Durban - What to wear? This summer we’re spoilt for choice. Here’s some suggestions.
Hats off
Sun hats are perfect for your summer resort-wear wardrobe.
Styles include the panama, safari, wide Bretons, cotton traveller, raffia, cowboy and sports hats.
Emthunzini Hats are endorsed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa). They have a high sun protection rating of UPF 50+, which means that they block 98 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays – making them not only fashionable but sensible too.
We pictured the Gatsby, a natural fibre/polyester braid sewn hat with beading trim around the crown and a knot at the back which completes the look. It comes in natural, pistachio and charcoal, and sells for R396. www.sunhats.co.za
Bling
The latest Kirsten Goss collection is best described as darkly romantic with an edge of subversive drama. Fusing the flamboyance and audacity of ’20s Gatsby with a dash of punk for good measure, the bold new Arcade range features asymmetric earrings, striking cuffs and a brass geometric necklace.
Inspired in part by the steampunk genre, the dazzling Arcade range, pictured, mixes clean modern lines with the opulence of the 1920s.
Within the pieces, amethyst is the only “traditional” stone to feature. Otherwise, this season’s colour palette brings to life subtler spring hues including yellow opal, green quartz and rose agate mixed with a dash of black spinal chrysoprase. Earrings range from R980 to R3300.
www.kirstengoss.com
Plush Pals
Put a little heart in your holiday with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Clarice the Reindeer. Festive and fun, watch how Clarice’s heart and Rudolph’s nose both light up. You will find them at Build-A-Bear Workshops. The Christmas range also includes Cheerful Monkey, a super-cuddly monkey with chocolate brown fur (you’ll find a cute elf outfit, elf shoes and hat set for him in store) as well as the One Direction Bear, which comes with a logo on one paw and a photo of the band on the other. Don’t forget to add your personal recorded message to make One Direction bear, one-of-a-kind. You can, of course, customise your furry friend at Build-A-Bear. Prices start from R99. Don’t forget to support Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Stuffed for Hugs Charity Promo during the holidays. Simply bring an old teddy to the store, drop it into the collection bin between November 15 and December 9, and you will receive an automatic 15 percent off your purchase. The teddies will be donated to a children’s charity in the New Year. www.buildabear.co.za.
Shades
Sunglass hut has a wide array of branded summer shades to choose from. I love these black flower embellished D&G sunglasses, at R5 190.
www.sunglasshut.com
Technology
Let’s face it, in today’s world, your cellphone is your hottest, all-the-time accessory, so it’s worth giving your gadget a festive makeover. Try the Crystal High Society Stone Chain Case from Forever New at R199.
www.forevernew.com/au
Cozzies
A sizzling summer cozzie is a must have this season. We found the two-piece, pictured above, at Rozanne & Pushkin at Gateway. The young Durban designer shot to fame when she won the Durban Fashion Experience and her own store eight years ago, at the age of 21.
The shop has since evolved to reflect designer Rozanne Immerman’s own wardrobe with on-trend streetwear, cute swimwear and sexy cocktail items.
Clothing and accessories are now sourced locally and internationally – with items from Thailand, Greece, Australia and California. You can catch the latest R&P items on Facebook, Instragram and Twitter. Pictured is model Courtney van der Walt with hair and make-up by Olia Outkina. The photograph is taken by Hanri Human. Prices vary.
Arm candy
Colour is big this season, but if you’re forking out for a handbag it might as well be a classic. I love the Dune Dyramid handbag from Edgars, R1 099. This large brown synthetic handbag with gold detail would look good with any outfit. - The Mercury