Garance Dore

Garance is a French photographer, illustrator and author who has a very successful blog http://www.garancedore.fr/en/

I seem to very drawn to a neutral, minimalist, timeless and at times masculine look. The style of Garance fits into this very well.

Stripes and a poncho! Love this look.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499917852944/

Serious fascination with shades of grey which is slowly taking over my wardrobe. This outfit is effortless and stylish.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475059460667025023/

The beanie makes the outfit look more pulled together, would be great with a pair of high heels.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499917045251/

Lace skirts are such an investment, I'm still looking for the right one for me.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499917045264/

Same rule applies here, leather skirts, especially pencil skirts are an investment.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499918530439/

Bright and beautiful scarf to lift the look.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499913843087/

She looks great but more importantly she looks comfortable.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529454499913891929/

Have a great long weekend SA!

Winter Wants

http://imgarcade.com/1/tumblr-winter-fashion-outfits/

Weather is turning cooler, well from next week in Cape Town, and that means a reassess of the wardrobe.

Here are a few things that I'd like to add to my wardrobe over the next few months

Capes

I love these, have a teeny bit of drama-queen in me ;) and this item brings it out in me. Thank goodness they are in this season, every shop I wander into seems to have them.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/510032726525177303/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299911656409346371/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485966616017704292/

Over the knee boots

This is a look that I've had my eye on for a long time. Recently I saw the perfect pair of over the knees boots at Aldo and decided to replace my old winter boots. Now I'm waiting for the weather to cool down enough for me to wear them :)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/34621490861375347/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/328199891571516460/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/61713457370361149/

Chunky Scarves

This is my ultimate go to when I want to feel cosy. Warm, soft wool in different colors can make a basic neutral dress look different each time.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/551198441868754333/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/556616835170435078/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/524880531548003298/

Boyfriend shirt

Winter is about comfort foods and indoor living so a over-sized shirt aka boyfriend shirt is perfect. Skims the hips and hides what needs hiding and soooo comfy 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/101471797825889101/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/355854808032693250/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/344525440219798636/

Roll neck Sweaters

I like my neck covered in winter. If not with a scarf then a I love a good polo neck or roll necked sweater. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/265149496786785170/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302515299942709673/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/490822059363937085/

Wellies

With all the rain that beautiful Cape Town gets in winter, wellies are a major investment, especially in a beautiful color. I'm quite keen on the purple ones.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600222348316/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310396599292323182/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85427724157555902/

Excited for the cold weather!

Catherine Deneuve

This beautiful French actress is one of my favorite glamorous icons. My favorite film with her in is called 8 Women and is a dark musical comedy that revolves around eight women during Christmas in the 1950s. Very beautiful done with some stunning costumes.

http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/931d60aa

A truly elegant woman, she always looks like a lady who is well groomed and very much together. 

Below are some of my favorite outfits and hairstyles of hers.

I was once told that red lipstick and animal print together is only for old ladies and prostitutes. At the time I was wearing both and felt quite embarrassed to be put down so nastily. But as the image below shows, that is totally wrong. Its a strong image of a confident woman and Catherine pulls it off beautifully.

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/IjfjxOQhfZh/Arrivals+at+the+ETAM+Show/bPZGBKZKTRH/Catherine+Deneuve

I LOVE stripes! I do't know why but I adore them. If only we could all look as good in them.

http://www.coldlilies.com/style/cannes-fashion-moments-kat-and-bee-st-tropez/

Bright colour with very few accessories so that the dress speaks for itself.

http://ravepad.com/page/catherine-deneuve/images/view/978551/actress-beautiful-bikini-catherine-catherine-deneuve-deneuve

I know smoking isn't cool but...

http://images77.com/actors-2_Catherine-Deneuve.html

The humble trench coat :) Something that all my fashion icons have in common. I have a beige one but looking at these pictures makes me want to rush out and buy ones in navy and black as well.

http://strandsofpearlsapplause.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html

http://www.domashniy.ru/article/moda_i_krasota/modnye_tendencii/platki_2014_modnye_aksessuary_novogo_sezona.html

Even though I'm not great with long hair, I really wish my hair was long enough to put it into a dramatic bun like this. Also quite like the severity of the black dress with white collar.

http://www.madmoisellejulie.fr/les-croquis-dyves-saint-laurent-enfin-en-ligne/

Very much a 'don't mess with me' image. Quite like the big labels on the coat and sixties style hair.

http://susanmurrayblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/trend-watch-where-wild-things-are.html

Lately I'm very keen on masculine clothes or fashion on women so this image is beautiful.

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG11193431/Tuxedo-jackets-Buy-Now-Wear-Forever.html

Parting shot: Beautiful women never really look old.

https://www.pinterest.com/fluffyjetaime/catherine-deneuve/

http://blogs.mediapart.fr/blog/annie-stasse/140814/les-cremes-de-

Reasons to love Winter

Autumn (Fall) is officially here and some trees are slowly changing colour but still Cape Town is warm. This week we are having temperatures in the upper 20s and I am ready to start experiencing some cooler weather again.

Last weekend I was going through my wardrobe, attempting a 'spring/autumn' clean out and it got me thinking about what I love about the change of seasons. Each new season is a new start in my mind, so its always exciting for me. I like the idea of changing not only my wardrobe but eating habits and home decor with the season.

So here is a list of my favourite winter things, Enjoy :)

Hot Chocolate

There is something very relaxing about sitting on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate (marshmallows optional) when the weather is being uncivilized outside. 

Although most people mix some powder with milk or hot water, I try to make a meal of my hot chocolates by doing the following: I break up some pieces of decent chocolate bars and fill a third of my mug with the pieces. Half of the pieces are milk and the other half are dark chocolate pieces. Then I heat up some full cream milk until it starts to bubble slowly then pour it into my mug. The hot milk will melt the chocolate and make a very rich decadent treat. This is not a hot chocolate that you can drink every day but I think that's also what makes it special, its a occasional treat.

With that basic recipe, I've also added cinnamon to a cup, or a peppermint piece to give it a minty chocolate taste. Something I would like to try in making a hot chocolate with only dark chocolate, a pinch of chilli flakes and some cream. Will update you when I try that one.

Colourful Stockings

One major bonus of winter for me is being able to wear stockings everyday! I adore stockings, any colour or print, doesn't matter, I love them all. I even remember as a teenager having stockings that were tie-dyed ones in shades of grey and black ones with small whales all over. My legs are not my best feature but for some reason I feel more confident when they are clad in an opaque blue, black or burgundy. When I'm feeling quite daring I'll bring out the green, purple, pinks and orange stockings that I have been collecting over the years.

https://lfashionista.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/the-magical-effect-of-thights-and-how-they-influence-your-look/

Warm winter bedding

This has been something that I've wanted for awhile but haven't been able to afford. A (fake) fur throw for my bed. In grey. I can't imagine anything cosier than white linen and and soft throw that you can drape over you while you read in bed on a cold and chilly night. Can you? 

http://www.remodelista.com/posts/10-wintery-bedrooms-fur-throw-edition

Rainy mornings

Call me crazy but I enjoy waking up early on a rainy Sunday to go to the beach. I know it can seem gloomy but the ocean becomes more energetic in bad weather. The waves are powerful and I like the colour that the rocks and sand turn when its been soaked throughout the night. The colours and images force me to reflect and appreciate everything that I have. Besides there is always hot chocolate waiting when you get back home ;)