Cape Town - Colour blocking and mullet skirts and dresses are the buzzwords for this summer. From chunky accessories to cropped pants, bright colours and prints, they’re all necessary for lazy, hot days… and it’s imperative one gets them right.
For the not-so-fashion-forward, colour-blocking involves wearing two clashing bold colours to make the perfect outfit. A fierce fashion attitude is recommended to be able carry off this look.
Mullet dresses and skirts are inspired by the popular 1980s hairstyle, and mean that clothes are short in front and long at the back. They are usually made of soft , flowing fabrics that give you a relaxed, elegant look.
Keeping up with seasonal trends can be expensive and stylish clothes at reasonable prices are hard to find.
As an alternative shopping venue, the Cape Argus visited the city’s Station Deck shopping area.
Found on the top of Cape Town’s railway station are rows and rows of white square kiosks.
They sell anything from shoes, to baby toys and make-up.
It is a hub of activity, from preachers to vendors pan-frying snoek… and everything summer-ish.
One of the vendors, Ayanda Gada, of Samora Machel, says she stocks all the latest trends.
“At the moment I have a lot of bright colours because it’s summer,” she adds.
Gada’s collection is a colour-blocker’s paradise and her top sellers are a blue mullet dress (R110) and a striped multi-coloured top (R95).
Nearby, Abubaker Carelse proudly displays his best seller, “bowling shoes” with a pop of neon.
He has been running his shoe business for two years and everything in the kiosk costs R60.
“I enjoy working here because I am my own boss.
“I know my market well and update my stock every week.”
Carelse stocks everything, from wedges to sandals.
Prices at the stall of jewellery dealer Phumela Ufochukwu, are anything from R5 to R1 000 and she says she is able to make a comfortable living.
“I buy my jewellery locally and around Africa. Women love jewellery and thousands pass here every day,” says Ufochukwu.
Her stock of accessories include beaded neck pieces and earrings, chunky gold and silver bracelets.
The Station Deck shopping experience doesn’t include fitting rooms, but affordable retail therapy against the beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain, more than makes up for that. - Cape Argus