A Winter Wake Up Call

This morning, for the first time since the chill started setting in, I really felt Winter coming to stay. I looked out the window at the grey skies and felt the cold as I opened the covers. Needless to say I pulled them right back up and slept in for half an hour more. As I lay, I began to think of how I was going to get through the season, (as I do every year) how it pains me to pull out my coats and coop my feet up in boots. So I've decided to get inspired, to find out how everyone else is translating Winter trends into fabulous street style, and hopefully brighten up my Winter blues. Where better to start than New York! These snaps are from the street before and after shows at New York fashion week Fall/ Winter 2011.

I'm loving coloured skinnies right now, perfect to brighten up your Winter basics. They'll continue on for another round next Summer so splurging a little for this season can be justified as planning for the next too..

Love love leather! Always great for Winter, in pants, skirts or shorts.. Delish.

Contrasting hard and soft always works when trying to pull off effortless style. The luxury of a statement coat, femininity in a soft maxi skirt and the harshness of a stacked ankle boot.. To die!

For me the key to looking on trend this season is in the ability to mix it up. We're talking textures, prints, leather, furs, all of it. I love this look and the others above, all for throwing fur in the mix, I've never been a major fan but over sized faux fir coats are everywhere right now and I'm definitely warming up to them! The mix of the polka dots and the metallic skirt along with the other elements are perfection!

I love me some leopard print.. This sheer maxi skirt is an unexpected choice and it's totally working for me. I'm so glad we're seeing the maxi skirt sticking around. It's a clever way to keep a look feminine when we're all drawn to pants when it's cold.

Military seems to almost never go out of style. Belting the jacket at the waist keeps it from being too 'boxy',and the tweaking of the collar and feminine touch of the sling bag are smart choices. This ensemble has it got it going on! 

Another item I've made friends with this season is the cape. This coat with caped shoulders is fab!

Lady-like structured bags are hit. Perfect for a pop of colour or some feminine flair.

I can't say much about this one, only that I love it! It's out there and probably best not to be replicated on just anyone. One thing I can recommend from this look is the sock-sandal combo. Yup, it's real, it's happening, it's now. Please note: Sandals should have a heel and no holes in the socks please! Keep away from the Birkenstocks.

Coral is the perfect pop this Winter. With camel or grey it's definitely a do.

Wide-legged pants are a must have.

Everyone should own a parka, I love how this one comes alive with a printed legging, high-heeled hiking boots and a red lip. Yummy..

Tea dresses, warmed up with tights and the best of the seasons ankle boots will bring out the 'girly' inside us all.

The mix of textures in this coat alone are totally amaze!

I have to say that year after year it's as if the repetition of trends has led us to throw all rules out the window. There are few colours that don't go together anymore, we no longer have season specific fashion, each one seems to bleed into the next. It begs us to keep pushing boundaries, as if to say, I've given you all the tools. now see how much you can do. It's all been done in fashion there's very little left to be 'invented'. What makes it so exciting now, is that 'anything goes'. It's up to you now to decide just how far you want to..

Stay fabulous fashionistas!

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Buying The 'Bread And Milk' Can Be Ever So Enlightening

My two 'bread and milk' fashion buys each month are the Elle mag and Marie Claire. I can't live without them and around the 15th of each month I get 'antsy pants' itching to get to the store to find them! If ever, and this is quite often, they hit the shelves late, it's like a devastating blow to my chest. Another day without my fashion fix. Yes I can read up on line, but seriously, there's nothing can match the sound of a glossy page squeezed as you lick-and-flip through fabulous fashion spreads. Shock and horror this morning, when waking up and wandering why I felt something was missing, why i felt lacking in inspiration, I realised the answer. It's the 19th and I haven't yet bought my must-have monthlies!

It's true, this week the fashion fairy has yet to sprinkle her magic my way and I'm feeling less than enthusiastic about finishing up the designs for the SomersetJane Winter show. While most of them are already in production I've been back and forth over a few items that I'm in love with, but that I'm worried are too designed or need to be more wearable. I hate that the story has to end with retail! Always enough to dampen the mood. Anyhow, almost as if to prove to me that I can't be without my Elle, I opened to the front and the editor's note to read this from Jackie Burger.

'As we witness the blurring of fashion seasons, and as the runway moves from the ramp to the street and social media give a platform to the new arbiters of style, the challenge is to leave behind the outdated preoccupation with what to wear - and instead to wear what you like, but to wear it well.'

I took from her this. No matter how hard I try to make my label part of a trend, to make it mainstream, to up the sales, that is not what it's about, and that's not what I want to be about. Trends right now are a fusion of anything goes. What could I achieve by trying to design for or finding inspiration in them? It's about me, what I want my legacy to be and how I want to build my brand. I'm done stressing over 'who will buy this?', and 'will it sell?' It will and I now know it. If I can get even a little of my passion across in each piece, if I can see myself in the garment, I've succeeded. Because as Jackie so perfectly said, it's not about what one 'should' be wearing, it's about wearing it well. And doesn't passion look good on everyone?



 My thought for you all today..

Stay fabulous fashionistas

xoxo
Melissa Jane

All About Androgyny

Armani



Androgyny, by definition is having both male and female characteristics. In fashion the term is used for masculine looks and clothing styles inspired by men's wear. Following on from yesterday's post, (and my case of mistaken sexuality) I've decided to highlight a little androgyny for you all and explain why I, like so many others, believe that many a woman's wardrobe could do with some of it.

An article on 'The Urban Twist' wrote the following about this trend, 'Androgyny thrives on the message of individualism which appeals to those who want an excuse to rebel as well as those who just want to be appreciated for just being different. The recurrence of this trend should not be a surprise as history often repeats itself.' So a little androgyny can never really be out of style. I like the idea of not only dressing this way to be different, but being able to play at both ends of the spectrum and the emotion and image this can create. My main reason for loving 'masculine' fashion is the power it gives an outfit. A silent power, as if to say, 'Beneath all this is a vulnerable woman, you'll  need to break through this tough exterior to get to her though.' It's a kind of cover up that's intriguingly sexy. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that a woman dressed with just the right amount of androgyny is at her most sexy. It's the outwardly opposite positioning of feminine against masculine that in reacting plays up the femininity and if done right exposes and promotes it.

So here is my collection of the best way to do androgyny for now, and my fave pics from the past, as we wouldn't want to forget where it all began..

Gucci Spring 2012 - I die over a 'men's' tailored pant

While Gucci does a more sexy version of androgyny, Paul Smith showed a different approach for Fall/Winter 2011/2012.

To the left are details from the Armani Fall/Winter collection. Note the masculinity of the fedora, and neck detailing and structured jackets, done with a feminine edge. We'll skip past the 'Amelia Earhart 101' to the right. The white tailored suit.. Perfection!

It's not always about an entire look. Pick out one piece like these tuxedo pants but pair it with a more feminine shirt and bright clutch if all-out androgyny is not for you.

Marlene Dietrich German-American actress known for her androgynous style. One of my fave quotes from her is this, 'I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.'

Helmut Newton's iconic 1975 photo of 'Le smoking'. This is where it all began. Designed by Yves Saint-Laurent in 1966, this tuxedo suit for women was the first of it's kind and pioneered the way for power suits and androgynous styles for women.

Stay fabulous fashionistas!

xoxo

Melissa Jane



The Short Of It..

This past weekend, while out on the town and tearing up the dance floor (as you do) I was signalled to the bar area. Curious, I ventured over to the seemingly unassuming guy and was casually asked if I was into women. I’m straight, but either way the question in itself and the way in which it was asked was offensive. Standing there in my custom SomersetJane backless cocktail dress and metallic heels, I asked what exactly gave him that impression. My hair was the answer. Over the years since I left school days behind I’ve been known to sport short hair in an array of styles and cuts. Faux-hawks, mullets, retro bobs, shaved sides, I’ve done it all. I looked at this poor man with pity. How awful to be him and live in a world of grey. Of lack lustre fashion and old-fashioned gender driven style.

I do admit that while my hair gets me noticed, it’s not always for the reasons I’d hope. I’m often told I look like Pink or Roxette, once even a ‘white’ Amber Rose. I can admire these women but I in no way intend or desire to look like  or replicate them. I’ve also been told that while I can walk into a room and have the whole place staring, no one is necessarily getting up to meet me or have a chat, that my look might be too intimidating. It’s sad too that as a single girl wanting to meet someone and settle down, conversations with new people and potential partners go something like this, ‘Hi you remind me of Pink! Are you a hair dresser? Who does your hair? It’s so cool, can I touch it?’ By this time I have my creep alert up, a few more comments pass and they promptly move on. Often for the best, but sometimes I’d like someone to talk to me about me, not just the way I look. And I’ll tell you right now and unashamed, I’m all about the vanity, but there does come a point when even I bore myself..

It’s unfortunate, the small minded-ness of some. That long hair is for girls and short hair for boys. That if someone appears different, they become a novelty rather than an interesting person worthy of getting to be known. Michelle Williams was featured in the Feb Elle mag and when asked in her interview how she was enjoying her new short crop said this, ’I really like myself with short hair. Of course the only people who like it are gay men and my girlfriends. Straight men across the board are not into this hair!’ So those with fashion and style know-how get it, but it’s dis-heartening in a sense that so few can see the beauty in short hair. Should it not be an outward sign of the women inside? That the courage it takes to chop of your locks must come from something deeper. It’s not easy to walk around without the one thing that so easily defines femininity. Women who wear short hair truly for themselves, as a statement, and as a personal style, for me, show a more tangible sense of knowing exactly who they are. It leaves little to hide behind,  it bears more than just the nape of the neck. This confirms strength. It would have to, on making one’s self so vulnerable.

 Now don’t be going and chopping off your hair ladies! For some it’s definitely not an option. I wrote this as a reassurance to myself for what my short ‘do’ means to me. And as a statement against ‘small town syndrome’ and the narrow-minded opinions it sometimes produces. Should you feel the need to ‘get shorty' though, you shouldn’t go wrong finding inspiration in these fabulous celebs playing up the short hair trends for 2012. 

Ginnifer Goodwin is my fave celebrity crop right now!

Michelle Williams as mentioned above. Rocking it with elegance and dare I say super feminine?

Thank goodness the 'Marilyn Manson' phase is over. Evan Rachel Wood has swopped it out for glamour an undeniable style.

Stay fabulous fashionistas!

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Heart On A Sleeve

"Give expression to the noble desires that lie in your heart." - Gordon B. Hinckly

 

 

I'm a single girl. A single girl who's had one of those weeks where a series of events has culminated in a sad outlook on love. One of those weeks where 'Mr. Right' seems not to exist and where when it comes to matters of the heart, I really wish mine wouldn't hurt..

 

Bla bla.. Boo hoo me..

 

I'm trying to fix this as the weekend approaches. I'll need to accessorise with a smile and live up to my party persona. So I've done this by finding images of inspiration, images that remind me that being alone ain't all that bad, especially when my first love is fashion..

 

 

"Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."

— Gianni Versace

In fashion there are no mixed signals, no playing the game, no rules. It's a black and white situation, you love it or you don't. (Dating could do with a little of this) 

I die for fashion. Not really.. But you know what I mean. The glossy pages of a magazine, the thrill of a vintage find and the pulse of a runway show. It draws emotion from me, exudes excitement. It's been years since I've found a man could do the same..

"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence."

— Yves Saint Laurent

No man will rain on my parade!

And above all else, the most valuable treasure that fashion has given me is this.

It allows me to dream. To imagine and create. Decide on outfits and the travels they'll take me on. To design a life ahead of me, riddled with the fantasy and fun of an ever changing facade.

In essence, it keeps my childish romance alive.

Because, at the end of it all and beneath the mask of material, I'm just a girl, waiting..

Alone for now..

But who'll always believe in love.

xoxo 

Melissa Jane



A Little Party With A Lot Of Slumber

I like to think that for the most part I'm a pretty fashion forward kinda gal. There's little that walks down the runway that I don't find beauty in or inspiration. Even if it's not something I'd wear or design, I am a fashion lover and like to appreciate all kinds, all styles, all trends. I've seen the trend you'll scroll down to below, creeping it's way onto the street over the past year. Now that it's definitely here, I've sat with it, sorted through it and succumb to the sensation that.. it sucks.

I present to you,

The Pyjama Trend

Starting you off slowly, we have Alexa Chung, (love love love her) in a paisley print pyjama pant. Paired with the boyfriend sweater and keeping it cool with a fab shoe, I can deal. Be warned - only Alexa can rock this. Not even I would try this at home.

This look on Brit blogger, Bip Ling, is also on the safer side of this trend. I love a matchy-matchy print, (preferably a suit though) and at least the collar on this could pass it for an actual shirt.



I'm such a fan of a sequined blazer! A fab choice by uber-chic french actress Elisa Sednaoui. Tragic though, that she forgot to get out of bed before finishing off her outfit. She was at the opening night of an exhibition for Leonardo Da Vinci at the Louvre. Note to Elisa: You're not supposed to let on that you think museums are a snooze fest. Have some culture!

Florence Welch.. She actually had the courage (or stupidity) to finish up the look with a pair of slippers. Go big or go home I guess!

Helena Bonham Carter. Enough said.

(Are you still on trend if you're in your actual pj's, where do you draw the line?!)

Above we have Jade Williams and Lou Dillon, respectively, in designs by Marni for H&M. These would have to be my (and I use the word lightly) 'fave' of the lot. The trick? Saved by the shorts I'd say!

No surprise that RiRi jumped on board. In Emilio Pucci and a monochrome rose print. You'd actually step out in this trend more than once? If the pyjama fits.. don't wear it.

It comes down to this. When you begin to blur the lines between dressed up and dressed down, actually, let's be frank - not dressed at all, we're in dangerous territory. I'm from a small town, I see people outside of the house in slippers everyday, at the mall, running errands. Should any of these 'fash-holes' ever have the sense to look up this trend and latch on, extending it past their footwear to become full on pyjama-mamma's, walk out in the open and be delusional about being on trend.. I fear we'd have an epidemic. (We all know they wouldn't be stepping out in the silky Stella McCartney variety.) This nightmare should be kept in the dark, behind bedroom doors and worn only with eyes closed!

I'm done. Who knew fashion could be so sleep inducing? Luckily as with many trends, this too shall pass. Yawn..

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Colour Block Crazy



“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways. ” - Oscar Wilde

This season, it's definitely colour that's speaking to my soul..

Colour blocking is so right now. I love this trend for so many reasons. Namely..

Every colour in your wardrobe becomes the same as a black or white staple item, everything matches everything. (Well almost)

The trend is great for layering - jacket, shirt, skirt/pants, scarf. All different colours or even just using two colours - this makes for a super bright Winter!

It's easy to achieve and looks good on a smaller scale too. Red or blue jeans, white shirt, red lip and a coloured bag or shoe. This is a formula that works on everyone, do it!

Gucci Spring 2011 in all it's colour block glory. Dying! 

Fall runway trends - note the peplum skirts too. Very now. Very me. Very everyone. Well should be very everyone. (I'll stop there as I'm feeling a peplum inspired blog coming along, the benefits of this shape definitely deserve their own page.)

And here is little old me in my colour block best! And might I just add..

Gucci-smucci..

The shirt I found at Hospice (throwing charity into the vintage and thrift store shopping mix makes for guilt free purchases), burgundy with a tiny polka dot. It cost me R8 and turns out was originally from Mango.

The pants are my fave right now and literally 'colour-block-called' me from the rail, the rail at Hospice too of course.. R15

The belt is bubblegum pink and plastic. At a cost of R1, I was the last to think it would end up an item I wear all the time and finishes off so many outfits. (my kinda outfits, I've had some disagreements)

Fashion on a budget.. Fabulous..

P.S. Check out my over-sized 'John-Lennons' too. When it comes to sunnies at the moment, round is all the rage. Love.

Go colour block crazy fashionistas!

xoxo

Melissa Jane

An Idol Obsession

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am totally a television addict! Just like Miranda in Sex And The City had with her Tevo, I too have a relationship with my PVR. A special one, we get each other..


So one of my faves to watch at the moment is American Idol. I never miss a season, yet have to admit that up until last season, I was slowly deciding to give up my guilty pleasure. What stopped me? At first I was like many others, intrigued by Steven Tyler. Wandering how I was weirdly attracted to this 'femme' fashioned man. And then I realised, as inspiring as it was to see his outfits each week (many of which I would totally wear) it was Jennifer I was really excited about tuning in for. The woman is perfection! This season I think I have died a little inside every time she has been on my screen. I have tried, as you do, to find fault or in my envy find a 'faux pas', but I can't.. I search for inspiration on a daily basis, hot trends, the latest 'must-have's', keeping myself and my brand in the know. J-Lo is all the inspiration I need! From her hair to her make-up, shoes and the designers she adorns, she is a style sensation! Enough gushing, this is getting weird. (It is possible to be a fashion nerd. What I just did, that's it.)


So on the most recent episode which aired over the weekend for us, Jen wore a Lanvin Draped Jersey Top with a Lanvin printed silk-blend maxi skirt. 'Bananas!' Yes, when fashion slaps me in the face in all it's brilliance I go all Rachel Zoe.. Who doesn't? This outfit, so delicious, got me thinking about some recent work I've done during matric farewell season. Wouldn't it be fab if young girls could take note of the actual trends that are out there with regard to cocktail and evening wear? Ditch the ball gowns and Cinderella-like costumery in favour of something like this, something fresh, something now. Still sparkly, still pretty and princess-like but better and trendier. Along with that, forget the sexiness so often over supplied in adolescent evening wear with bare mid-riffs and low-cut everything! This idea of a slit in a full flared skirt has the intrigue of a peek-a-boo leg but executed in sophisticated style. Come the end of the year and matric farewell season 2 comes around I'm starting a movement!


Jennifer Lopez, you rock my fashion world!


Stay fabulous fashionistas..
xoxo


Melissa Jane