Biker boots

Winter is finally here in the southern hemisphere. And of course, a new season means new fashion trends, new fashion flaws and a whole new wardrobe of ideas.

Boots. Yeah there's a whole bunch of different styles to choose from; a variety of lengths, of materials, of colours and of heel length. Some boots can even be identified by its toe box solely (the front part where your toes rest, yes, there).

About a month ago I couldn't decide which boot is trendier; the ankle boot with or without a slight heel, or the straight up studded biker-like boot. Well. How about both?

Firstly, the ankle boot - I'm talking about the ankle boot that doesn't look like a stripper's heel. And no description is needed - a bootie that ends at the ankle (Duh). This ankle boot may have a slight heel, or no heel at all. It can zip up or slip in, usually. It's a simple boot, and easy to wear. No fuss or endless amount of crazy loopified laces to get frustrated with; it’s a comfortable boot to wear with anything.

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Zara recently stocked up on these babies, as well as Mr Price. Shops like Topshop, Forever New, Rage and Luella even have this style of boot as part of their merchandise.  A trendy tip for winter is to look out for ankle boots with not-so-shiny studs to get a hard core vibe. I love to pair these with skin fitting skinnies, or with a skirt and leggings.

http://weheartit.com/entry/65071951

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Then we have the biker-like studded boots – the only way I could describe it. It raises to the calf, and slips in like most boots. These boots are definitely not flat, so they may have a slight heel, emphasis on the slight.

http://weheartit.com/entry/49598176

http://weheartit.com/entry/39735422 

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I think that the best way to describe it, is to call it a mini version of an equestrian boot, except with a rounded toe box and an edgier appearance. I love wearing this type of boot, as it is comfortable, practical, and just as easy to slip on as slippers. Plus, it kind of looks great. As a fashion item, it accessorizes as an accessory does - it finishes an outfit. It’s a good item to dress an outfit up or down with, though I feel as if this boot goes much better with pants than it does with a dress.   

http://weheartit.com/entry/18252900

http://weheartit.com/entry/26729534

I bought mine at Woolworths. But it’s available at several other stores, such as Zara, Mr Price, etc.

PS Of course you get different types of ankle boots or bike boots, but these are just the one I tried describing and writing about. And I've finally finished with exams, so my blog's got my full attention. WOOH!

Boucle and Biker

So plain. So easy-to-wear. So comfortable.

So fashionable.

These two fashion items, completely contrasting in style and the physical form itself, both capture the effortless comfort of an outfit, meant to last.

The Boucle Jacket

The first time that I made an acquaintance with this jacket, I connected it to someone British. It reminded me of the Queen of England. I bought my first Boucle Jacket about a year ago. This is not a new trend, but it is a timeless trend. And a trend to try.

The first Boucle Jacket was produced by Chanel, richly textured with fine wool. This jacket was one of the trends that added the fuse to spark the success that Chanel carries today. The Jacket varies from a cut to the waist, to a length that reaches just before the hips. Two sleeves, slightly padded shoulders, satin inners – a symbol of a classic and feminine style.

This jacket is quite different, visually, from other jackets. One can easily identify it apart from other jackets. This is because of the universally used wool, real or faux, and the unique style and cut. The best thing about this collarless jacket is that it compliments all figures. Yes; all figures. It can be worn with a pair of good skinnies, or a form fitting skirt or whatever you think fits.

Watch out for the biker boots in the next post x

TOPSHOP

TOPSHOP – the description is all in the name itself. Hailing from Britain, South Africa’s third TOPSHOP branch recently opened its big glossy doors to the public in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Of course, as any fashion enthusiast, I was ecstatic! A clothing store, well known across the globe, selling labels and collections from the likes of Supermodel Kate Moss, finally opened in a city near me. I had to be one of the first to see the inside with my very own eyes, and camera lens. So, I attended the media event on the evening of the 17^th of April.

Anxious, yet excited, I walked up to the brand new store on this Wednesday evening. The store gleamed with its brand new quality. I arrived half an hour early – partly because the traffic wasn’t so bad, and partly because I couldn’t contain myself. Outside of the shop, a mobile bar with a few bartenders stood to serve to your need. As time flew by and struck 7, more and more glitzy and glamorous individuals started to fill in front of the doors.

Doors opened. Name checked. Sticker handed. I entered, my camera and I, I was overwhelmed with rich colours, fresh fashion, and a handful of people with the same interest at heart. There are several sections throughout the store that capture the essence of clear European Street Style. As I was struggling to get past the stiletto wearing beings, I was amazed and in awe by the clean décor and atmosphere. A DJ booth blasted some urban music, caterers invited you to indulge in finger bites, a manicure table delighted your fingers and to top it all off, a 20% discount was available throughout the evening. I struggled to contain myself, so I photographed what I wanted others to see.

Truly an event to remember.

But more about the store itself - TOPSHOP sells anything from sleepwear, shoes and daywear to make up, men’s wear (TOPMAN) and accessories. The brand introduced a truly unique concept to the South African gang – Personal Shopping Service. Yes, if you can’t decide on what to choose, or you just want someone else’s opinion, in this case a professional, just ask for a personal shopper. It’s free of charge! The funniest thing I saw, was the fans – a competition for the first few customers ran across the city. Several young TOPSHOP lovers sat outside the store, through the entire night, to be one of the first of the public to enter the store, with the hopes of winning a cool cash prize. Dedication definitely pays off!

Words could not truly explain my time, but hey, a picture consists of a thousand words. 

 

Docs and Denim

Written by Erica Jane Basson

Hey look! Part 2 and 3 on perfecting grunge in one!

So let’s talk about this: The Vintage Denim Jacket and Doctor Marten Boots. A power couple in the world of underground fashion.

The Vintage Denim Jacket is definitely one of my favorite things around. The great thing about them is they’re sturdy, they won’t only last a few months, and they’re like your favorite, trusty pair of jeans. They come in so many different shapes and types of denim. These beauties are available bleached, dipped, patched or even studded up!  Denim Jackets can easily be personalized and can make for a great DIY project. Buy an old jacket at a thrift store, take it home and add your own badges and patches. Go the extra mile and buy yourself a stud gun to be extra edgy. They can be worn in so many different ways. Be indie, be hippie, be grungy, be metal or be girly. Remember that fashion has no rules. This jacket really does go with almost every personality and every style. Just like a parka it can be paired up with so many things, so I won’t even get started with that. Point is, this is a must have item!

Doctor Marten Combat Boots. Or Doc Martens. Or just Docs. I’m a big fan of investing in high-quality, versatile items that will last you several years. So after eyeballing these beauts on Tumblr for several months I decided to scrape my money together and go buy a pair. I haven’t regretted it since. If you scroll through Lookbook you’ll see these shoes everywhere. It’s worn with shorts and skirts and dresses and jeans and leggings, and it’s perfect for both summer and winter. It’s perfect for both boys and girls. It comes in SO many colours and patterns, one could say it’s basically unlimited. Discover your own pair of docs in brights, pastels, galaxy, florals, anything - but the classic black Docs are still the ones that sells the best. To me, style is all about the extras, the little unexpected things people add to outfits to make them unique and stylish and well, you! This is exactly what Docs did for me. I do realize that these boots are not for everyone’s taste, but that is good. It’s very important to have your own staple on style.