Wrangler product innovation in Summer 2013 collection

Wrangler is proud to announce a product innovation that sees them adding the Waterless Eco denim to their Summer 2013 Collection. Established in 1904,Wrangler's highlight for the season shows their dedication to sustainability and the environment ...

“Sustainability has become a major issue for fashion producers which has lead toWrangler successfully developing treatments that require less water, less energy and fewer chemicals, while still enabling fantastic vintage looks,” says Wrangler’s Marketing Manager, Clair Mortimer. “It's something Wrangler has been working on for a few seasons and feel is important in the market place.”

With the bleaching agent taken out of the finishing to reduce the chemical usage, water consumption has been drastically reduced; all the while, still achieving the same results. The final result is a jean made in a much cleaner way as processes like drying and rinsing, after using chemicals, have been cut out. This results in less tumbles in the machine and reduced energy.

The “Eco Treated” denim is now available at Stuttafords nationwide, retailing at R599.

Cake ♥

Love Minnie ♥

For its 5th anniversary issue, Love Magazine gets inspired by Minnie Mouse for a set of covers starring British models Cara Delevingne, Georgia May Jagger, Edie Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as well as Minnie Mouse and Japanese model Chiharu Okunugi ...

The girls pose for Mert & Marcus and are styled by Katie Grand with mouse ears and polka dots.

via FGR

Live the MasterChef SA experience with Tsogo Sun

If your place on the couch had a ‘Reserved’ sign on it every Tuesday during MasterChef SA last year, then I’ve got good news for you ...

Not only has MasterChef SA returned for its 2nd season, but this year there are countless opportunities to experience the flavours, textures, ingredients and flair that you see on your TV screen each week, as Tsogo Sun brings you their exciting Mystery Box Promotion. 

From 10 July to 11 September every Monday to Friday, 2 Mystery Boxes will be on display at the entrances to selected Tsogo Sun hotel restaurants. “It’s your chance to become a MasterChef judge for the evening and to put our talented chefs to the test,” says Graham Wood, Managing Director of Tsogo Sun Hotels. 

Guests will be able to view the ingredients in the 2 Mystery Boxes, which will change every week and will differ from one hotel to the next, and choose one of two specially created main course dishes. Each Mystery Box will contain 8 ingredients, some seasonal and some unusual — challenging the creativity, skill and versatility of Tsogo Sun’s chefs, who’ll use the contents of the boxes to create 2 special main course dishes for the a la carte menu each week, which will be paired with a Nederburg wine. 

“When our adventurous guests select one of the week’s mystery dishes, they’ll also get to be a judge for the evening, and will be given a fun scorecard to judge the dish. Ratings will include categories such as presentation, flavour, texture, colours, and more – with the opportunity to win a range of spot prizes and be entered into a draw for the grand prize,” continues Wood. 

1 lucky diner will win 5 nights’ of luxury at the Beverly Hills hotel in Umhlanga, with dinner, bed and breakfast for 2, as well as a dinner prepared by Benny Masekwameng, Tsogo Sun’s celebrity chef and MasterChef SA judge. 

The Tsogo Sun hotels that feature in the MasterChef season 2 Mystery Box promotions are Sandton Sun, The Palazzo Montecasino, Beverly Hills, SunCoast Towers, 54 on Bath – and the Southern Sun hotels. 

The new season launched on M-Net’s prime time channel 101 on 11 June and is running for 14 weeks with two episodes a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

I am totally excited for this Mystery Box Promotion and will be definitely be going to try it out!

For further information go to www.tsogosun.com, follow Tsogo Sun on @tsogosun #MCSA or join Tsogo Sun’s on facebook at www.facebook.com/tsogosun. 

H&M comes to SA!!

The world's second-biggest fashion retailer, Hennes & Mauritz, more commonly known as  H&M, has signed its first lease to open a store in South Africa, according to a press report.

South African weekly Sunday Times said in an article re-run on daily Business Day's website that the Swedish retailer has signed a lease for a store in a mall that is due to open in 2015 in Johannesburg.

My little heart skipped a beat when I found this little bit of info ... Now South Africa, we just need a Forever 21 here to make my shopping experiences complete. ♥

Read more on here ...

ELLE and BlackBerry launch an online fashion career

ELLE magazine and BlackBerry® are once again joining forces to create a remarkable opportunity for young fashionistas and street style spotters to launch an online career in the world of fashion. 

The ELLE and BlackBerry 2013 Style Reporter is a nation-wide competition, created to discover a young and aspiring style reporter that can capture fashion on the move, be it at a red-carpet event or a Saturday market, and can blog and Tweet about it in an engaging, intelligent way ...

“With the successful competition in its second consecutive year, we are once again looking for that one blogger perfectly attuned to what’s new on the streets and on the catwalks and someone who can spot a trend before anyone else,” says Jackie Burger, ELLE’s editor. 

Apart from receiving a 12-month contract with ELLE and the opportunity to report for elle.co.za, the winner will also receive a monthly stipend of R5 000, a Fujifilm XF-1 camera and a BlackBerry® Q5 and BlackBerry® Z10 smartphone. In addition, a photography or desktop publishing course from Vega and the opportunity to be mentored by well-known photographer and head judge, Ed Suter, is also up for grabs. With the title comes the opportunity for regular exposure in ELLE as well as on the social media platforms of ELLE and BlackBerry and the chance to attend an international fashion week in 2014.

Jackie continues: “We are looking for a talented young fashion blogger out there, one who really has a point of view that connects with ELLE’s philosophy that there is no style without substance. The prize in collaboration with BlackBerry is therefore designed to give the winner everything possible to make a career in this competitive and fast-changing industry. Our hope is that this will ultimately help grow the next generation of fashion writers in South Africa.” 

BlackBerry’s decision to collaborate with ELLE has given them the strategic opportunity to identify and nurture young online reporters and create a career opportunity. “Our association with ELLE for the Style Reporter 2012 was a terrific success, so we are delighted to support the initiative again this year,” says Alexandra Zagury, Managing Director for South and Southern Africa for BlackBerry. “With our focus on the youth market, on developing young South African talent, and on delivering stylish, feature-rich smartphones, this is a perfect platform for our brand. We hope that the smartphones we are providing will help South Africa’s next hot fashion reporter to be productive and elegant as he or she reports on the latest fashion trends and news at home and abroad.” 

According to Ed Suter, streetstyle photography is now an accepted medium that is much imitated and much replicated. “We would however love to see someone who can take the conventions of streetstyle photography and bring their own personality to the images. It is going to take someone with a clear idea, a strong photographic eye and unlimited energy,” says Suter. 

The next Style Reporter will have to maintain a sense of excitement and have his or her own distinctive style and some understanding of composition. 

To enter, a new blog must be created and for the first post, street style at its most dynamic and exciting must be communicated. Entrants are free to choose any context but they will need to shoot and convey fashion on the move, drawing on creative ability and fashion knowledge. While originality and confidence are key, the post needs to be coherent and cohesive as entrants will also be judged on writing and communication skills. 

More information on the competition and entry details are in the August issue of ELLE that will be on sale from 15 July 2013. 

Read more at Elle.co.za

All images via Elle.co.za

A little bit of Jo Borkett goes a long way

Knit Sweater with Studs: Jo Borkett

Suede Tights: French Connection at Stuttafords

Bag: Topshop South Africa

Shoes: Aldo

Necklace:  Topshop South Africa

Rings: An Assortment from Sass Diva, Lovisa, Topshop and Topshop in Turkey

Lipstick: Hang Up by MAC

~ ♥ ~

Jewels and Lace

Jewels and Lace is a brand new on-line jewellery store and the lovechild of Beverley Langley; a South African who loves fashion, travelling, good food, good wine and all the pretty little things in between ...

Launched earlier this month, Jewels and Lace includes a variety of bracelets, necklaces, body jewellery and earrings that will make your inner Fashionista drool! All the items are created with love and care and hold a burst of colour, a dash of shine and a hint of sparkle!

Being an Absolute Fanatic of Jewellery myself (especially bracelets), I can tell you that I will be spending a lot of time (and money) on this lovely online store!

♥ HAPPY SHOPPING! ♥

To find out more:
Visit Jewels and Lace online at: http://www.jewelsandlace.co.za
Facebook: Jewels and Lace

All images via Jewels and Lace

2 Extra Russell Brand Shows to cater for High Demand

The overwhelming response to the forthcoming South African tour by comedian, actor and author, Russell Brand in November this year has led to the promoters of the SA leg of the tour, Showtime Management announcing 2 extra shows. Tickets are now on sale at Computicket for the additional Johannesburg show on Friday, 15 November 2013 at the Teatro at Montecasino and the additional Cape Town date of Wednesday, 20 November 2013. Russell brand will now be in South Africa for a total of 5 dates ...

Since the announcement of the South African leg of the Russell Brand “Messiah Complex” tour was made earlier this month tickets have been in high demand resulting in sell-out shows. “The response to his tour has been phenomenal and we encourage “Brand fans” to take advantage of the two extra shows by booking now to avoid disappointment,” says Showtime’s Tony Feldman. 

Presented by Showtime Management and 94.7 Highveld Stereo in association with Phil McIntyre Entertainment, The Russell Brand “Messiah Complex” tour will be a dissection of various social and religious figures and the reality of their lives through comparisons of each other. Messiah Complex is a mental disorder where you think you might be the messiah. “I dedicate this Messiah Complex tour to the four men that are it's subject, Che Guevara, Gandhi, Malcolm X and Jesus - I know this is what they would have wanted.” says Brand. The “Messiah Complex” tour includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and South Africa.

St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre inspires SunCares Arts Academy pupils

SunCares Arts Academy students with the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre cast

There are few things in life that can take an individual’s aspirations to greater heights than meeting ones icon. This is exactly the opportunity that Tsogo Sun and Montecasino gave to 20 Tsogo Sun SunCares Arts Academy students ...

The students, some as young as 10, were invited to a captivating viewing of parts of the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s production of Swan Lake at the Teatro at Montecasino. Not only did they meet their dance icons, they were also treated to an exclusive Q&A section with the dancers, where they were able to ask all their burning questions about what it takes to be a world-class ballet dancer. The most recurrent question on the lips of every child was, ‘Why did you choose to become a Ballerina?’, delighting the dancers, who encouragingly answered the students.

Bryan Hill, General Manager of the the Teatro at Montecasino says, “We are thrilled that the world renowned St Petersburg Ballet has chosen the Teatro at Montecasino as their venue of choice for their return to South Africa. That we are able to expose some of our SunCares students to this brilliant company is such an honour, and we know that they will be inspired by this superb version of Swan Lake, one of the all-time ballet classics.”

St Petersburg Ballet Theatre ballerina and Nkosikhona Ndebele from the SunCares Arts Academy

Anne DaSilva, a SunCares Arts Academy student was very excited to see the ballet as it was her first live show. “It opened up my mind to how technical it was and how much work it took to produce a whole production. The SunCares Arts Academy has opened up my world and shown me how to express myself through the arts,” she says.

The SunCares Arts Academy enhances the lives and opportunities of 480 charismatic students through 12 schools in Mayfair and Diepsloots, and aims to use art as a catalyst for change in these communities by developing artistic talent and life skills, and supporting educational framework by providing extra-curricular activities.

St Petersburg Ballet Theatre ballerinas pictured with Pupils

Says Rob Collins, Chief Marketing Officer of Tsogo Sun, “Exposing the SunCares Arts Academy students to the possibilities of their future through professional productions and personal contact with the performers themselves, allows the children insight into the world of performance art and enhances their knowledge of the tools and characteristics needed to go on to a career they aspire to. This coincides with the comprehensive view of the SunCares programme – the belief that artistic training alone is not enough; only when coupled with enriching life skills can talent and ambition be honed and moulded into tangible goals.”

The St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre comprises some of the ballets world’s finest performers, hailing from the world-famous Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and will be gracing the Teatro at Montecasino stage this month, from 10 to 20 July 2013, with their rendition of Swan Lake. Tickets are now on sale through Computicket.

One Fine Winter's Day

Trench Coat: Zara

Shirt: Country Road at Woolworths

Jeans: Levis

Bag: TJ Collection

Shoes: Aldo

Bag: Topshop South Africa

Cobalt Statement Necklace: Soon to be at Mr Price (Maks and Blaze) :)

Rings and Midi-Rings: Assortment from Lovisa

~ ♥ ~

Get the Coca-Cola Light® Look

It’s competition time and this prize will appeal to all fashionistas for every trendy woman in Mzansi. Coca-Cola Light® have just launched their new Marc Jacobs packaging and have teamed up with Grazia to bring you this fabulous competition.To stand a chance of winning, Grazia SA readers will need to answer an easy question via sms in Issue 57, on shelf from tomorrow 5 July 2013 ... 

In the dazzling prize, you will find the Coca-Cola Light® 330ml collection designed by Marc Jacobs, inspired by the ‘80s. ‘90s and ‘00s; a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses; a Coca-Cola Light® Sparkling Together with Marc Jacobs key ring and Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! 100ml Eau De Parfum.

"As Olympic shoppers in need of refreshment, it goes without saying that, here at Grazia HQ, we love the collaboration with Coca-Cola Light® and international fashion designer Marc Jacobs. And we're so thrilled to be able to share the Marc Jacobs fashion experience with our readers" says Danielle Weakley, editor of Grazia SA.

The Coca-Cola Light® Sparkling Together with Marc Jacobs limited edition 330ml, 500ml and 2L collection is now available in South Africa.

Frasers supports The Handbag Project

Frasers, the leading specialist retailer of quality branded handbags, accessories and luggage, will be collaborating with The Handbag Project in August 2013. An initiative founded by Jessica Foord of The Jes Foord Foundation (JFF) and supported by The DNA Project, the programme arranges for rape victims to be given new or used handbags containing basic toiletries. Frasers has chosen to honour Women’s Month and support The Handbag Project by offering incentives to their customers who donate handbags ...

Having been a victim of rape herself, Jessica Foord established The Handbag Project to provide comfort to rape victims during the initial reporting process at police stations. Each victim is given a handbag containing items such as a facecloth, soap, deodorant spray and new underwear; the aim being to provide a sense of support to the victim after her ordeal. The Handbag Project currently survives on donations from corporations and individuals, with a team of volunteers collecting, packing and distributing the handbags to police stations. 

Throughout August, Frasers stores will promote The Handbag Project by inviting customers to donate their used handbags to the organisation. For each donation made, the customer will receive a 15% discount on any Frasers handbag purchase. All collected handbags will be donated to the Handbag Project at the end of the month. 

Unique Ten Drum Percussion from Taiwan to join SA Tattoo!

The SA Tattoo in partnership with JacarandaFM and DSTV returns to the Montecasino outdoor event area from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 September 2013 to present its biggest and most spectacular line-up ever featuring a host of multi-talented local and international performers. The SA Tattoo organisers welcome the Hsieh-Ten Drum Percussion Arts Group from Taiwan who join the international line up that also features the traditional French Paratrooper army band, Musique des Parachutistes direct from France and the iconic Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland ...

The Ten Drum Percussion Group was formed in March 2000 under the leadership of Hsieh Shih to show Taiwan’s unique culture by highlighting traditional drumming and to give audiences a better understanding of Taiwan’s original and authentic folk culture. Ideally, Hsieh Shih desires to popularise and modernize Taiwanese drumming. This group of drummers has since performed at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia; the opening of the 2002 World Cup soccer finals in Korea, and more than 300 performances across Taiwan. In 2004 the Group broke a Guinness World record when 1899 people played 1951 drums for 30 minutes in the Tainan Municipal Stadium. This group of traditional drummers scored a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Traditional World Music Category. More recently they performed in the Czech Republic. 

The kaleidoscope of drummers at this year’s event is diverse, interesting and unique. From the traditional Taiwanese drummers, to the quick paced rhythms and precision drumming of Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps to South Africa’s Code Red Drum Corps, the 2013 SA Tattoo plays host to various forms of drumming also including drummers playing in the Musique des Parachutistes army band, the National Ceremonial Guard Band, the SAPS Tshwane Band, the massed pipes and drums played by 180 of this country’s finest pipers and drummers and last but not least the drummer from headlining SA rock band, Just Jinger, Brent Harris. 

The cast of multi-cultural and multi-national performers presents diverse mass entertainment on a scale rarely seen in SA. The tartan toe-tapping twirls of the Highland dancers bring vibrant colour and movement to the large arena. The wonderful mix of Tattoo acts that also features drum majorettes, a local massed choir and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra,

For further information contact info@satattoo.co.za or visit www.satattoo.co.za or on Facebook: South African TATTOO

Free Wi-Fi connects Tsogo Sun guests to the world

Comfortable room? Check. Glorious view? Check. Convenient location? Check. Wi-Fi that gives me free high speed access to the world at a generous data limit each day? Only at Tsogo Sun Hotels ...

Easy access to Wi-Fi for quick and constant connectivity is an essential part of both business and leisure travel and is fast becoming a key factor in the choice of hotels for local and international travellers.

In its ongoing quest to create great experiences, Tsogo Sun has installed high speed quality connectivity Wi-Fi in all its hotels that is free up to a varying data limit per room per day, depending on which grade of hotel the guest is staying in.

Enjoy the following daily data allowance:

750MB per room per day at our Deluxe hotels (54 on Bath, Beverly Hills, Palazzo Montecasino, Sandton Sun, Suncoast Towers)

500MB per room per day at our Southern Sun Hotels

350MB per room per day at our Garden Court hotels

250MB per room per day at our Stay Easy hotels

The free high speed, quality connectivity Wi-Fi service was launched in Tsogo Sun hotels at the start of June 2013, setting a new Wi-Fi standard in the hospitality industry in South Africa.

“We were determined to get our Wi-Fi offering right in terms of what our guests need – whether they’re business or leisure travellers,” explains Graham Wood, Tsogo Sun hotels Managing Director. "Our Wi-Fi offering is free from the first connection and we have set the cap in our different hotels at levels that would suit even the most technophilic of our guests.”

Hotel guests will now be able to download emails, upload presentations, surf the web, share holiday photographs, stay connected on social media and so much more – all for free. “Our absolute non-negotiable in introducing this service was that it should provide our guests with completely hassle-free and seamless Wi-Fi access that would allow them to remain connected – whether they are having a business meeting in Sandton, soaking up the sun in Durban, attending a conference in Cape Town or enjoying some downtime in Nelspruit,” adds Wood.

For more information go to www.tsogosun.com.

Forever New's Botanica Collection

Inspired by bouquets of blooms and Monet’s garden landscapes the new Botanica Collection from Forever New offers fresh, new found femininity ...

The softest of flowers set against painted, flowering, garden landscapes conjures a delicate palette reminiscent of Ladurée macaroons; with shades of aqua mist, apricot sorbet, powder blue, lilac, petal pink and Chantilly cream. 

Watercolour floral silk prints flow on evening gowns, with prom dresses featuring lace, crochet and delicate embroidery details. Flounces and ruffles create beautiful movement in the softest of shades, while blossom applique details are delicately feminine. 

The gentle and romantic story is set off with sparkling jewels that are intricately detailed with petal shapes and ladylike pearls. Pastel rose-hued party heels and embellished modern box clutches provide the polished finishing touches for occasion looks. 

Some of my favourite pieces from the Collection:

Jenny Frill Front Dress Floral Print R1499

Left to Right: Tamara Twist Back Tank Abstract Floral Print R449; Lottie Shimmer Scarf in Porcelain R229

Snow Maxi Dress Water Floral R1999

Sweet Sorbet Clutch in Aquatic Mist R299

Lydia Lace Cape Dress in Vintage Cream R899

Alizia Embellished Stretch Bracelet in Mint R199

Soft, fresh and entirely feminine, Botanica brings the promise of spring into full bloom. The collection will be available in all Forever New stores and select Edgars stores from 10 July 2013. 

All images via Forever New