Hello!

54 on Bath, Johannesburg, South Africa

Hi everyone! I know it's been three months but I am back. I spent the last three months between South Africa and Zimbabwe and it was amazing. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to go home and see things from a different perspective. I feel refreshed and inspired. I'll be back to blogging VERY VERY soon!

xx

GlamGirl

& since I'm feeling patriotic, below is  16 year old Zimbabwean model, Nyasha Mathonhodze who is one of the faces of Louis Vuitton's new ad campaign. So exciting to see :) Major moves for her.

Fashion Diary: Diarrha N.

Diarrha N. , 21

New York

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is honestly is everchanging. When i think of fashion, i picture a story. One that is quite expressive, that is detailed enough to convey an emotion. With that said, somedays I can dress completely raw with steel plated boots and dark palettes; while other days i can dressed completely soft with light palettes, and intricate delicates. Fashion is an emotion for me, and my inspirations for day to day life.

What is your go to outfit if you have 15 minutes to get ready for the day?

My go to outfit would probably be a flowy silk blouse that is eccentric in color (thinking magenta, coral, or powder pinks) , with fitted distressed light blue jeans , paired booties with a platform similar to my favorite steve madden Chelseey Ankle Boots, in the grey of black color. It is imperative to have a unique pointer finger ring, and a chain purse that compliment the shoes. Yes, Yes details matter.

What have your favorite items been this winter?

My favorite items this winter have been the huge cable knit sweaters and the chic "Rachel Zoe" fur vests. They have grown quite popular especially amongst my college campus. While very simple, they add touches sophistication; making a simple ensemble to fie for.  I enjoy them but they make packing hell ! I went to Dubai to celebrate New Years, and it was actually 80 degrees there !! There my favorite items were actually the hijabs! With the warm weather, women there were wearing hijabs in such vibrant colors. There weren't quite new to me since I am muslim, BUT i really was intrigued by the variationsWhat is your favorite season to dress for?

If you could raid any celebrity's closet, who would it be and why?

Don't hate me my dears but it is so very close between Victoria Beckham and the "new" Rihanna. Both celebrities pay particular attention to details, silhouettes and remain conscience of their bodies, not to mention their bold and relentlessness attitudes to fashion unique skews. Victoria Beckham is famous for her cutting edge, yet sophisticated style; This i adore dearly, and her accessories are always up to par. My "new" Rihanna (post 2004) is a bold and daring young one, who isn't afraid to try colors, eccentric patterns/ textiles, and admire her body! I am inspired by both of these phenomenal artists

What is the biggest fashion mistake you see girls make?

I believe the biggest fashion mishaps amongst women always has been and will continue to be adapting a style of another for in-genuine reasons. When a trend, a phase , or anything of that nature becomes IN fashion it becomes second nature for a lot of females (and equally men) to "jump on the bandwagon" and assume the "role".  I could go on forever with examples, but i am sure we all know of similar situations. When you are able to pass by someone and sense she or he is uncomfortable or unsure of what message they are trying to portray it becomes very uncomfortable and unbecoming of their character and fashion conscience

Say Hello: Illanka V.

A lot of people have this thing against wearing the same clothes over and over. I love to see people who buy some great pieces and them mix and match to the point where you forget that it's the same pieces. My  FAVORITE blogger is from the Netherlands. I just love the way she puts outfits together, if there was anyone in the world I would want to dress like,

it would be her. I asked her for permission to post some of her pictures but PLEASE go and check out her blog www.fashionnerdic.com ... I'm positive you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Red Carpet Central

Since it's Red Carpet season, I decided to get a new iPad app. I'm excited about the E! Red Carpet Live app.....it seems to offer a lot including a live stream. I will be testing it out this Sunday for the Screen Actor's Guild awards. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android so check it out! So far, so good.

Say Hello: Fanele Love

Over the past year I've met (virtually or otherwise) a number of women interested in African fashion & arts specifically.  One of them is Fanele Love! Her blog Fashion et Al is a must read for me but also she shares so much through her facebook page-- links, pictures etc. She works so hard to bring some amazing content and share the beauty of African fashion. I asked her a few questions to learn more about her and what she does.

When did you start blogging &Why?

I began blogging continuously last year around October [2009]. Initially I used the blog as a way of channeling thoughts towards something light and positive. At the time, I was going through major changes, I was a new mother and the territory came with unprecedented challenges. I have always loved art and history, even though I study Economics. The blog took on a life of its own, combining these loves into fashion, and the rest is history.

Why the focus on African Fashion?

I have lived abroad for 4 years now, and this has enhanced my love and appreciation for my region in a way that would not have happened had I not left. In Swaziland, unless you are in a particular industry, news does not travel much. If there is a fashion show in Jozi, there will be a one minute feauture in the evening news, and thats it. So when I was thrust into the world of Internet media, I discovered this huge and exciting and incredibly talented world of African fashion. It was like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I was amazed how, right next door in South Africa, so much has been going on that I had no idea of. Sure, I'd heard of Stoned Cherrie and Sun Goddess, but through the blog, I discovered so many designers who were equally innovative! I decided to use the blog to advertise these artist, so that others who are still unaware of the talent we have become aware, and more importantly, show support. I believe that art is an essential part of any developing and modernizing society, and where I come from it is unfortunately overlooked and ridiculed, simply because it is not understood.

How do you source content for your blog?

I began by reading the more popular blogs such as Bella Naija and Farai. Through such cites, I got to know about designers, whom I then promptly looked up on Facebook. Most designers have pages there, and on these they have links to their websites and blogs. So do most magazines. Apart from that, I read a lot of magazines, and each time I check the names of the editors, whom I also look up on Facebook. Fashion editors and stylists often have blogs too, for example Mboko Mobutu of GHUBAR magazine. I also check out websites such asafricafashioninternational.com , ifashion.co.za, hautefashionafrica.com where they post the hottest talent, review shows, and put up high quality images from shows. I am fluent in French, and this has exposed me to fashion magazines in France such as GHUBAR and FASHIZBLACK which are a great source of material.

Click to read more!

Winter Trend: Aviator Jacket

The Burberry Fall 2010 collection brought the Aviator Jacket into the limelight. I found myself suddenly wishing for one. I've always been a leather jacket kind of girl -- in the Winter when it gets really cold, I just layer underneath it but I'm so faithful to my leathers. The aviator jacket is a welcome change. Warm & toasty but still looks super good. I'm still looking for the right one to buy....I need to hurry because this weather is so unpredictable...it may be Spring next week haha.

Liya Kebede X Marie Claire

I absolutely love this woman. Anytime I see her in a magazine, I get so excited. She has had really great staying power as an African model. She looks great in the February issue of Marie Claire (US).

Pic of the Day

From the Stella McCartney Fall 2011 Presentation. I love this look. That sweater is absolutely gorgeous. Simple yet chic, just what I've come to expect from the brand.

Runway --> Herway

Leighton Meester in a Marchesa Jumpsuit. I'm so torn, I hate it but I love it then I hate it all over again. I'm pretty sure Blair Waldorf would NOT approve of such. Below is the runway look.