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.