexy. 'Meow' if there ever was a reason to say it. She really is knocking them back these days with her outfits. Gold dress anyone? Yes okay, i'll go see your movie.

JAKE GYLLENHAAL
Marco: He has the makings of someone to loathe. You know, charm, good looks, talent and the perfect beard. I should be jealous of him but alas am too busy taking cues from you Robyn, by imagining our bro-dates wherein I am doing something outdoorsy. But before that may I just commend Jake on his effortless and relaxed styling. I actually prefer it sans accessory. Modern fit, great shoes and no fuss. Easy enough to follow, eh boys?
Robyn: Sooooo, Jake and Taylor, eh? Why does that make me feel a teeny tiny bit grubby? So in a week where JAYLOR sightings seem to keep coming, you post a picture of Jake and ask me to comment on his style. Blonde, perchance? Oh, you mean the clothes. Well, he looks jolly nice in his suit. Sleek and simple. I like it.

GQ Best Dressed Men Awards: The Fashion Episode

It was the GQ Awards last week and some of the country's most well dressed chaps were honoured. The eventual winner was blog-godfather, Seth Rotherham so a hearty well done to him. Very hip of GQ.
And lots of people have featured this result and the photos on their blogs. But did you know who came third, forth or even sixth? Well, they are our very own fashion chaps. So I thought that I would share their photos and comments with you. I think it is awesome that the fashion guys are walking the talk and being recognised for thier flair. Big up.
THIRD PLACE: Themba Mngomezulu Fashion designer and founder of Darkie
I would like to see men dressing formally every day come back into fashion. Like we did in the ’60s. Support the local designers. Remember, if you buy local, you provide jobs and that means that your homes and cars won’t be broken into.
FOURTH PLACE: Mokotjo Mohulo Head designer at NOTE Clothing and stylist
My dad is the most stylish man in the world. The shoes I am wearing in this shoot were his. Every single one of my shirts has some kind of personal detail. I personalise my look by expressing my consciousness in it. Whether it’s the hair or the beard, it’s all me.
SIXTH PLACE: Guy Ndlovo, Reality TV star and fashion entrepreneur
Nice shoes and socks are my fashion basics. I always have fun with socks, something is always going on down there. Fitted shirts, cuff links and a nice belt. There is always a playful element in whatever I wear.

O Magazine US Also Highlights International Mohair Trend

Further to yesterday's post about the surprising new textile trend - mohair (which is supplied most often by South Africa...), I was alerted to the November issue of O Magazine in the US, where a fashion spread with Mandy Moore features a beautiful orange scarf by BabyMo, handmade right here in Port Elizabeth.
A very kind man called Andrew sent this information, "Momento's of Africa which created the BabyMo brand has grown literally from nothing. It was originally a self help tapestry weaving scheme to assist unemployed people but in 1994 it was unexpectantly closed. A few of the original employees decided to carry on under their manager Lin Smith and the Port Elizabeth airport (ACSA) offered premises for the Momentos business. Shops across the country began to sell our products and suddenly there was international attention in what we were doing. This was how BabyMo started. The brand now provides employment to 68 people who have become an incredibly skilled team in producing all the BabyMo products by hand."
Of course it must be extremely heartening for these workers to suddenly find that they carefully crafted garments are finding their way onto the fashion pages of international magazines. And not out of pity or charity, but because they really like the feel and look of the products. What a way to start a Friday morning!

Want to Know How to Get Mad Men Style? Now There is a Book!

I know I can get a bit boring, bleating on about my awesome iPad and how it has changed my life. But let me tell you what I will not be buying electronically: the new book by Janie Bryant, costume designer for the most stylish series on television, Mad Men, called The Fashion File. This is one book that will need to be in print, for me to lovingly pour over in my quieter moments on a Sunday afternoon.
Apparently in this tome, Bryant details every part of the Mad Men look. Want to know how to create that show-stopping red lip? It’s in here. Or how to highlight your best assets like your waist or shoulders? You can read about that too. Actress January Jones even pens the foreward. Plus, Janie Bryant discusses whether you’re more of a Joan or a Betty, a Peggy or a Megan.
I am about to go onto Amazon (yes, on my iPad) to pre-order it now. I know it is available in the US on Monday. Not sure when it will be available in SA, but will keep you posted.

Nicole Miller Partners with Africa on Bangles

You all know by now that what I believe to be fair trade is the act of African artists, craftsmen and artisans selling what they produce to the western world at a profit that allows them to lead a life they never would have done. The fashionista in me gets even more giddy when it is a gorgeous, style item. And the African in me gets tearfully-proud when it is something only we can do. Don't judge, it is such a patriotic feeling. And I will always do whatever I can to support these efforts.
Now, today, New York fashion designer Nicole Miller has partnered with the nonprofit Indego Africa to release a line of patterned traditional-textile and woven bracelets and bangles co-designed with and hand-crafted by Rwandan artisans at co-ops on the continent.
At the launch in NYC this evening, 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to bolster Indego Africa's business, literacy, and computer training programs.

Vicktoria Beckham Dresses Oprah Winfrey. And It Is Good.

You all know that I just love Vicky B. You also mostly know that I work for the Empire of the Oprah. And just yesterday afternoon, all of this came together and made me the centre of my own universe for about 2 mins.
I picked up a tweet from Victoria saying that she was having a 'dream come true' as Oprah wore one of her designs to the Maria Shriver women's conference. I of course retweeted it immediately and, such was my giddiness, I used an apostrophe incorrectly. The shame.
But today we see the evidence and it is even better than I expected. Oprah looks sleek, elegant and very stylish. Who would have thought. VB you amaze me.

Business News: Hermes In Danger of Selling Out?

You all know I am a fashion geek, so stop furrowing your brow at this dry subject. I promise I will post pictures of pretty dresses tomorrow.
Hermes, the maker of the most coveted bags and scarves in the world (as well as the super-sexy harness in their last horsey collection here), is currently largely family owned. They have, to my knowledge, refused multiple offers to buy them from very reputable organisations over the years. But this past week Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy announced that they've bought a 14.2% stake in the traditional French company.
This signalled two things. One, with the Hermes stock price rising sharply at this news, that the market expects this to significantly alter the competitive landscape with LVMH gaining ground against their competitors like Richemont. The Hermes brand is about as luxurious and prestigious a brand as you can get in the market.
Secondly, that Hermes may be in the last throws of family control. LVMH has a reputation of being aggressively aquisitive, as demonstrated in the past, so it is believed that by stealth or power, Hermes will relinquish more stock to the group in due course.
Bernard Arnault, the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH is not saying right now, but already has a large collection of covetable fashion brands with Louis Vuitton, Celine, Kenzo, Fendi, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Loewe and Donna Karan under his control.

Kate Moss' Last TopShop Collection

We are pretty sure that this is the last full collection Kate will be doing for TopShop, so it is probably worth a bit of hype. I have to say that I am really struggling with Moss-ennui, as many of you are. But I hope you will forgive this posting (in the same way that I am forgiving those new lips Kate is sporting by simply not looking at them).
And anyway, just look at that kimono-cape hybrid. That is worth it, no? Now must get someone in the queue for it next week. Alex?

In the US it is Mohair Season - Good News for South Africa

I was reading one of my favourite US fashion sites last night, when I came across this quote, "We're so, so excited for sweater season. There's just nothing like curling with a good book and a warm drink, especially when you've got on a snuggly sweater — especially, especially when it's mohair. In addition to its warmth and durability, mohair adds an unexpected texture to your cold-weather basics, perfect for those frigid days when you're too cold to think about what to wear."
Now I am not sure if you guys know, but South Africa is a very large producer of mohair. In an economy as fraught as we have right now, and with a clothing and textile market shrinking faster than Lindsay Lohan's bank account, that the fashionistas in the US are looking to mohair as a wardrobe essential is very good news for us.
Now all we need to do is remind our local consumers that mohair is great news, come winter, and we may have a fighting chance of giving our local fashion industry a much needed boost. Over to you.

Krysten Ritter

Rachel McAdams

Katherine Heigl

Anne Dudek

Lake Bell

Heather Graham

Carey Mulligan

Minnie Driver

Chloe and the Party Necklace

Apparently it is the party season already. And in the November issue of O Magazine, we did a mini editorial on party jewellery. We had a blast working with the lovely Chloe. I think that by the time we finished shooting we had all pulled a million faces. She, of course, looked spectacularly pretty in them all.
By the way, this stunning neckpiece is Israeli and you can get yours from Callaghan Collezione or Imagenius.
For more photos of party jewellery, go to the actual shops and buy a printed magazine on paper called O, the Oprah Magazine. I know it is scary when you are used to getting all your fashion info via this blog. But it is worth it. Loads to read. Go. Now.
Photographer: Frank Ellis
Hair and Make-up: Luciano dos Santos

Win Shoes Worth R2,000 with StyleGuideCT and Spitz

Another chance to win on the blog!! Yay! And this time we are talking shoes.
I have in front of me two R1,000 gift vouchers. One is to use at Spitz how you see fit (although I can recommend the espadrilles - perfect for the summer and you can get two pairs for this price). And one, also worth R1,000, for Lacoste shoes at Spitz. Do you want them?
I am giving them away to one lucky reader who sends me ONE email with BLOG COMPETITION 4 in the subject line to robync@assocmags.co.za. That's right. Anyone can enter, but you can only enter once. Now go.
Entries close on Friday with the draw being done next Monday 1st November 2010.

Of Hair Cuts, Covers and Pretty People

So I am due for a hair cut this weekend. This is generally not a big issue for me. I simply sit in a chair and Hamish cuts it the way it should be. Extra short in the fringe and dead straight, just under the ears. Done.
But.
Everyone seems to be going in this direction and now, sigh, I think, maybe, I may want something a bit different.
I don't know. Maybe longer? What do you think?
In the meanwhile, for your edification, the cover of Vogue Turkey is Gwen Loos photographed by Mariano Vivanco and the other one is Liu Wen for Harper’s Bazaar Korea, dressed in Comme des Garçons, styled by Havana Laffitte and shot by Yelena Yemchuk.

Sylvie Says: How to Choose The Right Shade of Foundation

A few weeks ago I spent an entire six days week with my pal and brand wife Linda O’Connell who is Me, only for Maybelline, travelling our lovely country doing store visits. Now, aside from that we can tell you that the City Lodge does a fine tuna tramezzini, Tasha’s at Melrose Arch is awesome for meeting Cape Town buddies, I am still not proficient with the Garmin, people in Pretoria love ice-cream and the News Café at King Shaka airport serve Tanqueray – what we can definitely tell you is that SA women STILL don’t know how to test for the right foundation for their skin colour...

An example:
Me: studiously and surreptitiously observing a woman furiously blending foundation into the top of her hand
Me: you know, if you want the right colour you should test it on your face
Her: looking at me as if insane - ‘actually I’m looking for under-eye concealer’
Me: looking at her as if insane. Seriously. Really. Well then testing in on your HAND is definitely the right way to go.

You’re getting my point right? So girls, please – if you want to find the right colour foundation – test it on your face. Most importantly test it on an area where the skin is at its best colour (i.e. avoid the centre of the face) - which bascially means the jawline.
Draw as many stripes on your jawline with as many shades you think you may be and go outside into the natural light.
The colour that has mostly disappeared is the right colour for you.
Simple.

PS: Looking and dismissing a colour from what you see in the bottle aint gonna help either, see?
Xxx sylvie
Pic above stolen, as usual from www.jamienelson.com

Dita von Teese for Grazia Magazine

If I had to choose my favourite magazine in the whole wide world, I wouldn't hesitate to say Grazia. Let me count the ways:
1. It is weekly and I have a gargantuan appetite for fast news and fashion;
2. It is beautifully styled, informative, gossipy, current and has exactly what I need before I know I need it;
3. It begs its reader to be intelligent and well informed about current issues;
4. It always arrives as a highlight to my week, just a moment after I have realised it has been a whole week since I last read it;
5. And now it has featured the consumate stylista, Dita von Teese, in her signature looks.
Photographed by Richard Bernardin
Stylist is Alexandra Bernard

Me and My Mate Jane

So I know that I talk a lot about my fantasy bookclub mates, Dannii, Vicky, Alexa and maybe Cat. Yeah, definitely Cat. But I do actually have real life mates too. And ones that are just as stylish, interesting, witty and/or smart. Some I have known for a few years. Some I have known since I was a kid at junior school. The ones that I got chucked out of class for talking to way too much.
Jane is one of those. And she is also one of the stars of our make-over issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Having had a baby all of three months before this photo was taken, we decided that it was time for a new look. But one that worked with the whole sustaining an infant malarkey. Phew.
Go and pick up a copy off the shelf to find out how to do a five-star make-over on your own wardrobe. Or just some tips on dressing just after you had a baby so you can look like my mates.
Photographer: Anthony Friend
Hair and Make-up: Luciano Dos Santos

Can Céline Clothes Transform Us?

I think all of us like to think of ourselves as Céline kinda gals. Dressing with simple, clean lines that speak of perfectionists, achieving at our high-flying jobs and up-to-the-minute fashion sense. Looking elegant and impeccable where ever we go. Sigh.
Most of us are just not built that way.
But what is encouraging is the way in which the advertising for the winter line is inclusive of women of all ages. The latest ads, shot by Juergen Teller, cast models in their twenties, fourties and, let's just say, past retirement age. All looking elegant and impeccable.
And then the lovely director/mother/bag designer/writer Sofia Coppola turns up at an event last week looking elegant and impeccable, dressed in Céline and it made me think - maybe it is the clothes that make you look like that...maybe you don't have to be made that way! Now the saving starts.
I am determined I will look elegant and impeccable one day before I retire. I will!
UPDATE: Luisa was just at Apsley 2 at the V&A Waterfront and the dress that Sofia is wearing came in while she was standing there. And some other garments of loveliness. It is my dream.

Celia Birtwell Originals Vintage Store Online

I love this new age when the most amazing stores in the world are now opening online so that we all can play with.
I am a fashion geek. In other words, I am entranced and somewhat obsessed with the history, origin and socio-economic development of fashion and its impact on our lives. One of my favourite stories is of the relationship between designer Ossie Clark and print-lady and photographer, Celia Birtwell, as they traversed the late 60s and 70s together, making fashion.
Now their son, George, has set up an online store where you can purchase not only her new designs by Celia Birtwell but also a selection of original unique vintage pieces designed by Ossie Clark.
I am lucky enough to have an original Celia Birtwell piece - it is part maxi dress, part flamenco, so you know I am going to be spending both time and money on this site. As is great Clark/Birtwell collector, Kate Moss, I assume.
Each vintage piece will come with a certificate of authenticity as well as a copy of one of Celia’s archive sketches signed by the lady herself: www.celiabirtwell.com.

Penelope Ann Miller

Dannii Minogue and Victoria Beckham Create Style Magic on X Factor

So my mate Dannii wore another dress from my mate Vicky's collection for the UK television series X Factor this weekend. A beautiful fitted blue sheath, with a cowl drape at the neck was a hit in the style stakes, if rather subdued for the UK public. Having trawled the comments sections of many a web site looking at what the TV audiences thought, the overwhelming verdict is CLASS.
For the results show on Sunday night, Dannii went a bit more playful and brought out the floral Dolce & Gabbanna 50s prom dress. There really was so much flirty in this dress, I almost winked at it.
I know that my book club is just a fantasy one, but seriously, if DM and VB are going to get any closer I really am going to have to alert them to their book club responsibilties.