MANDLA No.7: FASHIONS OWN ROSE GARDEN

Despite the gloom of the wet British weather, I decided to brighten up my accessories haul with one of my favourite colours, that I can also transition into autumn and winter - rose gold!

Years ago, rose gold used to be considered the poor and unfashionable cousin amongst the precious metals but over the last couple of years, its popularity has made it a favourite for established and emerging accessories designers, PLUS it suits every skin-tone, warming and complementing from the palest to the darkest!

A current obsession - my growing rose collection!

Believe me when I say that I hunted everywhere for an iphone case that would cover the whole device and not just the casing, so imagine my utter joy when I found one by chance in a Michael Kors store, that was not only functional but in rose gold AND on sale!!

Michael Kors have a wide range of iphone cases that carry cards and money and look like envelope clutches and in python skin.

Also well known is their oversize rose gold and jewllery which can be purchased online.

 

The ombre necklace and grey studded belt from H&M don't just look nice but I'm actually enjoying wearing these two items singularly and together and I'm going to team them with berry hues for the autumn and winter to keep me glowing!

Another H&M bargain is the white bangle with the toggle chain fastening and the Folli Follie earrings can be worn as drops or shortened with the mini heart looped up!

Also try ASOS, Net-A-Porter and Ted Baker uses rose gold as a feature compliment on some of the handbags and purses.

Mandla No: 5 THE POWER OF THE SUMMER SALE!

 

SEE IT, WANT, IT BUY IT - SUMMER FASHION UP TO 50% OFF!! 

Net-A-Porter the definitive online designer store has a sale on! Think Jil Sander, Chole, Gucci, Prabal Gurung with up to 50% off - go forth and click!

Issa Printed Silk Kimono Maxi Dress

Julien MacDonald Origami Silk-satin Dress

All Saints Spitalfields is one label that I have enjoy wearing to the MAX! 

It brings out my urban edge when my other Gemini twin revolts against my girly and feminine side and the deconstructed nature of the garments always keep the observer guessing...

 "...Leather-wearing in the summertime!" I always remember that line from the movie, Waiting to Exhale, which was supposed to be a stinging put-down but hey, leather in the sumer is so HOT, when done RIGHT!

All Saints Maisie Leather Dress

Ethereal and sexy, glide across the resort or downtown in this stunning, All Saints maxi!

All Saints Ombre Maxi Dress

No sale hunt would be properly executed without stopping by H&M and ASOS! Keep your budget in check and stay on top with of-the-minute trends.

Combine two of the biggest trends and wear it well in this floral peplum dress from ASOS

ASOS Peplum Dress in Darling Buds print

Sheer, sexy and feminine from H&M...

H&M Sheer Floral Blouse

I purchased this H&M dress on my recent trip to Vancouver, I hadn't spotted it in any of the UK stores so I snapped it up at half price!

H&M Straight dress with neon sequins

Mandla No. 3: Acid Jazz - The neon fashion blast!

Neon is reminiscent of a teenage trend from the mid 80's that re-emerged for the 90's acid rave scene but, if you feel that the current candy and citrus colours are too much of an electric shock for some of you grown up fashionistas, then rest assured that if it was cool back in the day, then acid hues are HOT right now!
For Spring 2012 you may be looking to fizz it up whilst maintaining a sophisticated edge - you can and you should! The current neon trend has been reinvented with playful and tasteful perspectives, from complete colour-block ensembles to statement accessories, the acid brights won't burn any holes in your style power.

Christopher Kane via Grazia Daily

These are my favourite pieces for instant zest!

The king of sexy animal print, Roberto Cavalli does neon luxe with a python belt w.neon crystals at Net-a-porter  I LOVE this belt, this will transition smoothly into Autumn 2012!

Image via Net-a-porter

Step up to the future in these Pierre Hardy Patent and neoprene sandals

Image via Net-a-porter

If you're thinking of complimenting the Pierre Hardy sandals, then add a slightly sheer white top to a dark pencil skirt and wear this sexy candy coloured Mimi Holliday by Damaris Kamikaze silk-chiffon plunge bra bra underneath for effect!

ASOS  has an abundance of budget-friendly dazzle for your neon fix and this statement dress in green will take you from day to night Rare high-neck scuba dress

Image via ASOS

I grew up with a Rasta vibe and that's why I'm feeling these acid Erikson Beamon Colour Me Crazy silver-plated Swarovski crystal earrings

Image via Net-a-porter

If you're feeling extra bold, then Diane Von Furstenberg does grown-up neon and classic femininity with sequins!! A short mini or cropped skinnys will set this off perfectly - Mara Asymmetric sequined silk top

Mandla No. 2: Tribal Village, Urban Jungle

The cold, grey and wet UK weather has left me craving the vibrancy and hotness of a tropical climate. However, what I crave even more is the exoticism of Lagos, Jo'burg, Nairobi and Accra from the catwalk to MY wardrobe!
 

Image: Enjoythekiss

 Tribal / ethnic themes have become a consistent feature in the Spring / Summer collections of recent years.
For many followers of the fashion tribe, the delivery of exotic colours and prints provides a seasonal departure from the wintery, muted tones but, for many global tribes, the palettes, drapes, pleats and structured silhouettes are a way of everyday life and not just a seasonal trend.

So called African print is leading the ethnic charge, which provides a spotlight for established and
emerging designers on the continent but, mainstream appreciation would be better served by acknowledging the regional and tribal disparities of the prints and textures between countries.

There are tons to explore and this is a (small) selection of my favourite ranges.

JEWEL BY LISA

Nigeria's leading designer already has a select Hollywood following and her current collection explores geometric & digital patterns in pleated and draped silhouettes.

Images via Jewel by Lisa

BURBERRY PRORSUM

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 lends more to accented statements than commitment to the trend. 

That said, the accents are strong with some pieces likely to become iconic of the within the mainstream trend.

Images: Burberry

ASOS & RIVER ISLAND

 The UK High Street remains true to it's shopping roots with notable, on-trend pieces and if you're looking for budget friendly prices, then take a look in-store or online. River Island will ship outside of the UK, and ASOS Africa was my favourite go to when I first moved to NYC and was trying to find my shopping feet! 

ASOS AFRICA

 This week, ASOS Africa launched their fifth collection produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, who provides
sustainable business for local craftsmen.

Image: ASOS

RIVER ISLAND

Tie-dye Kaftan; Image: River Island

Coral, tribal platform heels; Images: River Island

Beaded Holdall; Images: River Island