Get Shorty

Thinking about shorts this Summer? Me too! I love them high waisted, I love the denim cut-off variety (especially those from the early nineties, bang on), I love them printed or plain. I found these pics on the blog 'A Love Is Blind' and decided we needed a reminder of how totes amaze the right pair can be..

 

And some more pics from all over..

 

Is there absolutely anything else you'd rather be wearing right now? I think not.



 

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Looky Look Look Book

 

'We've been busy putting this look book slash digital magazine together with the help of the inimitable Miss Moss, who helped us design the look of our look book. Yesterday the first of these weekly look books which will go out as a direct mailer to our database, was released and from hence forth, we will have new ones to send out every Monday. We're going to be releasing them via direct mailers, on our soon to be launched blog, on Facebook and right here on this blog.

 

If you'd rather get it sent directly to your email every Monday, please let james@mememe.co.za know and he will put you on our database. In the future, you'll be able to click and buy on the spot, but because we are still finding our feet at this digital vibe, for now you can place orders of the items you like and we will do our best to get them to you. For any queries on the stock, please don't hesitate to call the Jhb store: 011 447 1497 or the Cape Town store 021 424 0001.'

 

Found this on the Missmilliworld blog. It's the new mememe lookbook and I copy and pasted above so you'd have all the info. Its so nice seeing SomersetJane making the rounds and getting picked up. I'll never get tired of these little jewels, never.. 

 

xoxo

Melissa Jane



Rock Out With Your Frock Out

I kind of just stumbled upon this collection - SS 2013 by Temperley last night during my eternal search for more inspiration. 'Alice Temperley's timeless, feminine designs combine meticulous detail and embellishments with an English eccentricity and personality drawing on everything British; Temperley is the modern day 'Cool Britannia'.' - temperleylondon.com.

 

It's quite seldom I look at a runway collection and go, 'I want to be her.' Most times there are very strong points of view, and the character of a collection influenced so strongly by one or more particular thing, that I'm left to figure out how I could make it about me, and which parts I can use as an influence on my designs or my own wardrobe. This collection 'wowed' me. It's super feminine but strong. Fifties vintage but very modern. And mostly it's classic, but man oh man it is oh so cool. I do want to be this girl. I love the modern twist on the french roll in the hair, I'm obsessed with this style of shades, and the clothing - that I die for. I can even see myself in one of the structured dome hats on the beach with a retro cozzie and bright red lips, yes please!

 

I posted a few of my fave bits here but do yourself a favour and hit up the website. Never has a designer made me covet, and want to rock a frock more than now.

 





Stay fabulous fashionistas,

xoxo
Melissa Jane

Totes Tropical

Tropical prints are out and a must have this Summer. Go bold in a two piece suit or a colourful maxi. Mix and match with colour blocking and nautical influences or if your'e looking to add just a touch of tropical, jazz up your accessories with a statement tropical piece. Whatever your preference, I simply say, do it.

Here are my fave picks and what's totally got me trending.

 

"Club Tropicana, drinks are free,
Fun and sunshine - there's enough for everyone.
All that's missing is the sea....." Lyrics to Wham!'s Club Tropicana. I felt it was only appropriate to give this blog a soundtrack..

Lisa Niven

SS 2013

Lanvin Parrot Necklace

Muiccia Prada never fails to excite me!

 



London Fashion Week SS 2013

 



Michael Kors Resort 2012

 

Of course SomersetJane had to take a piece of this one. This is our tropical print T dress with sash detail

 



Any outfit is only better when carrying some arm candy. Sling bags are a great way to do this trend, this one from SomersetJane is the perfect touch of tropical.

It's me! I decided to demonstrate my fave Summer look. Nautical is a classic, and the perfect base to build on this season. Nauitcal is nothing if not a stripe - strapless tank SomersetJane, trousers vintage (I love the star detail, my faves right now), sandals Edgars, rope belt, stacked bangles and earrings, mr. price.

I died when I found these, must haves! Not quite the tropical Brazilian inspired D&G sort but nonetheless perfect for a punch of tropical.

Mix and match stacked bangles go with everything, with the wooden and beaded variety it's a great way to add some island fever with out being too obvious.

 

Here's to slapping Summer a high five with style!

 

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Oh Miley!

 

 

She's done it! What so many fail to do or can just never grasp. Finding who you are. This looks more like her than any other look I've seen her sport. Her face seems prettier now than ever before and with the guts to turn her image around and execute it ever so brilliantly I'm slamming a massive stamp of approval her way. I've been seeing pics of Miley popping up everyewhere with the new 'do' and threads I'd lust after. If the hair wasn't enough, she had me at the high- waisted maxi's and crop tops. It's happening, and even getting better. I might just become a fan..

 

 

Stay fabulous fashionistas..

 

xoxo

Melissa Jane

A Quick Pic Catch Up

My year is finally winding down. I've had a mis-matched mess of a time and have literally been taking each day on, one at time and taking it as it comes. Turns out I took too much and it just kept coming! I'm selfish you know, and not afraid to admit this (what some would call a fault) fact. I like 'me' time, to do what I want, to design the clothing that satisfies my desires, to day dream for a random hour in the middle of the day only because I know if I don't fully allow my thoughts to develop I won't be able to move on. And I have had none, if limited amounts of this. Reason being? I'll catch you up in pics..

 

Wedding season started off beautifully with Cassidy in one of my fave 'one-offs' I've done this year. The perfect meeting of shine and simplicity.

 

 



 

SJ showcase of our Summer collection as part of a fundraiser for dancers from my dancing studio. A last minute mash up but my girls did me proud!

 

I got tattooed again. A little nod to my life and love of fashion..

 

Yes, this is a child in my studio in a tap dancing ensemble designed by me.. Kids and I don't mix, but I can't deny I got a kick out of watching her pose and prance after putting it on. This was one of nine dancing outfits I've designed these past months..

 

SomersetJane mens' swimwear. Yup! I really will say yes to design just about anything!

 

My Bridal Africa sketch which made it to the top ten for this year. This will all come together at a show on the 22nd November. Also featuring at the awards will be David Tlale and Gert Johan Coetzee. Exciting!

 

 

Matric farewell season was in full swing this year. Here is
Tamsin, Catherine and Shane in their SJ finery.
 Just three of eight evening gowns I made this season.

 

Above is dress I did for the Miss Benoni pageant. It belongs to the gorgeous Tamryn who won first princess.

 

 



 Still keeping it real at the Market On Main every Sunday. The one place where you'll view SomersetJane as it should be. Not clouded by other pieces on a rack in a store, not tweaked or influenced by a boutique's clientele, just me and my clothes..

 

As life has been happening I've still been trying to dance up a storm and gear up for World Champs in Paris this December. If I'm not working in my studio I'm dancing in one..

 

And if I had any down time and you ask how I spend it..

By doing lots of this.

Hahaha.. Just kidding..

(But really)

 

Actually I've managed to fall in love and stay in love. This is us..

 

I don't paint a picture of perfection and I'm not searching for it. My business and it's most recent products certainly show no plan or cohesive aesthetic. But who cares! I do what I do, and while building my label, the truth is, is that somethings got to pay the bills! So I do by taking on work that I don't always want to and that sometimes may not even want to back with my name. But it's my little journey and I love it. Whatever I design has an effect on someone, a matric student in her shining moment, a body builder, the occasional shopper or a tiny dancing child. I'm reaching people and sharing a piece of their lives, I get to help in making a part of their happiness. Lucky me. And all I know is that with hard work, ugly work, up-all-night work.. the reward is oh so much sweeter..

 

 

xoxo

Melissa Jane

 

 

P.S. I'm back in full blogger mode so stay tuned for more!