Handbag Essentials

some celebrities are known for their over-sized, large and highly fashionable handbags. ever wondered what is inside this handbag? this is something that a man will never be able to figure out, never. 

each and every handbag is as unique as your finger print pattern. as busy women we rush from one thing to the next, in between the office, meetings, children, events, school, lunch and home. at anytime in the 24hour cycle, you might need something from your handbag. over and above the normal sunglasses, purse, iPad and iPod, here are 10 essential must-haves for your handbag:

1. Kangaroo Pouch or cherry bag. this is a little bag that goes inside your bag. It has lots of little pouches and compartments for all your things – also making changing handbags easy.
2. small tin of Dry Shampoo for those days when your hair gets drizzled on, after the gym, or before a meeting to add a bit of body.
3. Lipstick or lipgloss. any shade, any brand, you just need one…always
4. Lip balm. again, any brand, colour or flavour. you never know when you may need to pucker up. 
5. Hand sanitizer or hand wet-wipes. perfect for before lunch or after you have been in a public place.
6. Hand Cream. the perfect way of keeping your hands silky smooth and soft.
7. Concealer. you just do not know when something may make themselves present on your face.
8. Small tin of bronzing beads. these are perfect on those winter days when you need a glow or freshening up before a meeting.
9. Chewing gum or peppermints. always, this is not even discussable.
10. Mini brush to tame your mane at point of the day. 

Are you a TOP-SHOP-PER?

London's ever so famous Topshop has landed in Cape Town. since Cape Town received the likes of Zara after JHB and Durban, we were not surprised that Topshop arrived here last too. As the over used saying goes . . . "saving the best for last." anyway, 

LOVE TOPSHOP

"topshop's make up range"

"the beautiful OTT accessories" 

we were so excited that it was like a "kid in a candy store"

"the changing rooms was my best. the fabulous wall art was just something"

"shoes were crazy - but maybe that is what is coming in. but with the assistance of a personal stylists in store, makes it extremely helpful" 

all in all the store is fabulous and great for Cape Town to have a high street fashion store such as Topshop and Topman. 

however, general overview of the actual clothes was that each garment was a statement piece. everything was very "loud", "in your face" . . . in other words, whatever you wore, would have a long lasting impression. having lived in London and fallen in-love with topshop many years ago, I was disappointed with the range that had been brought over to South Africa. don't get me wrong, there were some very nice items of clothing . . . but in general: not too impressed. 

BUT, go take a look for yourself at the Victoria and Wharf Waterfront, Cape Town.

Sassy Autumn Textures

Autumn is just around the corner and already those “wardrobe must-haves” are emerging. And with this I can only be referring to black tights. As women who like to dress to impress (let us be honest) we should actually know that our opposite sex (i.e. men are not the biggest fans of these black tights that are readily available in every store, nation wide.

However, hope is not lost, for new and fun fashion this Autumn/Winter why not dress these black tights up a bit. At out A/W 2013 fashion weeks we saw some fabulous textures strutting around. Bold, tactile, playful patterns, layers, layers and layers brimming with sequins and buttons of all sizes! Now, THIS is what I call high fashion. It is understood that we cannot walk out the house every morning like we have walked off the Milan Runway, BUT you can help yourself by on a faux fur or shaggy wool jumper to complement your black tights that you were going to wear anyways.

Still not convinced? Why not customize your clothes with some interesting buttons, bling elements and big furry trims.

JENNI BUTTON AND HILTON WEINER ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL FASHION PARTNERS AT THE 2013 VEUVE CLICQUOT MASTERS

Jenni Button and Hilton Weiner have been announced as the official Fashion Partners for the 2013 Veuve Clicquot Masters. A Hilton Weiner & Jenni Button Fashion Show will form part of the day’s activities, while Creative Director for the brands, Warrick Gautier, will be a judge in the Best Dressed competition for the day.

South Africa’s most glamorous polo event of the annual social calendar is set to take place for the third year running on Saturday 23rd February 2013 at Val de Vie Estate outside Cape Town.

The Jenni Button Summer 2013 collection, Journey to Marrakech, focuses on sensual modern cuts and shapes to suit the strong independent Jenni woman’s insatiable love of glamour, opulence and pleasure. Introducing exotic animal prints such as snake, leopard and crocodile in gold, silver and metallic shades, the collection is juxtaposed with splashes of colour – from bright aqua and teal, to azure blue, sea green and coral. Neutrals still form the foundation of the collection, mixed with bold geometric prints. Jenni will showcase its exclusive Couture Collection at this year’s Polo event.

The Hilton Weiner Summer 2013 Resort Collection sees the introduction of sand washed silk, reverse silk, quality linen, and leather. There is also an array of architecturally inspired prints and Bugle-cut bead embellishments that can be found on Midi and Maxi dresses and selected blouses in the women's wear collection.

The IT item in the Men's Eveningwear collection is the Superfine Wool Tuxedo with satin lapels, and the collection as a whole is underpinned by timeless pieces in superb cuts.

Veuve Clicquot Masters Cape Town, one of five international tournaments, is their first and only on the African continent. Proven a resounding success and enjoyed by SA’s glamorous elite, guests include top celebrities, fashionable socialites and avid polo lovers.

The Veuve Clicquot Masters Cape Town has grown considerably since its first year and is expected to draw in more than 1200 guests this year. Val de Vie’s world-class polo fields and luxurious club house facilities provide the ideal venue to host an event of this caliber. VIP guests can expect a day out filled with champagne, gourmet canapés, sophisticated fashion, traditional games of pétanque, pamper lounges and of course a riveting game of world class polo.

SAVE THE DATE DIARY DETAILS:

Event: Veuve Clicquot Masters Cape Town

Date: Saturday 23^rd February 2013

Venue: Val de Vie Estate (Paarl-Franschhoek Valley)

Public Tickets:

POLO CLUB ACCESS: R390 per person - includes a glass of wine and light lunch.

EQUUS VIP LOUNGE: R1, 750 per person - includes lunch and an open bar (premium brands available at a cash bar)