Signature Scents.!

Coco Chanel once said a woman who doesn't wear perfume has not future. Well she probably said that after releasing her own line of perfumes...lol. Have to admit, I am biased when it comes Coco Chanel but I'm sure we all agree that she 'is' the queen of class, the very epitome of 'timelessness' she died in 1971 *bless her soul*  but she still lives in our midst. Ok, ok - enough about Coco Chanel back to Signature Scents.

FragranceNet.com recently schooled us on perfumes. Here's the interview;

What is the difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne?

The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. These oils are called "juice." The highest concentration of "juice" is in perfume (or parfum). Next would be Eau de Parfum, then Eau de Toilette, and finally Eau de Cologne. 

Actually, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne are generally interchangeable, particularly in Men's fragrances. After Shave has the least amount of oils. The higher the concentration of "juice" the longer your fragrance will last, and the less you need to apply.

Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others?

People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance.

PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also varies slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react.

How can I make my scent last longer?

Fragrance lasts longer on some people than on others because of differences in our skin (oily or dry) and in our PH levels. To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect.

Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won't lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day.


What is the difference between a splash and a spray?

There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance. The difference is in the application only. However, a spray bottle, being ostensibly sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference.


Why do some men wear Cologne, and others prefer to wear After Shave?

Cologne's fragrance will generally last much longer than After Shave. However, many men choose to wear both. The fragrance lasts longer, you can use less of each, and you get the facial benefit of an After Shave.


How can I keep my fragrance from going bad?

Keep all fragrance in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life.


What is a tester?

Testers are genuine, authentic, fresh and 100% original. Testers contain the same original fragrance and are used by department stores to help promote a particular fragrance. Testers are made by the manufacturer and come in a plain box, and sometimes without the fancy cap. 


Many thanks to FragranceNet.com. 




My top 3 ladies fragrances


1. Coco Chanel Mademoiselle
I recently decided I want a signature scent and as luck would have it - I got me a Coco Chanel Mademoiselle parfume. Ladies trust me - this is worth every cent.

2. Calvin Klein - Euphoria ('Blossom' was a limited edition, could be back on shelves tho)

3. Estee Lauder - Pleasures

My Top 3 Guys Fragrances

1. John Varvatos - I die...and wake up in heaven with this scent.

2. Paco Rabanne - One Million 

3.  Chanel - Pour Monsieur

Shopping woes ( Random Post)

So the other day I was window shopping for a dress for one of my girls' wedding ( yeah people are getting married..lol) Anyhoo - I go into one of the boutiques in Bedfordcenter ( I wont mention the name ...yeah I'm that nice). Ayt, so I see this black-classy dress and ask to try it on...lady gives me one glance - I swear it was just a glance and says..."no, it wont fit on you".  *Gasp, blink....and eventually fume*.  OK, I regain my composure, smile and ask nicely "u think so- can I just try it on then, Im a 32 you know *insert smile here* " Lady(im sure she's the owner) says "THAT DRESS WILL NOT FIT YOU *note the caps and insert irritated grin here* " 

I had all day so I  asked her why she thinks it wont fit, I mean I hadn't tried it on, to which she just replied - it's too small for your body. Mmmkay - so u are a human-body expert or am I blindly-fat? I could have strangled her.! Anyway she allowed me to take a picture of the dress and after looking at the pice tag im glad she didnt let me try it on. I can get it at YDE or Robot or somewhere else ( yes, someone else might buy it too but it's a risk i'll take- thank you very much.)

Here is the Im-too-small-for-your-size-32-booty dress

Have you also had shopping woes ?  What are they?

SHOES - The Love Of All Our Lives.!!

Shoes, shoes, shoes,shoes, shoes, shoes, shoooeees - yes I could go ON and ON.! When it comes to shoes, there is only one major rule - put the guilt aside, you can NEVER have enough.

Besides knowing when and how to wear certain shoes, here are a few rules for what to look for when buying shoes.

1. Splurge
There's one simple rule when indulging in shoes, "You pay for what you get"...yes, it's as simple as that. If you buy your shoes from payless and ultimately pay less for them, you'll get a pair that you can only wear a few times. The price tag also comes with unwanted blisters and ugly corns. Trust me, I'm also guilty of frequenting my favorite payless shops. Ladies u'll agree with me - u walk pass a shop window at payless and u spot it...the design is perfect, the color is exactly what your wardrobe has been missing- you look at the price tag and heaven forbid...u think "this is it.!" . NO..NO..NO..resist that temptation. One of my resolutions this year was to stop buying cheap shoes and it's not because I have money or what, those shoes are just not worth it. Let's look at it this way; comfortable shoes cost more because of the extra padding and technology that goes behind making them easy to walk in. You may scrimp on clothes and accessories but NOT on your shoes - your health deserves better.! An inexpensive necklace or a cheap shirt wont permanently damage your feet.

Feast on these wonderfully made Christian Louboutin ( a girl is allowed to dream right :-) :

2. Comfort does not have to over-ride cuteness

Ok, so you think 'if it's comfortable- it may not be cute'..WRONG.! As long as you buy  shoes with the right padding and heel length for you...comfort will never over-ride cuteness.


3. Heel hight
If you are uncomfortable walking in shoes while in the shop- chances are, you will ALWAYS be uncomfortable walking in them...unless u are tired and have swollen feet when buying them. If there is a BIG fashion fax-pas , it has to be a lady trying to walk in heels that are too high for her. You start bending your knees and really, it doesn't look good. Some heels can be worn all day long, just make sure you not taking any 'long walks to freedom' while wearing them. It's alway advisable to have a comfy pair of flat pumps in your handbag ( im just sayin..lol)

These have the word 'killer' written all over them...lol ( OK, maybe they not that bad)

Reminder: Dont buy high heels online if you arent used to wearing them and walking in them, you'll probably end up disappointed. Take a trip to the shoe store and try on the pair of shoes you are skeptical about and make sure you test them on hard floors as carpeting makes shoes fel comfier than they really are. Also make sure the soles( tips) aren't slippery.


4. Padding - Make sure that any shoe you buy has a fully padded insole. It is said that as we get older, we all lose some of the padding in the balls of our feet where we carry up to 7- yes  times our body weight.!! Do your feet a favor and spring for shoes with cushioned insoles mmmkay :-) . They are also MUCH easier to walk in.

Where you can get good shoes ( My favourite shoes shops)

Aldo - I ALWAYS have to let my 'reality brain' talk to me whenever I walk pass Aldo. Goodness....the shoes there.....*speechless*

Rage - ever felt like you designed all the shoes in the shop? This is how I feel about Rage shoes. Not pricey yet comfy. 

GUYS SNEAKERS:


Guys in hott sneakers.....I have but three words...'OH-MY-WORD'

Besides that I like Pharell (cud blog about him all day long *sigh*) - I think he is absolutely rocking these Christian Louboutin studded sneakers.!

Can I get an 'Amen' for these Gucci lace-up sneakers. *Loves it*

Still on that Gucci-tip....naiice.!

Arent these Bobby Hundred's just cuuuute :-)

Yes, go ahead- u deserve some LV in your life.. these are soo manly.

You can view these and more on http://www.sneakers.com/ 

Let's Accessorize..!!

'ACCESSORY'  - 'do up', 'beautify'...what a lovely word. True, accessories do beautify an outfit - they are what i like to call 'the deal sealer'. From handbags, to purses to scarfs to statement ring ( the really bold ones that stand out) to earrings to belts and everything in- between. The trick though, is mastering the thin line between 'accessorizing' and looking like a Christmas tree.

Gentlemen - kindly check out the adverts on the left-hand panel of the blog. There are AMAZING fashion tips for you...from male-fashion-experts. It's from shops as YDE, Gucci and the like. Yeah, u best believe it.! 

For ladies, nothing says 'I am fabulous' more than a handbag....I have to admit I'm a sucker for lovely handbags- they don't have to be expensive as long as they don't look cheap, are the right size (Important: size is outfit-and-event-specific) and the right colour, of course. Gone are the days when ladies HAD TO match their handbags and shoes to be deemed stylish. I say bold is always sexy- let it stand out. 

Rebecca Bloomwood from one of my favorite movies - "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" (PS: Her wardrobe is TO-DIE-FOR!) 

 

Below are a few of my favourite handbags which by the way can be bough reasonably cheaper at http://www.bidorbuy.co.za.  

This lovely Chanel handbag is ultimate classy handbag which every girl should have.

Again, nothing says "I'm young and fabulous" like a Juicy Couture handbag. (Perfect for a less formal look)

Purses: Also available at http://www.bidorbuy.co.za

 

Watches: I am luurving this lovely range of UBER cute YDE watches. *Available at all YDE outlets in a wide and WILD range of colours.

Earings: For me - the best places to buy earings are Identinty, YDE and believe it or not Mr Price. Unless you buying diamond earings ...you really do not have to clear your bank account for earings. 

Belts: Goodness gracious, waist belts may just never cease to be sytlish. I can almost give my word for that. They have been around since the Coco Chanel era and we still wearing them even today. They can be worn over coats, dresses, shirts- the list is absolutely endless. Locally, for me no-one rocks the waist-belt-look better than Uyanda Mbuli...a sytle icon of note, if I must add. The beauty of these belts - is that they are available ABSOLUTELY everywhere- even at flee markets...yes.!

Imagine the one with animal print on a black dress with animal print shoes to match- YUM.!

Shoes: OK - maybe I need to dedicate a whole blog about shoes and ladies, never ever compromise on quality when it come to shoes.

Other Accesories:

Scarfs - I love them for their versatility and any guy wearing a scarf makes me weak on my knees..lol.

 

PS: Whatever you do- wherever you go, I beg of you - from the bottom of my heart... DO NOT buy fake items..no matter how real it looks.

So Autumn & Winter Are Here ----> Now What To Wear ?

Before I go any further, lemme tell u that winter is my all-time-fav-season.! I just luuurve the elegance that comes with this season. It's just around the corner and this time it will hit me in Jozi ( known for being notoriously cold in winter) but guess what, I couldn't be more excited.!!!

A lot of people think winter.....urrg...greys and browns, nay nay nay ! You see, winter need not be dull my darlings...not at all - a splash of colour goes a long way and may just be what you need and trust me with colours like purple ( a personal favourite), deep red...oh and orange....green, I could go on and on.

So because I love u so much ( yeah, real talk)....here's how to look good this coming winter. Here are a few favorite MUST-HAVES for this winter.

1. The Bohemian Lux Trend

This is HUGE - trust me and the aim is not to be a fashion slave but come up with your own style using trendy items. So u dont wanna clear your savings just to be trendy now do u? These jackets are available at normal clothing shops. See below how Riri and B rocked theirs. I particularly love Beyonce's.

2. The Biker Jacket Look

OMW! - I have but 8 words... Have-you-seen-how-Rihanna-ROCKS!-this-look? Need I say more? So you wouldn't wear leather? Think again.! Biker jackets are soo 'this-moment'. For a Rock Chic look - wear a pair of skinny jeans or jennings ( Leggings inspired jeans) with killer heels...dont go too overboard with the assesories, especially if its a studded jacket.

3. Boots

For this season think calf-length, knee-length. Boots are an all time winter MUST-HAVE.

PS: Remember to wear whatever you wear with a killer attitude.!

Condom Fashion Show In Beijing

YES, you best believe it....those are REAL CONDOMS! Who, even in their most creative minds, could have thought that condoms could one day be turned into fabulous dresses.....certainly not me. It turns out that during the 4th Annual Reproductive Health New Technology and Products Expo (July 2007) in Beijing, China- the largest Chinese latex factory ( Guilin Latex Factory) decided to promote the use of condoms to fight HIV/AIDS by designing these fabulous pieces of art.

I had a few personal favorites but the smell of latex all over my body.....Mmmm not so sure bout that.

Kudos to the Chinese for such innovative brilliance. Question is, does this REALLY promote condom usage or did u think 'those designs could work'?