FASHION ALERT - Gert-Johan Coetzee for Spree.co.za

The festive season just got a whole lot more festive! It's another fantastic milestone for the renowned Gert-Johan Coetzee - his new ready-to-wear range will now be available on Spree.co.za. Online shopping is certainly the new frontier: we love the convenience of ordering your favourite items online without the hassle of queues and crowded shopping centres. The new ready-to-wear range will consist of 13 pieces in total with a price range of R660 to R1350. Designer wear at a steal at your fingertips! We simply adore this new collaboration. We went out to the lush Crowne Plaza Hotel to find out more about Gert-Johan's latest venture. 

A collaboration made in
fashion heaven!

While sipping magnificent G.M. & Ahrens bubbly, we heard more about this new collaboration: 'I love that Spree now brings GJC to anyone anywhere in South Africa, with affordable prices, swift delivery and a great returns policy,' said the designer of the new levels of accessibility which a platform such as Spree provides. Online shopping has been slower to develop in the South African market than in other markets; however, this definitely looks set to change. A fact often bemoaned by those desiring labels such as GJC is the challenges associated with acquiring your favourite local designer dress in an affordable retail setting. This is especially true for those living outside of the bigger cities. 

Gert-Johan Coetzee telling us more about the Spree collection

About the collection, 'the range is based on my latest runway collection that was inspired by HIV awareness. SA is still the country with the highest infection rate, especially amongst women. It's a sophisticated daywear collection for the GJC girl who loves dressing up, but also needs something stylish and different for the office and lounging.' 

Catching up with Jay Anstey 

There is more black and white in the Spree range using Coetzee's infinity diamond design, this makes it incredibly accessible as this collection can be made to be glamorous or dressed down as the occasion calls for.  The printed fabric depicting what the virus looks like under the microscope ('Polka Dot Monster') is also represented in the Spree collection. We love the fact that this collection provides what Coetzee feels is severely lacking in most women's wardrobes: the basics that can be used for various different occasions. 

The lovely Jay Anstey in two looks from the collection

We could not be more thrilled about fashion becoming more accessible. Check out this fabulous collection on www.spree.co.za.

THE ROAD TO MISS VEET 2015

With 2015 almost moments away, we are already gearing up for the the new year and one of the first challenges will be taking part in will be the search for the new Miss VEET 2015.  The top 20 finalists have been selected from thousands of entries from around the country - each of these girls embody the brand footprint that VEET represents.

VEET is the number 1 hair removal brand in the world with over 80 years experience of developing safe, effective products that are successfully used by over 30 million women across the world, every year.

Brand Ambassador, Melinda Bam was especially drawn to the finalists as they possess a natural beauty and femininity, display confidence, grace and are trend setters not followers.

Most importantly they have smooth, soft skin!

TOP 10 

The top 10 based on the public's  votes, will be  announced on the 15th of January & the winners  flown to the Veet Villa in February next year, the epitome of luxury, where they will spend a few days with the Veet ambassadors, successful social media, fashion and beauty experts as well as key media and celebrity guests. We cannot wait to see who this will be! 

The phenomenal prizes for Miss Veet SA 2015 include:

R120 000 contract to become an ambassador for Veet

R50 000 photo shoot

R15 000 makeover

R10 000 shopping spree

Model & Business mentoring classes to the value of R10 000

R5 000  worth of Veet products.

We will continue to keep you updated as the competition hots up.  Or you could always visit www.veetbeauty.co.za and keep up with the news.

FLYING FISH PREMIUM FLAVOURED BEER - #FestiveFlavour at Poolside

The festive season is upon us and it's time to stop worrying about work deadlines and unwind with a bottle of Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer. We went in search of some great spots around town to unwind this festive season and and we came across Poolside located in the centre of town close to the Museum of Art and Design.  We were thrilled to discover this little Summer spot while exploring the inner city with Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer. We popped over on Sunday afternoon to relax at the Poolside with some of our favourite Flying Fish beer. The vibe was incredibly relaxed and summery - the perfect spot to unwind with friends this holiday. 

We took the opportunity to get our feet wet while relaxing at the Poolside

The perfect beverage for any Summer occasion:
a bottle of Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer

We loved the relaxed atmosphere at this venue:
some people decided to swim while others lounged about and soaked up some sun

Of course, the stylish were out and about
- we loved these ensembles!

Poolside can be enjoyed while chilling outdoors but there is also a
great indoor section and bar at the venue

Chatting and chilling with friends around the pool
- blissful after a long year

Alan tried his hand at posting a letter using this funky postbox

The perfect Summer spot to unwind with friends
 and Flying Fish this Festive Season

It's time to party and enjoy the sunshine -
'tis the season to be merry after all!
Make sure you stock up on
Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer

Flying Fish is definitely the number one choice
for any chilled occasion with friends this Festive Season

Poolside is located at 281 Commissioner Street, Maboneng, Johannesburg

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND - Phashash Clothing For Men

We recently popped down to Styling Concepts to check out the Phashash range of clothing for men. Founded and established by Charlene Lewison in December of 2013, Phashash is a dynamic, exclusive Men’s clothing brand that exudes quality and contemporary style. The name says it all with the Phashash brand, derived fresh off the streets of South Africa, where the word loosely translates to “freakin’ awesome”. Just like the name, the Phashash range of clothing is proudly local, fashion forward and extremely appealing to all ages of South African men. The designs are trendy, adapting clean lines and adding an edge to premium fabrics and exceptional tailoring. The Phashash label is not only fashion forward but portrays depth in their brand as each shirt tells its own unique story using trims, detailing and colouration in diverse ways as a medium to do so.

We discovered some well-tailored shirts as well as cool accessories to complement a summer look. Look what we found...

Mad hatters: We loved these simple peak caps - stylish and urban
(of course they wouldn't work with Alan's hair so he just posed with them,
Krishen, on the other hand, decided to try them all on!)

Add a little additional accessory to your wardrobe this Summer

We loved the detailing on the shirts -
well-tailored with great attention to detail.
There was a great selection of colour and design to choose from

To find out more and to check out more of this cool range, go to www.phashashshirts.co.za. 

FLYING FISH PREMIUM FLAVOURED BEER - #FoodFlavour in Maboneng Precinct

We are continuing our search with Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer to find the trendiest spots to be seen at in Jozi this summer. We were looking to #AddSomeFlavour to our food with Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer and went out in search of food hotspots in Maboneng Precinct. What should one do on a lazy Sunday? Stay indoors slumped in front of the T.V.? Definitely not. Our city has amazing spaces, places and people who are up for a party - even on a Sunday! We went through to the Maboneng Precinct to discover what the cool kids get up to on a Sunday afternoon. 

This cultural hub in the centre of the city offers and explosion of culture:
from restaurants to bars to culture - all to be found in Maboneng

We enjoyed strolling the streets in search of cultural artefacts,
such as cool Heritage Buildings

Murals depict a buzzing culture: fusing old and new seamlessly
to create a uniquely Jozi feeling

We love the Mexican food at Mama Mexicana
- the perfect spicy, flavoursome meal washed down with some
Flying Fish

The perfect beverage for many different types of food:
it went down particularly well with some Mexican! 

Arts on Main comes alive on Sunday:
filled with fascinating food spots and funky people,
the perfect spot to chill out at this summer with some
Flying Fish

We particularly love the restaurant, Canteen, at Arts on Main

Taking the time to catch a selfie while walking
the streets of Maboneng

There certainly isn't a lack of places to find great food in Maboneng
You'll find some of the best spots in Jozi along these streets.
There are a multitude of cultures represented
in the various cuisine offerings

Clothing À la carte: some eye-catching sights to be seen on the streets

There's even a braai corner for those seeking a more down-to-earth taste:
accompanied by our favourite orange flavoured Flying Fish Beer

Even on a languid Sunday afternoon, the trendy
Jozi folk look effortlessly stylish

The perfect way to spend a Sunday: with Flying Fish Premium Flavoured
Beer and some good company in Maboneng Precinct 

DAVID TLALE AT LUMINANCE - Hyde Park Corner - Johannesburg

To celebrate the arrival of the David Tlale range at Hyde Park Corner's premiere luxury store, Luminance, special guests were treated to a fashion show highlighting the latest collection from the man who is undoubtedly the country's top fashion designer.  

The latest David Tlale Collection was first shown at New York Fashion Week
and again at the recent Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa

Our friends Jen Su and Peta Eggierth-Symes are always great fun to be around.
Both looked stunning in their monochrome outfits.

Zuraida Jardine rocked a bow tie - much to Alan's delight.
Welcome to the Bow Tie Brigade, Zuraida!

Fashion Show Producer extraordinaire, Jan Malan, is always
responsible for David Tlale's shows - seen here with
PR doyenne Jill Grogor

Front Row regulars Jen Su and Peta Eggierth-Symes toast one another
under the watchful eye of Danielle Franco

David Tlale never fails to impress - his latest range once again showed
 his passion for pattern. 

Tatum Keshwar is the muse who almost always
closes each DT fashion show

Luminance's new owner, Dr Judy Dlamini and her husband
Sizwe Nxasana seen here with actress and film producer
Tarina Patel

David Tlale flanked by Lalla Hirayama and Tatum Keshwar

Thanks to the vision of Judy Dlamini, Luminance will now be stocking more
collections by local designers - making ranges such as the David Tlale Collection
more readily available than ever before

ROSE LEE COLLECTION LAUNCH - Parkmore - Johannesburg

The average person supposedly spends a total of 25 years of their lives asleep (based on the recommended "eight hours sleep a night" model), so it is somewhat surprising that very few people pay more attention to what they wear to bed. And perhaps what one wears while asleep may not even remain in the bedroom for much longer. Now that celebs like Kim Kardashian and designers such as Marc Jacobs have been seen in public wearing pyjamas, the idea of acquiring and enjoying high-end sleepwear may soon be the norm. With this in mind, we were intrigued with the idea of attending the launch of The Rose Lee Collection - a range of designer sleepwear pioneered by Desiree Cooper.  

Before the collection was revealed to us, we spent time chatting
to actor Craig Hawks and his wife, Petra Laranjo 

The woman responsible for the range (and the evening) -
Desiree Cooper.  The Rose Lee Collection takes its name
from Desiree's daughters Celine Rose and Gemma Lee.

Guests were treated to a fashion show with a difference -
designer sleepwear on the runway

Considering the lack of sleep she endured during her recent
stint on Strictly Come Dancing, the thought of
donning designer PJs must have enchanted
LeAnne Dlamini

Musical theatre and cabaret superstar (and Strictly Come Dancing judge)
Samantha Peo started off in a gorgeous gown but soon got into the swing
of things and switched to a comfy pair of silk pyjamas