Tuesday Thrills - Franchi Clutch Bags

As this is the first 'Tuesday Thrills' post for 2012, I wanted to start on a glamorous note, which is something designer Franco Franchi is familiar with. His range of exquisite clutch bags are destined to accessorize the 'little black dresses' of the world with their refined splendor. Based in Florence, Franchi creates sparkling showpieces made from the best Italian leather, Oriental silks and Swarovski crystals. 



Founded in 1995, it is only recently that Franchi Handbags have branched out into clutch bags, with a trendier market in mind. The design team creates bags with simple shapes, its magnetic appeal lies in the finer detailing. Decorative floral and studded trims, slinky mesh, gleaming gemstones and plush satin. 



Adding one of these clutches to your cocktail dress, prom gown or a tailored suit will transform your entire look. Even brides and their bridesmaids need somewhere stylish to carry their lipgloss. A Franchi clutch can be used to dress up a pair of jeans and heels for a girl's night out or a romantic date. It's the perfect size to keep all your out-on-the-town essentials. These are some pieces from the current collection.

1. Andrea in black. Leather and mesh with twist lock and silver chain handle. $275/R2239

2. Valerie in pewter. Boxy leather clutch with shiny mesh detail and gemstone lock. $228/R1856

3. Sharon in black. Crossbody leather drawstring bag with gold stripes and studded detail. Three other colour combinations available. $165.99/R1351

4. Giselle in black. Glamorous leather clutch with rhinestone embellishment. $237/R1929

5. Andrea in gold. Vintage style clutch made from pleated leather, with studded eyelet detail. $159.99/R1302

6. Tess Foldover in gold. My favourite choice, which has a woven leather and ruffle-pleat design. It has a fold-over flap with magnetic lock. Also available in black for a more casual look. $150.99/R1229.50

7. Tania Nappa in gold. Luxe quilted leather bag with crystal rhinestones and chain handle. $132.99/R1082

8. Kaly Glitter in gold. A shimmery leather clutch with floral motif. $137.99/R1123

9. Taylor in Navy. A change from black, this navy blue box-clutch is covered in delicate fabric rosettes, with a gemstone lock. Five other colours available. $161/R1311

10. Lorna Raggeta bow clutch in Red. A crimson rectangular shaped clutch in smooth satin, with cute bow detail. $161/R1311

11. Judith in Sage. An elegant soft green satin clutch with rhinestone accented lock. I love this unique colour. $105.99/836

12. Angela in Wine. A romantic plum toned clutch with satin spiral rose design. $168/R1368





These opulent clutch bags can be purchased via Zappos.com, where some of them are currently marked down on, but with limited quantities. Zappos have a larger variety, but I found the lowest price to buy a Franchi clutch online is from 6pm.com





Happy Shopping!

The Wonders Of My World

My monthly musings...

• South African fashion brand Urban Glamour have just launched their Spring handbag line, which has a trendy colour-block theme. This stunning high-fashion range is all made locally, and is also available in the US (New York), Germany and Italy. See the Urban Glamour website for more details. The designers have given me an exclusive sneak peek into what we can expect from the upcoming collection. 

• I'm thrilled to be featured on two lovely blogs this month. Makeup-loving Rakhshan asked me a few questions on her adorable beauty blog here. 


• Boston-based South African blogger Kbd asked me to share my favourite places to visit for her 'Tour South Africa' series. It's in 3 parts, which you can read on her inspiring travel blog here.


• I have discovered the cure for insomnia! It is completely safe and there is no hypnosis or pills involved. I can't believe no one has thought of this before! The key is...reading mind-numblingly boring business textbooks before you go to bed - it works like a charm. I guarantee that after the first 2 pages, you will be dazed into a deep slumber. I really should patent this idea...I could even lend out my books to start ;)


• I've noticed that you can tell within the first half an hour of meeting someone new whether you're going to like them or not and whether or not you would want to pursue a friendship with them. 


• It's always uplifting to see an outfit you've already bought in an 'exclusive' boutique for R500, when you've only paid R100 for the same thing somewhere else.


• I've been seriously addicted to Chai Lattes lately; so much so, that I've learnt to make it myself. It requires some effort but the end result is delicious. Try out this easy recipe, which has step-by-step instructions & photographs in case you get lost along the way. A good tip: you can replace the sugar with honey if you prefer.


• I read an interesting newspaper article this week that characterized Facebook users into 5 different categories. It gave me some insight into the social networking site, seeing that I am not a member of it. The political editor and author, Mr J Sikhakhane divided the groups into: 

1. Alpha-socialisers: men under 25 who use the network for short periods of time, to meet new people, flirt and for entertainment purposes.


2. Attention-seekers: mostly teen girls and women who constantly post provocative photographs of themselves with friends and 'customize their profiles'.


3. Followers: who join the network to keep up with their friends.


4. Faithfuls: men and woman who are content with their own lives and social surroundings. Being more settled, they do not crave attention and use the site to reignite friendships from school or university.


5. Functionals: who use Facebook for a particular reason (ex. work-related), and who are unconcerned with socializing, meeting their soulmate or viewing comments and photos.

• Studying in a creative field, I've been wondering how university lecturers grade exams and assignments for art and design subjects. How does one measure 'creativity', when the concept of what it is differs so vastly from one person to the next? My idea of a beautiful piece of art/writing/prose/poem/architectural or advert design could be substandard to someone else. 
  
  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the last two.

Jimmy Choo Winter 2011

Jimmy Choo Bags & Shoes

Fall/Winter 2011 Collection



Jimmy Choo's Fall/Winter 2011 collection has already made countless red carpet appearances, thanks to shoe-loving socialites and actresses. The latest range is every bit as glamourous as we could expect, citing a 70's French film noir inspiration. A balance is maintained between wearable winter boots and staggeringly high heels. There are even a few ballet flats thrown in for good measure. 



The craftsmanship is exquisite; beautiful shapes are sculpted from luxurious fabrics like velvet, suede, leather and lace. Metallics and leopard print are also a common theme. Besides for the conventional black and nudes, there are sumptuous sandals present in opulent jewel tones. I've been spellbound by the embellished evening sandals, which glitter with crystal covered mesh. Each gorgeous pair of heels is accompanied by a matching belt and handbag. I like the red and black box leather quilted ones. Which are your favourites from this collection?

Have you gotten your cheque book out yet? These heavenly pairs of heels are available for purchase from jimmychoo.com

50% Off Paul's Boutique Bags

Hi Fashionistas,

I have updated the range of Paul's Boutique Bags.



Frills and Thrills readers are being offered an exclusive 50% discount on stunning handbags from British brand, Paul's Boutique. These are the same bags sold at Stuttafords, Frasers and Diplomat, which are now available at half the price for a limited time period. 

Please Note:

*All bags are genuine and supplied from Paul's Boutique South Africa.

*This offer is only available to South African shoppers.

*Payments are to be made via bank deposit.

*The cost of postage will depend on your location.

*Offer while stocks lasts.



To purchase one of these fantastic pieces, contact Ms Mayet on 082 667 8670

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.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians & Their Birkin Bags

Kardashians & The Birkin Bag

A Match Made in PR Handbag Heaven

The Hermes Birkin Bag...a sign of of infinite wealth, exclusivity and a lavish, elitist lifestyle. The cost for A Birkin bag starts at $9000 (R61 723) and goes up to $150 000 (over a million rands) - for a single piece. The waiting list for one of these leather treasures is about 2-6 years. Every fashionista around the globe aspires to own one.

The Kardashians...A family 'brand' who are famous for absolutely nothing besides being famous. Their claim to fame is by playing being themselves on their hit reality TV show, 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians'.

And it's safe to say that being filmed while going about their daily lives is really paying off. Especially for the Kardashian family envoy, Kim. She bought seven Birkin Bags in one year, whereas most stars can only ever own one in their lifetimes. Her mum, Kris and sisters Khloe & Kourtney also own a few Birkins each - making this family the ultimate marketing tools for Hermes, without them having to ask.

Last year, it was reported that Kim spent over $100 000 in just one trip to the Hermes store in Paris. She owns a Birkin in black, white, grey, chocolate brown, military green, bright yellow and tan. She carries one everywhere, from the mall to the main street and the gym. You know that you've really made it big when you can throw your dirty gym wear into a $15 000 bag. Kim had also paid $30 000 (R205 745) for an exclusive Birkin Bag made from rare crocodile skin. I can't imagine that killing exotic animals for their hide is worth it's price in fashion. 

The Birkin Bag is named after English actress Jane Birkin, who by chance sat next to Jean-Louis Dumas (CEO of Hermes) on a flight in 1981. She complained to him about not having a bag large enough to carry all her belongings, and the next thing you know, Jean created the Birkin Bag especially for her. If I had to complain about my bag size on a plane, I would just be told to travel lighter.

Kourtney (left) has a Birkin in vivid orange and Khloe has one in yellow, black and purple. 

The Birkin is nothing more than a status symbol. Being seen with one boasts to the world that while impoverished countries in Africa are in dire need of financial aid; you can nonchalantly hold your $100 000 Birkin Bag under your arm without batting any of your fake lashes.

Tuesday Thrills - Urban Glamour Handbags

Clutch Bags

by Urban Glamour





Handcrafted from the highest quality leather, Urban Glamour typifies what the essential South African handbag is all about. This Johannesburg based brand represents all that is bold, classy and colourful about handbags. Their designs have dazzled savvy shoppers both locally and internationally, with bags being sold in SA, New York and Germany. That's pretty impressive for the two young designers who started this company just 3 years ago.



Urban Glamour bags are so sophisticated, they can take you from an afternoon tea to a glamourous night out. The styles are timeless as well as trendy, featuring exuberant shades and interesting textures. These elegant clutch bags first caught my eye when I saw them at the Thula Sindi runway show here. These are a few clutch bags from their latest collection.

1. The New York Clutch in cerise pink and black. A simple structured leather bag. Also available in tan & white and red & black. R699

2. The Frivolous Clutch is feminine and flirty in a gorgeous aqua colour. R450

3. The Two Tone Clutch is such a versatile, modern piece. I would pair it with something bright. There is also a stylish travel bag in this colour combination. R699

4. The Daring Clutch mixes denim and leather for a bag that's high fashion street wear. R550

5. The Long Evening Clutch adds a fresh burst of citrus to any outfit. R550

6. The Bling Clutch combines luxurious textiles with traditional Ndebele hand beading. Also available in a regal navy blue. R650

7. The Drama Queen Clutch will definitely turn a few heads in a rich emerald green colour with leather and silk finish. R699





For more information visit www.urbanglamour.co.za

Dolce & Gabbana - Winter Collection 2011

Dolce & Gabbana

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011



I had stars in my eyes (literally), when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana runway show on FTV. Stars and musical notes have never looked this grown up. The Italian designers have turned this unexpected punk-rock print into high-end fashion. Add the essential D&G animal print and sparkle, and you have an exuberant, sexy and harmonious collection for Winter 2011.



Masculine vs Feminine

The two main themes of the show alternated between masculine and feminine designs. The colours were basic black and white, with some grey thrown in. Suits had tailored or oversized coats with large collars and lower-rise, slimmer-fitting pants. The masculine looks were enhanced with trilbies, suspenders, vests and ties. Feminine dresses were form-fitting in stretch charmeuse, lace and sheer star-print fabrics.

Chiffon and Shimmery Shades

Long chiffon dresses in yellow, turquoise and orange with pussy cat bows elevated the feminine theme. Another prominent feature on the runway was sequins - sequined dresses, tuxedo jackets, trousers and blazer lapels. Vivid purple, deep teal, gold and metallic grey added some colour to the catwalk.

The Accessories

The jewellery was a continuation of the pop-rock music theme with star-shaped earrings and neckpieces. Miniature pouches were worn on waistbands. Animal print, paillettes, chains and piano keys adorned clutches and leather handbags. Pointed-toe heels in bright shades and prints were worn with ankle socks. Brogues were given a make-over with neon colours, leopard print and sequins. 

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

Blake Lively For Chanel Handbags

Chanel Mademoiselle Handbag Collection 2011

Featuring Blake Lively

Blake Lively has come a long way since we first saw her in The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants. In the movie she played a soccer playing, tank-top wearing tomboy. A far cry from the stylish Serena van der Woodsen we all know on Gossip Girl. These days, Blake is not only a style icon, but also the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle Handbag Campaign for 2011. 

This upper-east side mademoiselle is the latest muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, who created the line with her in mind. The mood of the photo shoot is dusky and minimalistic, so that optimal focus is placed on the bags. The collection sees a modern take on the classic Chanel bag. 

This quilted wonder is a timeless and high-end accessory, perfectly suited for both casual and formal attire. All the bags in the range have a rounded trapeze shape and are available in red, deep blue, gray, black and white. The glossy red one has my name on it :)

Celeb Style - Tan and Leopard Print

This Week's Trends

Tan & Leopard Print



This week's style inspiration sees how leopard print and the colour tan can be worn. Tan is a wintry shade that's accessible and suits any skin tone - as shown below. It can be worn with black, white or denim. Or wear it with prints from a similar circle of colours. 



I love leopard print - as long as it's worn appropriately. Too much and it starts to look tacky. If you're not keen on the leopard print clothing trend, add small aspects of it with shoes, bags, belts or scarves.

Brittany Snow wears a tiered leopard print top with black skinny jeans and heels.

Emma Roberts wears a classic cropped suede cardigan in tan by Chanel Resort. She paired it with a white tee, black skinnies and Christian Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Zoe Saldana is stylish in a tan draped-front leather jacket and 'Stephanie' bag by Diane von Furstenburg. Her 'Angelique' jeans are by Decades Denim and leopard print pumps by Brian Atwood.

Kim Kardashian teams her tan top with a sleek black blazer with tasselled shoulders. She carries a black Chanel 2.55 flap bag and wears the very popular Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Jaime King and Nicky Hilton wore the exact same dress to the UK Style launch party. They didn't seem to mind matching and posed for photos together. The fully sequined animal print mini is by French Connection. Nicky wore it with a black belt and patent black 'Pigalle' heels by Christian Louboutin. Jaime wore it with Yves Saint Laurent shoes. I won't ask "Who wore it better?" because I find this dress too shiny and kitsch.

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.

Versace Spring/Summer 2011

Versace

Spring/Summer Collection 2011



The 2011 Spring/Summer Collection from renowned Italian fashion house Versace is filled with modern and wearable clothes. Pictured here are some of the pieces in the collection, worn by Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld and Latvia's Ginta Lapina. The main trends in this range are above-the-knee dresses, shorts, prints and flashes of bright colour. The outfits are matched with contrasting coloured clutches, larger handbags and strappy knee-high gladiator sandals.

Neutral shades of black, white and grey are shown in fitted dresses, skinny pants and simple tank tops. They can be paired with eye-catching bold accessories.

Lime greens, citrus orange, purple and turquoise dresses make a colourful statement. These playful pieces are designed to be worn from work to weekend. 

We may not have the Versace brand readily and inexpensively available to us in SA, but we can gain some style inspiration from their easy to follow fashion range.