Closet Confidential with Fabrizia Spinelli

This episode of Closet Confidential features the stunning and stylish Italian blogger Fabrizia Spinelli. Fabrizia has an eye for beautiful dresses, bold accessories and glorious pairs of high heels. Her blog answers the question every girl asks herself daily, Cosa mi metto or "What shall I wear?" She shares some of her personal style secrets and fashion favourites with us.

Describe your personal style

I like to dress pretty easily, without exaggeration. I don’t think I have a well defined way to dress, I like to experiment, to take inspiration from different styles, to change everyday and to combine different elements.



What has been your best fashion buy thus far?

It’s a really hard question, because every time I buy something, I fall in love with it...so...I don’t know, maybe my first Chanel. I had always desired it, and you know, Chanel bags are so chic, elegant and timeless.



What was your most outrageous purchase?

Maybe a bright orange lipstick. It was very long before colored lipsticks were fashionable, and also I haven’t ever worn make up in a strong way, so to me it was so strange and difficult to see myself in the mirror!! 

If you could max out your credit card at any designer store, which one would it be?

Definitely the shoe department at Macy’s or Chanel. 

What are your key fashion pieces for Winter 2012? 

A fur coat, many shiny and colorful lipsticks, a peplum dress, an asymmetrical skirt, a denim jacket and sparkling jewellery.

Who are your style icons? 

I like the style of the It-girls Miroslava Duma and Olivia Palermo, and the elegance of Eva Longoria, but I also like to take inspiration from well-dressed ordinary people! 

Three beauty products that you can't live without? 

I can’t live without a mascara, blush and a good moisturizing cream! 

What is on your fashion wish list? 

So many things, of course a Hermes Kelly, a wonderful Chanel Jumbo bag in petrol blue, and a Moschino peplum dress. 

What five items of clothing are the foundation of a good wardrobe? 

A pair of jeans, a little black dress, a comfy pair of high heels, a black blazer and a great pair of sunnies. 

Biggest Fashion Do 

Wear what you like and don’t be afraid to show your personal style.



Biggest Fashion Don't 

Don’t wear something just because it’s “in”, for the first thing you must feel good in it. 

Fabulous Fashion Advice

Fashion is not only something to follow, but it’s also something to create, is something that can express our personality.



*Special Thanks to Fabrizia for participating in this interview and permitting me use of her photos.

Closet Confidential With Fash Boulevard

Energetic and aspiring accessories designer Anna Hodge is a former small town girl who has followed her fashion dream all the way to California. Her journey began with an impressive internship at popular clothing brand BGBG Max Azria. Anna's blog Fash Boulevard is an online stage upon which celebrity style and her own personal style collide. With an eye for beautiful jewellery, her incredible collection of cocktail rings is one to be coveted. Anna shares her wealth of voguish knowledge with us on this edition of 'Closet Confidential'.

How would you define your personal style?

Dramatically simple with far too many accessories. Growing up in the south and now living in LA. I've had the pleasure of being exposed to an eclectic mix of fashion. Whether it's classic with a hint of edge or a simple dress with a dramatic heel, I love combining different elements to create a single look.


What is LA street style like?

Well this is pretty much what my blog is all about... When I first moved to LA after graduating from Auburn University I knew I wanted to work in fashion and in order to do that I needed to follow LA's trends meticulously. I quickly realized that in Hollywood street fashion is celebrity fashion. Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe are the women keeping Hollywood on their fashionable toes! And now I'm here to blog about it.


What are your fashion fundamentals? 


My mom has had a fabulous fur that I've played dress up in for
 as long as I can remember so it's a natural obsession. It can dress up anything from jeans to a fancy cocktail dress. I also recommend a blazer because you can wear it to work or throw on a giant statement necklace and wear it out to drinks with the girls. And of course, every closet should have the essential black pieces. Black skinny jeans, blouses, cardigans, jackets, heels, and tights. They match almost anything and are a great base for building a stylish ensemble.


Would you choose comfort over fashion or fashion over comfort?

I love this question. I would definitely choose fashion over comfort. I can't tell you how many times I've worn constricting jackets and blazers or tight tiered skirts that I can't bend in, but at the end of the day it's all about wearing what makes you feel fabulous. And sometimes fabulous involves blisters and car rides that consist of lying in the back seat because the dress it too tight to sit in. As much as it drives my family crazy, I am the girl wearing sky high stilettos to my little brother’s baseball games. That's just me. I'm most comfortable when I feel like I'm wearing a good ensemble. But that doesn't mean I don't have an impressive collection of lounge wear. If you ran into me at the grocery store, I'd probably land on everyone's worst dress list, trust me.


No good outfit is complete without...

A cocktail ring! As a girl who loves to talk with her hands, a major oversized ring is always a fashion must. Whether you have a super expensive Melissa Joy Manning ring or one from Forever 21, no outfit should be deemed complete without a giant cocktail ring.



What designer items are on your fashion wish list? 

Oh this is an easy one! As a fashion blogger it's very easy to build up a sizable wish list because I'm constantly discovering new brands, trends and always finding online purchases to obsess over! Coming in on the top of my wish list is the new Michael by Michael Kors large leopard print Hamilton tote, the Melissa Joy Manning extra large double slice ring and the Boutique 9 dark purple Cesena Wedge Pumps! I'd kill to own all of these pieces. But in all honesty, I'll probably have a fash heart
attack the day I own a Birkin!


What has been your best fashion buy?

I recently bought a Michael by Michael Kors cardigan cape that I'm completely and totally obsessed with. It's stylish while still being seriously comfortable, which is a major perk for me. I travel a lot so pieces that I can wear for comfort while flying and also dress up for dinner with friends are always my most coveted pieces. For me, a good buy isn't a cheap price, it's a versatile item that will stand the test of time... Or at least until my sister takes it for herself!
 

Where would you love to max out your credit card?

As un-posh as this may sound, it would be extremely easy for me to max out a card or two at Macy's. But trust me, I'm not the only one. I've ran into Joanna Garcia, Vanessa Hudgens, Kyle Richards, and Ashley Tisdale while browsing through the racks at Macy's. I love a store that has designer brands, private label brands and amazing deals. My go-to's are Bar III, BCBGenerations, Kensie, INC and Free People. Plus, there's like thirteen Macy's within a twenty mile radius of my home.

Most extravagant fashion purchase? 

A pair of purple satin strappy Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos, which I bought after attending the Vegas boutique’s grand opening party hosted by Giuseppe himself. I had to have them! They were calling my name. Unfortunately now... so are the bill collectors, but trust me... Heels are always worth it.


Three beauty products you can't live without?
 

I can't live without my black Cover Girl crayon eyeliner, which I've 
been using for years. It goes on super easy and always looks perfect. I don't care if I was stranded alone on a desert island, I would still take my eyeliner with me. My fellow blondes will understand. Second would have to be my Chi straightener. It gets my hair flat in seconds which is perfect for those days when I'm running late. And the third beauty item I couldn't live without would definitely have to be bobby pins. They can add a twist or braid to boring hair or fix bumps in your pony tails in seconds. Not to mention they are the sole key to getting the perfect ballerina bun. I never leave the house without a handful of bobby pins in my purse. They're a staple.


Who are your style icons?


Old Hollywood is where I get most of my inspiration. Marilyn Monroe, Edie Sedgwick, Bridget Bardot and Jackie O are massive figures in my style inspiration bubble. As for my present day style icons, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad and Rachel Zoe are constantly impressing and inspiring me with their fabulous looks.
   



Biggest Fashion Do's 

Pile on the jewelry. Every piece should showcase a different side of your personality. Rock lots of sequins and fur for fall and most importantly, don't exit your home without a cocktail ring on your finger.





Biggest Fashion Don'ts 

Don't be afraid to express your personal style. I went to a college that's daily uniform consisted of Nike shorts and UGG boots, but it's important to remember to look further than those around you for your fashion inspiration. It's okay to stand out. No town is too small for city girl style.





Fabulous fashion advice


Too much is never enough. I knew I was going to be gaudy from the day I learned what the word meant. I dream of being that older woman with the super high heels, the fur coat, and layered in tons of bangles and cocktail rings. This is the character in my head I dream of being. She is my fashion dream. Incorporating bits and pieces of that character into my more reserved daily style is what gets me excited to get dressed in the morning. As a girl who grew up in small towns (I've lived in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama) I know what it's like to have bigger style dreams then those around you. That's why I think it's important to build that fabulous character you so desperately want to be and try adding hints of her into your daily style. It'll keep you inspired until the day you decide to whip her out completely. Confidence is key to being and looking the best you possibly can, but perhaps the most important advice I can give would have to be to always remember to dress for yourself... not for anyone else!



*Special thanks to Anna for taking part in this interview. Wishing her all the best with her exciting new accessories line.

Closet Confidential With Neris

Self-confessed shoe addict Neris Buzov shares her love for fashion on this edition of 'Closet Confidential'. The gorgeous blogger from Croatia has a degree in Marketing and a masters in the art of style. Fashion Fractions is Neris's online diary of everyday outfits, from casual to cocktail wear and everything in between. Her photo shoots reveal an amazing collection of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, which she puts together effortlessly. Here are a few secrets from her closet...

Describe your personal style 

I’d say that my style is playful and it changes every day. I don’t take fashion too seriously and I like to play and experiment with different styles. 

You have such a fabulous closet, how do you decide what to wear each morning? 

Sometimes I know what to wear as soon as I wake up, and sometimes it takes me an hour to decide. I guess it all depends on my mood! 

What are the 'must have' essential items in your closet and why? 

Tailored blazer, perfectly fitting jeans, nude pumps, and a little black dress. All of the mentioned items are so versatile, timeless, and can be worn for different occasions. 

Who are your style icons?

I get inspired by my friends, fellow bloggers, and people I see on the streets. 

Biggest Fashion Do's? 

Wear what you like and what you feel comfortable in! Wear the clothes and don’t let the clothes wear you. I strongly believe that a happy girl is a pretty girl and if you are happy in your outfit everybody else will notice it and like it too!



Biggest Fashion Don'ts? 

Don’t wear something just because it is IN at the moment. If you don’t like it or if it doesn’t fit your body type it is not going to look good on you no matter how trendy it is. 

Which fashion designers do you admire the most and why? 

I admire Diane von Furstenberg so much because she is such a gorgeous, smart, and successful woman. Her designs are so elegant, classy, and chic at the same time. The materials, quality, and prints make her clothing timeless. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a single DVF piece that I didn’t like. 

What is your most treasured item of clothing in your closet? 

The most treasured item in my closet is my DKNY bag. It was my first big splurge and I decided to treat myself to it after successfully finishing my first year of college.



Most extravagant fashion purchase

I don’t think I’ve ever bought a super extravagant item worth of mentioning. I usually don’t buy things if I’m not 100% sure that I’m going to wear it.



What are some of the biggest fashion trends in your city right now? 

There are so many trends at the time but I’ve noticed that lots of girls are wearing faux fur, vintage inspired clothing, mixing romantic items with edgy pieces (like lace + leather), and of course wearing All Stars with pretty much everything.



What is your signature scent? 

I have two signature scents. Chanel Chance for fall and winter and L'erbolario Iris for spring and summer months. Every once in a while I’ll buy a different perfume but I always go back to my favorites.

What designer items are on your fashion wish list? 

I would love to see a Mulberry Alexa bag and a nude pair of Christian Louboutins in my closet.



Fabulous fashion advice 

Just be yourself! Wear what you like and what makes you happy! Don’t take fashion too seriously; play with your clothes and have fun while doing so :) 

*Special Thanks to Neris for partaking in this interview & for the use of her photographs.

Closet Confidential with Aqeelah Harron

This month, I asked Aqeelah Harron to share a few snippets of her personal style. She is a recent BA Media graduate and avid photographer with a love for shoes & all things leather. Aqeelah is also the savvy stylista behind Fashion Breed, where she blogs about her favourite outings & outfits. When it comes to bargain hunting, Aqeelah has mastered the art. I hope that she will give some tips on the best vintage shopping spots the next time I'm in Cape Town.

Describe your personal style 

I think what is signature about my style is that you can't put it in a a category, for example you can't call me a tomboy, or bohemian, old hollywood, a "hipster" or a girly-girl. I'm all of those things, just on different days, depending on my mood. I really spend all my money on shoes...



What is your most treasured item of clothing? 

I once thrifted a genuine leather/suede fully-fringed waistcoat for R30. It has a tattered old label inside it that says "Handmade in Mexico" - it's really special. Then, I once saw my friend with a vintage top knitted entirely with genuine leather that I was obsessed with, and then I thrifted the exact same one in black and red for R5! It was a miracle! Most of my favourite pieces are vintage from my mom/aunts or it's thrifted. Things were just made so much better back in the day.



Who are your style icons? 

Edie Sedgewick, Nicole Richie, Kate Moss and Carrie Bradshaw - everything is so effortless. 

Most extravagant fashion purchase 

Contrary to popular belief I don't shop extravagantly! I just shop a LOT. But when I do splurge it goes to shoes, like leather boots or killer-but-classic heels. 

What is on your fashion wish list? 

A walk in closet. And maybe an Elie Saab/Zuhair Murad wedding dress just to play around in! Ok and more comfy chunky heels. I'm becoming one of those women who wear heels more often than not, just because it's fun. 

What is your signature scent & why? 

I love perfume! I have so many bottles but my true favourites that I alternate between are Eclat D'arpege by Lanvin, and Dior Addict II. I love that they are both fresh, feminine and slightly sweet, and can be worn in the day and at night.



How would you define your city's style? 

Very laid-back. Too laid-back! Generally comfort is key, and I don't think people enjoy dressing up unless it's a special occasion - they always seem to need a good reason! But our people are so diverse, Cape Town is filled with cliques so I can't really give a well-rounded answer for this one. I'd love to see our people taking more pride in their appearance though!

What are the 'must have' items in your closet? 

A classic pair of jeans that fits you really well. As well as basic genuine leather goods in black and brown, like boots, bags and jackets. They give an outfit more texture and automatically makes everything else you're wearing look expensive and chic. 



Where are your favourite shopping hotspots? 

Thrift stores of course! Yes they're filled with a lot of gross, used things but I have had some truly amazing finds; a 100% silk ASOS dress brand new with tags still attached, a lace low-back Betsey Johnson dress, a Blumarine blazer, Versace high waist shorts, a Pierre Cardin leather clutch and much much more. I'm addicted. I love that it is highly unlikely someone else will have the same garment, it's cheap, and the clothing from back in the day will always be of far higher quality than the stuff made today. However I only buy things that are in excellent condition and I wash the garments thoroughly. 



Biggest Fashion Do's 

Spend money on classic pieces.



Biggest Fashion Don'ts 

Unless you are going to have it tailored, don't buy things that don't fit your specific body well. It doesn't matter who it's by or how much it has been marked down. 



Fabulous fashion advice

1. The more terrible you feel, the higher you should wear your heel - if you dress better it will make you feel better.

2. Good style is 7 days a week, not only on weekends or special occasions!





*Special Thanks to Aqeelah for partaking in this interview. Love the advice!

Closet Confidential with Sheri Lee

Sheri Lee is a talented upcoming fashion designer and style blogger. She is currently working on an exciting new commercial line, which will include screen-printed t-shirts, tanks and crop tops. Sheri Lee also has the enviable job of attending South Africa's best fashion events, which she reports on for her blog, Safashiongirl. On today's Closet Confidential, she tells us more about her fun approach to fashion. 

What is the inspiration behind your clothing line?

I've been inspired by the wild aspect of youth; Summer road trips, trashing hotel rooms, getting married in Vegas; just causing trouble and making a mess. 



As a designer, which celebrity would you to dress?

Juliette Lewis. I like her attitude, she seems to have fun with fashion. 



Describe your personal style

Accessory overload and dark meets light, I'm very into contrast. I also like a little 'theme' because I enjoy finding a way to tailor any influence into something subtle enough that's wearable. You can dress 80s for a day, incorporating make up, accessories, sequins, you name it; the fun is figuring out how to translate it into something that is exciting but wearable at the same time. 



Who are your favourite designers and why?

I'm into a lot of different styles, I like designers with a a strong edge whether their aesthetic is fun, classic, dark, avant garde, sexy or glamourous. I adore fashion houses like Viktor & Rolf, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino but I also enjoy whimsical designers like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Jeremy Scott. Locally I like Clive Rundle and I think Joel Jansen van Vuuren is one to watch. 



Best Fashion Trend

Wearing way too many accessories! 



Worst Fashion Trend

Fanny packs are awful but I actually own a blue sequin one because I thought I could magically transform it into being cool. I don't think it's going to happen, haha. 



Who are your style icons?

I love the blogger Hanna Beth Merjos, she has a kind of glitter vs. grunge look going on. I also love Taylor Momsen and Gwen Stefani.

What is on your fashion wish list? 

A tacky tassel tee, House of Holland stockings, a distressed jersey and a bow tie.

What is your most treasured item of clothing? 

I have this really simple little black dress from Betsey Johnson, it has subtle buttons down the front so it lengthens the body and it's so easy to wear. 



Most extravagant fashion purchase 

I bought a classic black Chanel 2.55 bag and I'm so in love with it! 



What are the 'must have' items in your closet and why?

I just love dresses because they're an easy template to build onto and really convenient for fast but put-together dressing. You can have the sweetest dress and make it edgy with boots or you can go all saccharine and put a blouse over it. 



What is your Fashion Philosophy? 

Have fun with fashion and feel beautiful. It's easy to dress safely, it's much more interesting to put something together that might not make sense at first. It's sort of like a challenge and that's where you get the best results from. Rather take risks and look silly sometimes than always look appropriate because it's exciting to put together. Getting ready is half the fun sometimes! 



*Special Thanks to Sheri Lee for participating in this interview. 

Wishing her all the best with her new line, can't wait to see it in stores.

Closet Confidential with Jasna

Jasna Zellerhoff is a personal style blogger, stylist, columnist for Style Scoop & Feston, as well as an all-round fashionista. On this edition of Closet Confidential, she tells us more about her eclectic sense of style, closet staples and love of accessories. Her blog Fashionjazz is an inspiring photographic journey of her continually evolving style.

How would define your personal style? 

My personal style changes very often, but I do find I lean towards the rock chic style with a touch of quirkyness and vintage in most of my outfits. 
I love wearing items that most people wont wear or wear them in a way that is different to everyone else and of course I love to layer my clothes.



What has been your best fashion buy? 

My best fashion buy is actually 2 garments, I can't really choose, so my faux leather and faux fur coats are by far my best buys!



Most extravagant fashion purchase 

My Guess Handbag, I bought it a few years ago and at the time it cost a small fortune, but after 5 years it still looks brand new.



What are your favourite accessories? 

I am an accessories queen, so I love all types especially rings, bangles, hats etc.



What are your favourite fashion reads? 

I love magazines and books, in fact I have so many favourites that its really hard to choose, but if I had to choose I would say the UK ELLE, NYLON, Jalouse, and the 'Style Yourself' fashion book.



Best Fashion Trend 

70's flare jeans



Worst Fashion Trend 

I dont really have a worst trend as I am open to a lot of new trends and I love trying new styles.



What designer item/s are on your fashion wish list? 

I used to be a real designer girl but as I have gotten older and my style has evolved I tend to lean towards vintage and one of a kind items. 
One designer item I would still really love even though every blogger has one is the YSL ring, its gorgeous! 



Who are your style icons? 

Nicole Richie, Chloe Sevigny, the Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, Zoe Kravitz 



If you had just 2 minutes to put together the perfect outfit - what would it be? I would pick jeans whether it be skinnies or flares, then I would add a shirt half tucked in with a belt, add wedges or boots and then pile on necklaces, bangles and rings. 



Would you chose fashion over comfort or comfort over fashion? 

I think it would depend on the item or garment whether I would choose comfort over fashion, but more often than not I go with the saying "beauty knows no pain" so probably fashion over comfort... :) 

What are the 'must have' items in your closet? 

Leather jackets, faux fur coats, jeans, dresses, jewelry, hats, headbands and really high heels! I live in my heels :)



Fabulous fashion advice

Experiment as much as you can so you know what styles suit you and what styles don't, then stick with what looks good on you and most importantly makes you feel good. 
If you feel your outfit needs something extra, then just pile on the accessories, it will completely change the look in a good way.





*Special thanks to Jasna for sharing her style secrets.

Closet Confidential with Anthea

On this edition of Closet Confidential, I got to fashionize with Cape Town based blogger Anthea, who has a passion for leather, comfortable clothing and vintage dresses. Anthea has an inspiring sense of style, which she shares on her blog, Embracing Style. 

These are some of her fashion favourites and style secrets.

Describe your personal style 

It is most of all comfy with a mix of girly, granny, classic and quirky. I alternate between these styles depending on my mood. 



What has been your best fashion buy? 

The Aldo combat boots I had my friend bring me from USA. I wear it so much that it has to be my best buy.



Most extravagant fashion purchase 

I am going to purchase it as soon as I can find it! I am looking for the perfect pair of leather boots. All of my purchases to date have been quite affordable.



What are your favourite accessories?

It has to be leather bags. Can you tell by now that I am a fan of leather? I think a leather bag can make a girl feel special. It lasts long as well and it does not chip or fray!



What is your idea of a no-fail outfit? 

Something that you are 100% comfortable in. If you feel great in your outfit then how can you go wrong?



Where would you like to shop til you drop? 

Country Road. Seeing that I love leather so much it makes sense since their bags and boots are gorgeous. There items seem like the kind of items that you can keep for a long time because of the quality. They also have amazing classic styles.



Best Fashion Trend 

That's a hard one! At the moment it has to be the granny chic trend. It really appeals to me, probably because it's comfy and you can incorporate vintage items. I do love vintage!



Worst Fashion Trend 

There have been so many but I think the worst was skants.You know, the skirt and pants in one. They became popular sometime during my teenage years. Skirt or pants, choose one!



Who are your style icons? 

I admire the styles of so many ladies even fictional ones. I love how cute and girly Peggy from Mad Men dresses. I think Olivia Palermo looks perfect all the time! Bloggers Anne-Catherine Frey and Louise Ebel have amazing style as well. 

What is on your fashion wish list? 

I long for a pair of Swedish Hasbeens with all my heart and soul! I will even settle for look-alikes. I also want a pair of leather boots possibly Chelsea Boots, a leather biker's jacket, a pair of dark blue flare jeans and a cape. I am always on the lookout.



What are the 'must have' items in your closet and why? 

For me personally, an array of dresses is a must have. I am definitely a dress person. I wear them casually or formally in Summer or Winter. They are comfy and they make you feel pretty. Everyone needs a pair of jeans that fits them perfectly simply because it is so versatile. You can dress it up or down and always rely on it if you don't know what to wear.



Fabulous fashion advice

Be comfortable in whatever you wear. I honestly think dressing is about making yourself happy and not others. So, you don't always need to follow trends. Stick to what you love.





*Special thanks to Anthea for participating in this interview.

Closet Confidential with Emily and Liza

Closet Confidential

featuring Emily Pettit-Coetzee & Liza West



Emily and Liza are the dynamic duo behind the stylish site, iheartyouroutfit. With years of experience in the fashion and magazine industry, I knew they would be a great pair to fashionize with. They share their style sentiments, closet essentials and love of vintage clothes and bags.

Describe your personal style

Emily: I've always had a touch of bohemian about my personal style. Although I often wish it was more pronounced. If I had my way, I'd be dressed in head-to-toe vintage everyday, but I feel there are only a few people who can pull this off well!

Liza: I like to think I have a classic style, but it's always evolving. I have a lot of vintage dresses, but I go through phases when I wear them a lot, then not at all. I'm happiest in skinnies, flats and a chic top.



What has been your best fashion buy?

Emily: Right now, I'd say my black boyfriend blazer, which I bought from Topshop. Throw it over anything and you're sorted!

Liza: I have a few, I can't choose just one. definitely my black Seven for All Mankind skinnies, my Trenery wedges and an emerald green vintage blazer I found for R50 (even though my brothers say it looks like I'm wearing a Springbok's blazer, I don't care).



Most extravagant fashion purchase?

Emily: I tend to hunt for bargains rather than spend enormous amounts, however when Liza and I first started our little business, we went to a vintage sale and decided to spoil ourselves with one fantastic purchase each. I got a gorgeous pair of chocolate and purple Marc Jacobs heels. They're an entirely unpractical combination of colours, but I love them dearly.

Liza: At this same sale, I bought myself a purple silk DKNY skirt (with pockets) - it is beautiful.



What is your one-stop fashion shop?

Emily: It's so hard to name one store which has everything. I always take a turn by Journey in Long Street and The Space is also a fave.

Liza: I never go wrong in Woolworths for basics, plus they have Country Road and Trenery! And I always stop by Mr Price for bargains.



What is on your fashion wish list?

Emily: A vintage Chanel chain bag. It's always been my dream to walk into some dusty. forgotten second-hand shop and find one for a hundred bucks or something. Dream on!

Liza: So many things. I dream of the vintage Chanel chain bag, and hope that I don't come across it when vintage trawling with Emily. It'll be a fight to the end all fights! A Mulberry Alexa bag, a Burberry trench, Marc Jacobs pumps with the round toe and low heel.

Who are your style icons?

Emily: Kate Moss and Sienna Miller I would say. A bit of a cliche I know, but I've never seen either of them in a look I wouldn't kill for.

Liza: Alexa Chung, Blake Lively and Alix from thecherryblossomgirl.com



All time Best Trend

Emily: Right now, I'd say the high-waisted flare. I'm obsessed with 70's style.

Liza: I'm loving the khaki trench. I have a gorgeous bell-sleeved trench, but I've got my eye on a long-sleeved one for winter.



All time Worst Trend

Emily: Through our friendship, Liza and I have embodied a few. Our bermuda shorts are probably one...

Liza: Definitely has to be those turquoise and purple baseball jackets we both wore when we were about 13. But worst fashion trend is harem pants.



What is your idea of a perfect outfit for a night out on the town?

Emily: Black skinnies and a distressed necked-tee with my leather jacket. The venue dictates the shoes, heels on special occasions, but it's Cape Town, so generally it's brogues or leather sandals.

Liza: I like a little black dress worn with heels or flats (depending on where we're going).

What are the 'must-have' items in your closet?

Emily: Brogues, I have three pairs at the moment, which go with everything, but I'm always on the lookout for more. My black skinnies, and (at the moment, because I'm 6-months pregnant), Liza's Topshop maternity leggings. I'd be lost without them...

Liza: For this coming winter, I'm hoping to invest in more beautiful high-waisted tailored trousers, chic button-up shirts and a cape.

Fabulous Fashion Advice

Emily: Money can't buy you style.

Liza: Ditto

*Special thanks to Emily and Liza for partaking in this interview. Visit their relaunched website, www.iheartyouroutfit.com

Closet Confidential with Being Brazen

Closet Confidential

with Being Brazen



This week, I got to fashionize with the charming Cape-Town based blogger behind Being Brazen. She shares her style secrets, fashion must haves and gives us some trendy advice.

Describe your personal style 

I would say that I have a more classic style, but I also love very feminine, boho and vintage. 

I think I try to mix those things with my classic style sometimes.



Favourite piece of clothing in your closet

My favourite thing in my closet...thats hard...I think right now I would have to say a Marion & Lindie floral silk dress and a strapless black "prom" style dress from YDE.



Most extravagant fashion purchase

I'm actually quite good at not spending a ridiculous amount of money on clothes (cause I currently have to be), so my most extravagant purchase is probably the silk Marion & Lindie dress and jewellery pieces.



Best Trend

I love that fashion seems to be going back to more lady-like lengths and more lacey, floaty fabrics for dresses.



Worst Trend

Harem pants are terrible. I just can't wear them.



Who are your Style Icons?

Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester's character in Gossip Girl). I also really love Vanessa Paradis' very classic style and Drew Barrymore has made some fabulous fashion choices in recent years. Also Alexa Chung and Clemence Poesy.



Favourite places to shop

When I'm in a rush, I always tend to find nice dresses at YDE for reasonable prices. I like Australian brands: Forever New, Country Road and Trenery alot. I also really like local designers Marion & Lindie and Jo Borkett.



One store that you love so much, they should make you a brand ambassador

Woolworths is probably my favourite store - I like the clothing basics, they stock a lot of great brands and their food is fab. I wouldn't mind being an ambassador for them ;)



What is on your Fashion Wish List?

So much, but always a Chanel 2.55 black bag - I must have one one day.



What are your Closet Must Haves?

1. Well fitting dark blue jeans. I just can't imagine not having any.

2. A gorgeous little black dress. They really are the most versatile item in my closet.

3. A tailored pair of black, smart trousers

4. A nice, classic black leather bag

5. Black leather sandals. I can't deal with heels most days.

6. Classic black leather boots with a slight heel - they never go out of style.

7. Tank tops. You can dress them up or down.



Style Advice

*Well, first off I think woman should dress for their body type and avoid fashion trends that dont suit them.

*Be confident in what you are wearing - the most beautiful thing in the world to me is confidence, it can make most outfits a hundred times better. 

*Be more modest - modesty can be far more sexy than leaving nothing to the imagination. 

(For example: If you show a lot of leg, cover your top and if you have your cleavage out, cover your legs more)

And lastly...

*Buy quality rather than quantity - I think its better to have a few gorgeous pieces in your closet that a room full of so-so things.

Fabulous Fashion Quote

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." Coco Chanel



Special Thanks to Being Brazen for participating in this interview.