"A LA CARRIE BRADSHAW's FASHION IDEAS"

When it comes to fashion, I’ve always considered Carrie Bradshaw a heroine–whether her outfits left me cringing or coveting, she always did it with zest, spunk, panache, and loads of style.  In fact, she plays an extremely Huge Part in my Fashion sense of Style ..if I have any??? and without a doubt my utmost Fashion Inspiration.

Like many women, Sex and the City and that fabulous foursome have been a part of my life for a long time, and while it’s an imperfect series, it’s not one that ended without leaving a generation of women a lot of life lessons.  I’ve jotted few what I think I’ve learned from Carrie Bradshawnified Fashion ideas….

Have FUN with Fashion/Don’t be afraid to try something NEW.  Carrie’s outfits always showed her flair for fashion, and she wasn’t afraid to try something new– whether it was new to her or a new trend.  Her outfits always reflected her spunky and playful personality.

Invest in GOOD shoes.  Good doesn’t have to mean expensive and strictly Manolos–afterall, there are plenty of horror stories about designer shoes dying after walking a few blocks.  But what I mean INVEST in good shoes, ones you can wear over and over, and that you love, that will treat you & your body great.  Although, honestly, nearly all of my Shoes look Spectacular but always leaves me breathless after taking them off due to Pain.

You don’t have to defend your love of fashion. To be honest, I don’t think I saw any of those women apologise for their love of fashion. Neither will I, and neither should you. My Motto is. If I like it then I’m going to Frickinnn Get it…

You’re never too old to play dress up. Whether it’s dressing up for a night out with the girls, or just because you’re feeling extra fabulous that day, Carrie reminds us all that we don’t need to save our best, most amazing frocks & accessories for special occasions.  Every day that we get up is another opportunity to dress up– however the Hell we feel like.  Honestly, working in a Company of Oil & Gas whereby you normally see a lot of Engineers and Women who basically are not as Crazy as me in Fashion – I normally get asked – Whether I’m going somewhere?  And I replied: No, just my ordinary Day Outfit….and you should see when I’m all Dolled Up…

You DON’T have to sacrifice personal style because: you hit 40 (or 52); you have kids; you’re in a professional job. One of the most inspiring things, as a young woman, was seeing how these women held firmly on to their sense of identity through relationships & break-ups, marriages & divorces, childbirth, aging, and more.  You are who you are– and that shouldn’t be sacrificed because an element in your life has changed.

Look to the past, and your own past, when shopping.  Early SatC Carrie loved her vintage, and I imagine she was the type of woman to shop for life– buying pieces she knew she’d love in 10 years, regardless of how it was dated or not.  Find the pieces that flatter your mind and your body, and keep it in your possession until it’s “Bloody” worn out. 

Just because it’s in style– or out of style– doesn’t mean it’s for/not for you. One of the great things Patricia Field did in designing the show was creating women with their own sense of style.  Trends can fit in to, be a part of, or expand your own sense of personal style.  But always be sure to keep an open mind about fashion.  Voila…Anyone wanted to PLAY DRESSING UP?  Then Calllllll Meeeeeeeeeee  xxxx

"MY OSCARS.....NIFIED FASHION VISION"

With the Oscars done and dusted once again I’m here to spew some of my Oscars...nified Fashion Vision – I know, it’s certainly and seemingly like History now by Hollywood standard and I won’t be at all surprise if they are now working on their 2012 Outfits. But Hey, I’ve got a 5 month Old Son who basically keeping me occupied doing all the Mothering Business and since I paid extra for a TV Chanel just to get the Oscars coverage shown live simultaneously in Montecarlo then believe me I’m going to blurt it out anyway.

The red carpet for ME is NOT the Runway. It is pure Fantasy. And that is what I love about it and what I love about dressing up....Having said that this year’s Oscars? it has been tragically overcome by the tyranny of tiresome stylists – those of uniform vision (hello? have you never wondered why in a single year you get Nudes, Silver, & purple dresses, sixteen strapless silhouettes and a “bridal” theme – trends which just emerge).  What happen to the Genius & extra ordinary Work of Zuhair Murad (Photos above) – each time I think of his pieces and Day Dreaming being in a La La Fantasy Land “Sophistication and liberation of the self are the words I call it” – a true remake of an Old Movie “Ping” Chicago is what comes to mind and for me Dressing Up is all about putting up a Fantasy Chicago Show….OR what about Elie Saab’s trademark Gowns Full of elegance, Vivid Colours and just those special touches of him which make women dangerously irresistible – Where were they?

This year’s Oscars I was hoping to feel warm, fuzzy, mythical and for Goodness sake – I would have wanted to see at least one SERIOUSLY. GREAT. DRESS like the ones of Penelope Cruz in Versace, Year 2008.  Inspite of my Fashion Ranting whose opinions does not really matter in the World of Fashion… this Year’s Oscars Red Carpet was a constellation of Hollywood’s brightest stars, and the very best of celebrity fashion. Drawing inspiration from these leading ladies, we’re dishing out our style tips for achieving a red carpet look and for sure giving me a close up with all the trend breakdown featuring a variety of Jewel Mint selection which helps my 2011 Social event Calendar consisting of 2 Summer Red Carpet Party, 1 Wedding, 3 Christening - ALL I can say....Lights, camera, style! Lights, camera, style!

UP GRADE YOUR SHIRTS by ACQUIRING "DE SAINT ANGE"

OKAY, when I say revolutionary, I don't mean that it's going to extend research into the human genome or topple the monarchy. But what I'm talking about is beautifully designed and well crafted Shirts – kind of  “Avant Garde” of the normal boring Shirts and Blazers.  The product and words in  your ears - no other than "De St Ange" makers of Shirts and Blazers – I would say a new direction to the traditional Savoy’s and very English style industry of Dress Shirts and Blazers and has created a real buzz, literally I guess for those who love custom tailored dress shirts and Blazers.

My De St Ange Shirts and Blazers fascination started sometime last year when I first saw the man behind the designs and who is the owner of De St Ange Shirts in French Chanel TMC, who basically strutted his stuff and plugging all his Avant Garde European inspired Dress Shirts and Blazers.  The shop first opened in Paris and now has a Branch in Montecarlo – I must admit his craftsmanship is about more than just truly awesome well-fitted dress shirts.  It is about inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining you when shirt shopping become boring - I would say his design platform is everything from the collar to the cuffs to the button holes, an array of vivid and multitude of Colours to choose from and his style is simply truly unique.  For sure he is reaching out not only hardcore dress shirts and pseudo sartorialists (wow, that’s a word for you to look up in dictionary) but also everyone in between especially the Young Generations.  De St Ange Shirts and Blazers are more that just a product, I think it is a Legacy .

So stick around Guys because I think his designs stuff will be coming your way if not now - pretty soon…

"DEATH OF MY SKINNY JEANS"

Like my personality some style crushes border on obsession and it’s not that long ago, in fact only just 5 months ago after having my Son River Kai when I first fell for the Skinny Jeans and my current 2 much favoured Skinny Jeans are Victoria Beckham and J Brand and I’m wearing both pairs incessantly.  They are eroded with Love.  But Oh Boy, my affection for them came to an abrupt end After watching the series of Fashion Shows From NYC, London, Milan to Paris – it appears to me that the end has come for tight leg trews of “ SKINNY JEANS” – A NEW ERA is about to unfold for Trousers and it goes like this - FLOWY, FLUID, SUPER WIDE LEG, and HIGH WAISTED TROUSERS – Hoorah, The seventies are back Guys and totally Lauren Hutton’s Style….

Two days and many, many hours of internet-based flowing trouser research later – I hit that button to make my first order at Harvey Nichols Online – Maxmara’s ever so elegant pair of Silky, Fluid, White Pair of Palazzo Trouser and I am mostly not disappointed – and for sure elongating enough on my Pint Size legs.  With this, I opt for a pair of open toed leather Jimmy Choo platforms – Word of advise:  I think if you are wearing this length of trouser and as Wide as the Safari Tent you normally use in South Africa Then Super-High Shoes are an Absolute essential.

At a Grand Old Age of thirty something ahhhhh……nd  a bit more…I have finally realised that my clothes need to work a little harder for my Body.  I will be sad if ever I say Goodbye to my Skinny Love Affair – no doubt, My 2 Pairs are Fun and Frivolous – but I guess It’s time for a proper relationship.  So I’m committing to my Wide Legs all the way; well at least until next style crush comes along.

MY SON "RIVER KAI's" - FIRST TASTE OF GUCCI & BURBERRY

FIRST POSTED ON FB A/C ON 30 DEC. 2010

If Kingston or Zuma (Gwen Steffani’s Son) in Christian Audigier , Brooklyn (Victoria Beckham’s Son) in Armani or it could be Suri (Katie Holmes daughter) in Burberry, Harlow in Splendid THEN my Son River Kai will be in Gucci, Burberry, Dior, and Cashmere? Blame it on the celebrity weeklies or the adorable pint-sized designer duds from D&G to 3.1 Phillip Lim, but it has literally come down to my spending on me or on my 3 months old Son. I can't remember the last time I bought myself a £55 T-shirt, but for my Son? Well, that Baby Dior’s Shirts I spotted in Harrods is just irresistible.

Truth be told, River Kai’s wardrobe is a far cry from the inside of a Harrods children's department. Stacked among an £86 Burberry Trouser and an £84 Dior hoodie (which I bought two sizes too large to maximize its use) are the bulk of his wardrobe - comfy staples like a denim mini from the Gap for £10, Little Tshirts from Petit Bateau and plenty of Shirts from Ralph Lauren. By stocking up on these great, affordable finds, I can justify the occasional designer splurge, even if he'll outgrow it in one season.

A lot of cool moms I know, also in my Age and also fashion fans like me, could do with discount designer stores in Montecarlo like when I went to New York a few months ago – I went absolutely ballistic in Discounted Polo Ralph Lauren.  However, I am absolutely lost living in Montecarlo whereby everyone just simply pays the real prices at least 6 times more than the normal price, If I were to buy exactly the same in the States - Any suggestions????

My personal favorite for recession-friendly, on-trend pieces that look much more expensive than they are is H&M, where I just found the cutest T-Shirts in both toddler and Grown up sizes.  At 13Euros (toddler sizes) and 14Euros (for ages 14 and up - which is roomy enough to accommodate my still-not-flat, post-baby belly), I didn't have to choose between buying one for River Kai or one for myself. I got both!  Now, Call me Ridiculous.....But I will not even think twice when it comes to my Son.........................

" MY BLING BLING PAIR OF BOOTS"

FIRST POSTED ON FB A/C ON 29 DEC. 2010

So, it's Holiday Season of Festivities and Shopping and more Sale Shopping - It's the time of year again I love, love the most when I get to shop 'Till I drop and yesterday was No difference.  I hit the Shops big time for the Private Sale of Charlotte & Olympia and Cassedei Shoes.  AND NO - as Sad as it sounds having River Kai simply did not manage to Tame my Shoes Addiction - one of My many many Guilty Pleasures, that's right, I was amongst Women who tried to get a Good Bargain - I was there fully armed and loaded with my Credit Card and River Kai with me in a Queue for what seems to be FEKKING endless, YET, Not me...Having my Son with me is one Big Consolation - I simply managed to Jump In the Queue....LoL

Personally, I initially was looking for something Sparkling - simply wanting to Shine for the New Years Eve Party Celebration and Boy, I was not disappointed as you are looking at my new "Cassedei Pair of Boots with Bling Bling Heels Limited Edition" - Yep, I simply managed to snap a really good Bargain and looking at it you would think instantly Blisters - normally I get them all over my toes when buying this kind of shoes BUT Not this one - I never thought I would say this - It's the most Comfortable pair of Boots I ever had and I kid you not,  for me,  Cold Weather is no reason not to look Chic and Extremely Colourful - Voila and it's made of Bling Bling Heels.  Seeing the New Year 2011 Theme is "ALL THAT GLITTERS", SHINE ON, METALLICA or BE A GOLDEN GIRL. Apparently,  Year 2010 you dressed like a Ferrari "Body con Curves" - you know those Spandex Dresses by Herve Leger that you need to have an overall Liposuction just to get in one of his Dresses, however, 2011 You will Dress like a DAIMLER Double Six Corsica Coupe to be exact in words - I must say one of the most Elegant automobiles ever to Growl down on the street of Montecarlo - Walking into the Room a Leading Lady with a blithe of Romance, Sophisticated Shimmers especially it features Diamonds and all the Glitters - AND remember "ATTITUDE" is everything......... for sure you won't disappoint any Party goers!  

Well Guys .....All I can Say..........May Your New Years' Eve Party be Merry and Bright .......... AND ALL  THAT GLITTERSSSSSS   - SHINE ON .............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SELFRIDGES OF LONDON - "FOR SHOE LOVERS"

FIRST POSTED: SEPT. 2010 ON FB ACCOUNT

Guys, this is just Right Up my Alley _ _ _ Yesterday, Selfridges in London open it's door for having the first World Class Largest Shoe Dept. ever -  with 35,000 sq. ft. of shopping space dedicated SOLE -LY  to shoes.  Apparently, it has taken nearly 4 years of construction and  will shoe case over 4,000 shoes from around 150 brands and a total of 55,000 pairs of footwear actually held in stock - Can you imagine that?  Even Carrie Bradshaw could not have dreamed it up - and I think a shoe collection that would given Imelda Marcos a run for her Money!  Personally, the idea and the essence of this all is that it will surely change the way women shop for shoes forever and I cannot truly wait spending hours on end to what seem to me as "PURE BLISS".  Honestly, for someone like me who is clearly addicted to Designer Shoes - is very much like a Drug Addict being left alone in a Meth or Crack Factory - got the picture???

"WHO WOULD GO BROKE FOR A BIRKIN BAG? "

That is the BIG Question?  as Samantha Jones of Sex & the City quoted “It’s not just a bag, it’s a F*****g Birkin!” 

There are bags ....... and then there's "Birkin Bag" - This Bag indeed the Super Status Purse, the Creme de la Creme of all designer Handbags you can think of.  Someone once said to me that the idea behind Birkin is that it is the perfect bag.  It is "The Bag of your Life"  and that once you have acquired this bag you won't ever need another one again.  Honestly?  I have wanted this Bag ever since I was a child but I'm not entirely sure if I can convince my other half to get a second mortgage just merely to satisfy my Needs, ha ha ha "Kidding" - Go on Call me shallow but to acquire one of Hermes Birkin Bag I must admit is the epitome of Luxury and even I have the money which clearly I do not have, the current waiting time to get ownership of a Birkin Bag is over two years, just ridiculous! - not unless you are someone like Posh Beckham and the price starts at whooping 9000 Euros - while the hefty price makes it totally impractical, that doesn't mean I can't drool over looking at the Hermes Window Shop and just wishing and wanting to have one - Yah, that's how shallow I am!! 

Well, I don't know about you Guys but Bag for me is like Balls are to men and Bag or Purses are to Women and NOT to mention my addiction to Sky High Pair of Shoes - it's just that without my IT Bag - I clearly seems naked in public without it BUT would you be willing to splash out a Wad of Cash, Like I would -  just to have the Covetable Birkin Bag???????

"A FETISHIST HIGH HEELED SHOES"

Just a few days ago, I was one of those women who has a penchant for Extra Ordinary and Fancy Footwear attended the once a year Charlotte & Olympia shoes designer Sale in Montecarlo. For those of you wondering who is Charlotte – she is the newest British shoes designer who currently made headlines in London and in the US for her Pin-up style and creativity – What can I say - Forward, Flashy, Understated and Unexpected"; What can you expect? Truly amazing with each shoe features a signature gold spiderweb on a red sole, a marking shared by another well-heeled marketing genius! 

I would say that If you’re going to spend on one thing, even when you’re on a budget, I’d say splash out on Charlotte & Olympia Shoes – Utterly worth it! Although I must admit, buying one of her design is not completely a comfort shoes but Oh! Boy it's definitely a Show-stopper!

"THE PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT DRESS"

POST FIRST WRITTEN: 5 JULY 2009

TRANSPORTED FROM FB ACCOUNT

I was in London last weekend for my yearly Girl Friends Get together weekend and without an ounce of doubt “Shopping” was on our top of our Agenda to say the least. I had two things in my mind is to buy an evening Summer cocktail Dress for my Birthday tomorrow (6 JULY) and a pair of Black Louboutin Shoes.

It was the first day of Harrods Sale and believe it or not we were queuing for what seems to be an eternity but nothing’s stood in my way since I was in pursuit of that perfect Evening Cocktail Dress. Well, call me small minded or what, but finding a Perfect Dress is like falling in love - one can never be sure quite why it works; it just does. I would rather say, I am not a Fashion Victim but rather a Style Conscious Woman - who knows that magical feeling of slipping on a dress that makes me feel sooo good and feel like a goddess. It can also make me feel taller especially with my “Midget Profile” and will for sure put a real swagger in my stride. I would think that my Dress takes on an identity of its own and will become an integral part of my night’s memory and something I can keep forever and pass down to my next generation, Don’t you think so? maybe not? but this is Nancy you’re talking!!

Dress?? - For me knowing what suits me is the key, my silhouette, what am I confident with? No sleeves, No waist however must cling to my body and the colour that suits me. Once I find it, I stick to it and I know I’m going to feel Wonderful. Well as predicted, I have found a Dress and bought it made by someone called LANVIN - Honestly, I paid nearly cost to nothing since it was sold as Sample Sale - we’ll wait and see tomorrow wat dya tink of it - will post something on FB? I guess it’s like the saying - “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”.

My devotion to the pursuit of the perfect Dress each time I go to an event was evident even as a little girl - I remember when I was growing up - I adored two dresses, both made of velvet; one burgundy and the other Red - I always insisted on wearing them with my black patent shoes - I loved them so much that sometimes I wanted to wear them even if there was no party, and would cry if my Mum tried to put me in anything else - AND I have not changed a bit - I Will still go out of my way to get that DRESS I wanted, ha ha ha.

My idea of a Dressing up fantasy - WELL, for sure very different and I think the Designer Lanvin understands that a woman prefers to feel sensual rather than Sexual approach. It’s about making someone like me empowered instead of being a sexual object. 

For me, The perfect evening dress is a way of showing to the world who you are and I think if you want to know the definitive colour, cut, material and shape of the perfect party dress - I realise now that there isn’t one - but I always put something on that surely makes me Smile, Voila ........

"MONACO’s - FRUGALISTA IDEAS"

I was hoping that in these dark times Monaco would curb the excess of the riches – a period when one shouldn’t spend for anything unless one has to. Instead, we have entered an era in which people with money continue to spend it as if tomorrow will never come – Monaco anyway….

In this Age of Grotesque, houses or Condos in Monaco are on the market at exceedingly ridiculous prices and, because they’re not selling, are being rented at equally absurd amounts and believe it or not - spending at top restaurants is going absolutely Bananas to say the least. All this while Average Joe like me scrapes by and worries about keeping jobs.

How can people in Monaco today spend huge sums for yachts, houses and parties (even they’re doing it more quitely) and can look in the mirror? I thought the days of Elton John 2million pounds birthday fete were truly “Passe”, that the bursting of the subprime bubble and shame of that Madoff (The Infamous NASDAQ stock Exchange Chairman) and his ilk – You know the one who milked and swindle money from ordinary people so he could buy French Chateaux, private plane etc – had put a firm lid on excess but Not a chance, Take Monaco house on the Market for 65 million – absolutely ridiculous … It’s exterior looks classic but inside its a prime example of hideous décor: orange and purple walls,?? Give me a break… I can’t really fault the builder, I think in his view – he’s just offering what the public wants – like a modern PT Barnum, ha ha ha.. But so far he has proved right – there are few in the areas of the same and they sold like hotcakes. Let’s face it, rather than our dealing with new era of restraint and frugality, money remains everything at least here in Monaco.

But all this money desperate to be spent isn’t the only grotesquerie – just pick up a newspaper or read on the internet and the headlines filled with grotesque thing after another - More than 26% of Americans are now sadly obese because they can’t give up fast food or bother to exercise; the Michael Jackson memorial service apparently drew more than 30 million viewers even after two weeks worth of coverage and the best stomach churning is when I read in British Mail headline that read, Young Meat Butchers with sets of different Knives are becoming Sex Symbols with one fan, claiming “What’s sexy?” Apparently, Dangerous is sometimes sexy and they are generally big guys with knives and who are covered with blood.

It’s enough to make me a VEGAN… Carrots, anyone???

"SHOPAHOLIC - OVERDOSE"

It’s hard to get my head round the fact that someone has actually made a movie of what seem to be my lifetime obsession “Shopping” – I must admit I rushed and queue for long Bloody hours to get the longer and unedited version of this movie and I watched it and felt like I am seeing my own Memoir… Well, My Mum is an RTW or Ready To Wear Ladies Designer so you would understand that it’s only natural that my Fashion and Spending prowess (I guess, Synonyms to each other) began at an early age. My Mum told me before that I deserve to go for least a month solitary confinement facility called “Intervention” – you know like those Cocaine or Drug Addict – Oh boy, I used to spend money like it's going out of style and there's no tomorrow. I even had some run in with my Bank Manager a few times but since I used to work for Lloyds Bank then they were quite happy to deduct it directly from my Monthly Salary –and even to this day my Retired Manager still talks about it and has been a Dinner Party Laughter. It all started with stealing my mother’s heels and heirloom jewelry for dress up as a little one, and very quickly blossomed into parading around the house in her dresses and purses until Ì coerced my mother into finally letting me have my own loot. Always on the hunt for something different, my designer closet knows no bounds in terms of volume or materials. My life would probably be fairly empty by modern style maven standards without beautiful Bags, Sky-high heels and Party Dresses, most of which have only seen the light of day once or twice. I would say I am an avid shopper and NOT a Shopaholic, and a smart one at that, Who shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. What Recession? 

Are you Coo Coo for Choo?

I stood in the midst of all my customize, see through and individually designed boxes for my unworn collection of shoes from someone who I could not hardly pronounce their names. I realized something: I’m obsessed with shoes but it’s not just shoes where you can find in those shops that says “Widefitting”, Comfortable for Walking or worst flip flops. I’m obsessed with Heels!! Heels as high as those Skyscrapers in Manhattan. Okay, maybe obsessed is too strong of a word. I wouldn’t, say, go bankrupt in order to have a pair of Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy choos…..like Carrie Bradshaw almost did, but maybe close enough to say I would forgo my basic necessities just to get a pair. You see, I could easily sit at my computer all day and every day looking at shoes…even though I couldn’t afford over half of them. They are just, well, fun to look at. And I can picture which outfit I would pair them with. Of course, I can also picture myself falling and cracking an ankle in some of them…as I did once in a pair of Loubotin heel boots. But, I wasn’t deterred from wearing heels after that crash, and I wouldn’t be after any other.

This makes me wonder about something that guys have wondered about for a long time: what is it about women and shoes? It seems like a huge portion of the female population is coo coo for Choo…along with Manolos and many others. So, I pose this question to all the HH (High Heeled) ladies: what is it that you love about heels?