New Shoes…

Paolo Nutini

Woke up cold one tuesday,
I’m looking tired and feeling quite sick,
I felt like there was something missing in my day to day life,
So I quickly opened the wardrobe,
Pulled out some jeans and a T-Shirt that seemed clean,
Topped it off with a pair of old shoes,
That were ripped around the seams,
And I thought these shoes just don’t suit me.

Hey, I put some new shoes on,
And suddenly everything is right,
I said, hey, I put some new shoes on and everybody’s smiling,
It so inviting,
Oh, short on money,
But long on time,
Slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine,
And I’m running late,
And I dont need an excuse,
’cause I’m wearing my brand new shoes.

Woke up late one thursday,
And I’m seeing stars as I’m rubbing my eyes,
And I felt like there were two days missing,
As I focused all the time,
And I made my way to the kitchen,
But I had to stop from the shock of what I found,
A room full of all my friends dancing round and round,
And I thought hello new shoes,
Byebye them blues.

Take me wondering through these streets,
Where bright lights and angels meet,
Stone to stone they take me on,
I’m walking to the break of dawn.

Take me wondering through these streets

Red bags

As we bade farewell to another fantastic Girl’s Weekend in a remote town somewhere in South Africa, Sam and I noticed, simultaneously, some noteworthy style. A young mother, dressed casually in denim with flat, unremarkable shoes on, but with the most spectacular red handbag! Her fabulous accessory made her stand out from the crowd. She was chic. She was enviable. She was ’style’. A red handbag has a fascinating ability to make any outfit look utterly fantastic. Joy to the Red Handbag! If you haven’t got one yet, may I strongly suggest it could be time?

 Celebs looking fab with their red handbags

 

 

There’s a red bag for everyone! So many great styles to choose from, all utterly gorgeous and envy-making! 

While this trend suits anyone of any age, it may be advisable to keep this one for the ladies…

 

The Low Down on Metallics

While metallics can add a bit of glam and sparkle to an otherwise boring ensemble, it is far too easy to take the look over-the-top. To avoid appearing as if you’ve been attacked by a giant roll of tin-foil, the old mantra “less is more” applies more than ever. One or two pieces of metallic in an outfit is enough.

Unless you approach wearing metallics with the right amount of subtlety, it’s easy to come across as cheap and cheesy.

So how does one keep something as bold as wearing metallics, subtle?

First, there are different types of metallic to consider.

There are your mirror shiny, check-your-reflection metallics, which can be a challenge to wear without appearing over-bling-ed:

 

 

There are über-shiny coloured metallics, which I have never seen anyone pull off without looking trashy:

And then there are the muted, softer metallics which are brushed and can look elegant:

 For shoes, it’s probably worth investing a little extra on good quality, because once your metallics are scuffed, the only place for them is the trash. It’s also important to keep them clean after wearing them. Wipe off any marks or dust to avoid the same trashy feel as scuffs.

When choosing handbags and belts, feel the fabric and decide whether or not it feels cheap and may begin to peel.

If you wear metallic jewellery that is already quite flashy, skip the metallic clothing altogether.

 

 

PS on metallics… what do you think?

Everyone is doing metallics these days. Overkill? trashy? stylish? What do you reckon?

I just had to share these with you:

Got oil?

 

Jada Pinkett-Smith I actually just don’t know what to say.

 

 

Just, gross. Really. Do you agree? Would you change your mind if I told you they were Guiseppe Zanotti, Dolce Gabbanna and Manolo Blahniks?

 

 

At least J-Lo has the good sense to appear embarrassed.

 

What’s our girl thinking? What do you think of this?

 

 

And finally, it seems Jada’s been dressing Will too…

 

 

Tone it down people! Repeat after me:

“Less is more. Less is more. Less is more…”

 

Great skincare secrets for guys…

I found a fab website called Manology which has absolutely everything a man could need to know for looking good and healthy this summer. They have a huge selection of great recommendations. I spoke to founder Wayne Perry, and here’s what he said:

 FACE

Moisturisers

A guy’s skin requirements are going to change with the seasons and so should his products. Most guys will need a lighter moisturiser for the summertime - preferably one with a ‘built-in’ SPF to save the hassle of mixing products and lugging around too many bottles. Also guys that suffer from oily skin would be best to change to an oil free moisturiser as they will find with heat, sweat and humidity that their heavier moisturiser that they were using during the cold winter months will now make their skin oily and give them extra shine. Products such as Baxter of California’s Oil Free Moisturiser and their Super Shape SPF15 Moisturiser are both great products for the summer months.

Cleansers

With the extra heat, humidity and sweat a guy might also find that his t-spot becomes a lot more oilier during the summer months, a good cleaners like men-u’s facial wash would be recommended as it has tea tree oil and witch hazel to help remove dirt and oil and combat any potential blemishes that won’t go down well in the board room!

Toners

Alcohol free toners are also great for combating and controlling excess oil and shine, so definitely something guys with very oily skin may want to consider using during the summer months.

General

Research has shown that looking good at work can give guys a good advantage, so I would also mention treatment products for use on blemishes and ingrown hairs. One such product we about to launch in the next few days is MiN New York Solution2 - a fantastic product for combating shaving rash and ingrown hairs and razor bumps - something that black men in particular are very susceptible to due to the nature of their facial hair growth. Other great products are Baxter of California’s Razor Bump repair and
Nickel’s Smooth Operator ingrown hair gel.

BODY

Sunblock

Most guys already know that UV exposure of any description is a definite way to harm - and age - their skin. What isn’t common knowledge; however, are the basics when it comes to selecting a suitable SPF and using it properly. Most people choose the strength of their SPF based on how deep a tan they want and end up buying the wrong product.

Here are 6 tips for guy’s suncare this summer:

1. To find out how long the sunscreen will last, multiply the time it takes you to burn (with no protection at all) by the product’s SPF to equal the amount of minutes’ protection you’ll get. As a rough guide, it takes a really fair guy about 3-4 minutes to burn whereas a guy with olive or Mediterranean skin can take up to 10 minutes. So for a fair guy an SPF of 15 will last around 45-60mins.

 2. Using last year’s stash of sunblock is not a good idea! Products spoil just like food and chances are the sunblock that got them through last summer isn’t going to be as potent 12 months later. While a normal moisturiser with SPF will suffice for the city, something with water resistance is ideal for the beach.

 3. They should always apply your sunscreen at least half an hour before they go outside - it has to react with the skin first in order for it to work.

 4. Always reapply when using it at the beach and doing other outside activities.

 5. An aftersun is just as essential as a sunscreen. Not only will it help repair damage caused by UV exposure but it will calm any irritated skin and redness.

 6. Consider using a self tanner to give you a healthy base tan to start with before you go out in the sun.

HAIR

Chlorine, salt and sweat can play havoc on a guy’s hair during summer. So using a decent shampoo AND a conditioner is definitely recommended during the summer months - to keep their hair healthy, looking good as well as easy to manage.

 Guys that unfortunately don’t need the use of shampoos and conditioners should still remember to use an SPF moisturiser
on their scalp to protect them from the harsh summer sun.

 

Watch this…

Dunhill’s Car Watch

Nothing gets a gal’s blood racing faster than a well-turned out, well coordinated guy, who takes care of himself down to the subtlest detail while still appearing rugged and effortless. A favourite men’s look? The matching watch-strap. The strap compliments your shoes, or your belt or both. That’s why I was speechless with excitement when I discovered the Dunhill Car Watch at Dunhill in Sandton. Interchangeable straps mean whatever you wear, you’ll always look polished. Includes stainless steel bracelet, black and tan straps.

High-tech and Innovative

The high-tech, two-part case of the Carwatch is made from either steel or an ultra-light combination of titanium and stage 2 ceramic. In profile, it resembles the lines of a futuristic ‘concept car’.

 

The front of the watch is highlighted by an engraved ‘number plate.’ This is interchangeable with a supplied blank designed to take the inscription of your choice, such as the registration of your favourite sports car.

Fitted with a Swiss self-winding mechanical movement, the ‘Carwatch’ has a six o’clock date aperture and comes with a calf strap with deployant clasp and a ‘tool kit’ similar to that supplied with vintage cars comprising a stainless steel bracelet and a stud-fastening, calf ‘driver’s strap.’

dunhill Carwatch tool kit

Each ‘Carwatch’ is also supplied with spare screws for the number plate and a custom-made screwdriver.

Inspired by those that traditionally accompanied vintage cars, the dunhill tool kit comes in an aluminium piston head casing, which opens to reveal a canvas and leather roll. Complete with glass vials containing an additional blank number plate, interchangeable stainless steel bracelet or stud-fastening, calf ‘driver’s strap’, screws and a custom made screwdriver, this is the perfect compliment for every aspiring mechanic or petrol head.

A driver´s watch

dunhill´s Carwatch takes a cue from the Edwardian driver´s watches which were designed to be worn on the side of the wrist rather than on the top. That way they could be seen without the wearer having to release his bucking steering wheel.

dunhill´s 21st century take on this idea is to create an innovative, shaped sapphire crystal glass with individually-sized numbers. This means the watch can be worn in the conventional way yet is still easy to read at a glance whether gripping a steering wheel or riding a motorcycle.

 

An Hour with the Boss

In preparation for my 2nd interview on CNBC’s Business AM, I headed off to my shopping Mecca in Sandton and decided to browse some of the finer men’s stores for some ideas. An hour spent with Sumesh at Hugo Boss provided tons of great tips for a cool, stylish summer office wardrobe.

Suits

The super fine Virgin Wool suits range from plain fabrics to self-stripe, pinstripes to chalk stripes. Some of my favourites were the Cotton-Silk “Shark skin” suits, which have a beautiful sheen and seem to glide like liquid with every movement. After work you can take off your tie or throw on a T-shirt underneath to remain effortlessly stylish for social events.

 

Brad Pitt in Shark Skin - Cotton/Silk Blend

Single breasted, lapel low-on-the-chest, 2-button jackets are in this season, keeping just the top button fastened.

Shirts

Most Hugo Boss shirts are easy iron and all double-cuff shirts come with wearable presentation cufflinks included. While the Herringbone fabric is slightly heavier, the Oxford Weave is lightweight as are the 100% Egyptian Cotton (Super Fine) shirts, which make these preferable for hot South African summers. My favourites were the self-stripe as they have a handy crease-hiding effect, which means you’ll look just as polished at the end
of a long work day as when you first set out.

Trends are leaning more towards the slimfit rather than the traditional regular cut. Influences from Europe, still catching on in South Africa, streamlines the body and gives a more defined shape for the torso. Always wear a slimfit shirt under a slimfit jacket, as your suit shouldn’t “just hang”.

New shirt colours coming in to South Africa are beautiful pale nectarine and pastel salmon, which work very well with khaki, fawn and beige.

 

In his shoes…

Shoes

South African men tend to avoid brown shoes at all costs. Understandably, there are some dodgy shades of brown out there, but chocolate brown should not be disqualified as a shoe colour. Beautiful suede fabrics with matching belts can go a long way to making an ordinary outfit become something extra stylish.  

Remember, never pair a brown belt with black shoes, and vice versa. An extra chic touch is to make sure your watch strap matches your belt and your shoes.

 

PS: unless playing sport, never wear white socks. Ever.

The Shopping Sensei Recommends….

Tumi - Canyon Leather Collection

Elegant, stylish, but also extremely funky! My laptop’s been salivating over this beautiful, quality leather in black and brown.  

Tumi Echo Vertical Messenger

 

Tumi Laurel Slim Messenger

 

Metallic rage…

Help! Help!

It’s the tin woman… hide your oil!

 Although I think this bag is kind of cute:

 

Love them or hate them, metallics are clearly here to stay for at least another season.