Clutch Crush

Every girl needs at least one good accessory (per outfit). More is always better, but we don't always have the time (or the options). I know some women are part of the 'Bigger is Better'-handbag-movement, and with everything we tend to carry with us, I fully understand. But I've always been a clutch person. A clutch has more impact, personality and is easier to play around with. You're not just slinging it over your shoulder, you're presenting it to the world in your hand. 

Clutches can be boldly shaped, boldly coloured, boldly patterned or boldly textured. I love the idea of carrying a clutch in a contrasting colour to that of your outfit. Slightly oversized clutches give a sense of drama, and a slouchy one can add an element of casual chic. When carrying a clutch around, consider adding some interesting bangles or rings to your look or wearing an interesting shade of nail polish. This will only enhance the impact of your fabulous 'hand' bag. Here are some of my favourites:
 

Here's Looking at You

Mens fashion has always been something that has seemed to evade me. As much as I love to see a well-dressed man, and I really really do, it has never really struck me why or what I specifically liked about it. So recently, in an en effort to find out what I preferred, I went looking for some examples of mens' outfits which I liked. I get that men don't really fuss about their wardrobe, but looking good pays. I promise. Prominent looks among the well-dressed men I've spotted are denim-on-denim (in different shades, of course), an element of camel thrown in (in the shape of some pants or a beanie) and leather. Men shouldn't be afraid to throw in one colorful item into their look, but remember to anchor it with a solid basic like a denim jean or a beige jacket. Slip-on shoes in either a canvas material or an interesting print could work really well for summer. Combat boots accentuate the 'rolled-hem' look on pants well, but could be quite uncomfortable to wear in our South African heat. 


Men are lucky. You don't need to be slaves to the latest trend in order to be fashionable, you can update your wardrobe with simple accessories. Now, the word accessories may seem daunting to most men, but something like cross-bands, a bag, a beanie or a bow-tie will only enhance your manly charm and your hotness-factor to the ladies. The same pants you wore last season can be transformed by simply rolling up the hem. The checked-shirt which has been in for a couple of seasons can still be stylish, just worn with different accessories. A new pair of shoes will give you an entire new look. Men only need three things to make an outfit: a shirt, pants and shoes. Here are some ways to make those basics exciting and make the ladies swoon:

On the Map

I have been quite lucky. I live in the most beautiful city in the world. I live in one of the most vibrant countries in the world. I wake up each morning to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. I do what I love and I have an amazing group of people in my life. But, and I hate to have a 'but', I also enjoy getting out of the city. And out of the province. But most of all I enjoy getting out of the country. I love to travel. I need to travel. I live to travel. 


I have been fortunate enough to visit almost every continent. We may have many cultures in South Africa, but experiencing ones we don't come across in our every day lives is an eye opener. The language barriers make even the most normal requests exciting. Food tastes better. Trees look better. People dress better. If only for that moment in your mind. Every new place and experience has the profound ability to change your life in a little way. But, as we can't always go away (or afford) to experience the world, it is much easier to bring the world into your own home. So here are some ideas on how to do just that: