SHOP ALL THE LATEST VKATZ by Maria Valaskatzis
fashion
Determining your body shape
Dressing for your body type is essential part of fashion. It is a forgone conclusion that we all have different body shapes, and although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the fashion industry regards the “hourglass” body shape to be the ideal.
Although fashion dictates to many people what they should be wearing, it is important to remember that dressing to flatter what you have is the fundamental rule to looking your best. So, when dressing it is important to take the following into consideration :
- Face shape
- Weight
- Height
- Bone Structure
- Your shoulder size and angle
- Your neck length and circumference
- Your age
- Any figure variations such as large bottoms, large stomachs or even saddle bags
Now, when we talk about having an hour glass figure, it means that the body is perfectly balanced with the shoulder and hip, and a small waist. If you don’t fall in this category, then it is important to first figure out what your body type is.
TRIANGLE SHAPE
This body type has a wider hip compared to the shoulders.
INVERTED TRIANGLE
This body type is the opposite of the triangle shape with the shoulders being broader than the hips.
RECTANGLE SHAPE
The shoulders and hips are equal, with little or no waist line.
HOURGLASS
Hips and shoulders are equal with a small waist line.
DIAMOND
The waistline is broader than the shoulders and hips.
ROUND
This body type carries weight around the mid section, wide shoulders with an undefined waistline.
How to dress your Body Shape
Once you have determined your body shape, it is then time to dress the body in a way that creates an “illusion” of an hourglass.
The hourglass body is considered as the perfect body, if this is the category you fall into, then you are lucky. Stick to garments that that use your waist as the focal point, avoid clothes that are overly baggy as these will hide your figure. I also suggest avoiding stiff garments as these will create a boxed look. You can wear A line skirts, short waisted tops and jackets, wearing a dark coloured belt just on the narrowest part of the waist will give the illusion of a smaller waist. Any soft or stretch fabrics will accentuate your figure.
INVERTED TRIANGLE
Is the more athletic body type, because the shoulders are broad it is important to create curves around the hips. Wear fuller skirts, boot cut, flare and wide legged pants. Opt for soft, drapey and weighty fabrics that soften the shoulders. Avoid thick knit wear as this will create a chunky look around the shoulders.
RECTANGLE
Body shape has little or no waistline with equal shoulder to hip ratio. To dress this body shape you need to break up the body from waist up to waist down. Wear belts wrapped around the waist, belted tops, sweaters and dresses. If you fall in this category, a WAIST BELT is a must! Avoid any stiff or shapeless garments.
DIAMOND
Body type is someone that has smaller hips and shoulders but a larger waistline, the goal is to avoid weighted garments that accentuate the waist, again opt for clothing that have waist belts, invest in dark coloured waist belts that create an illusion of a smaller waist.
ROUND
This body type carries weight around the mid section, wear clothes that trim the waist, dark coloured clothes are slimming. Wear empire lines, long tops and tunics which lifts the chest and makes the waist look slimmer.
Wow, it has being a great start to an amazing year, and there is so much to share. Where do I start? Well, the story goes something like this.
Last year I had the privilege of being the “Voice of Essence” in Durban, South Africa. If you do not know what the Essence Festival is, it is a spectacular event that takes place in New Orleans. So, as the sister city, Durban hosted this festival for the very first time in Africa. During my time at the Essence Festival, I got to meet many people, and the two that stuck out the most was Sherwyn Weaich, also known as The Gourmet Bushie and the best videographer I have ever worked with Jay Mabwe.
Little did we realize that a few months later we will be producing a show together.
So here it is, a collaboration between a celebrity Chef, a fashionista and of course the videographer. We present to you, VKATZ and TheBushie.
During the course of the season, our aim is to teach you cooking skills
How to wear stripes
As the days got warmer so did the summer fashion, and if you are keeping up with the trend, you have been wearing stripes already for the past two months. The nautical trend shows its beautiful face time after time as the temperature increases, and we in the fashion world just love it.
So stripes are in, but how do we wear it. You already know that stripes can be extremely tricky and when worn incorrectly can be desperately unforgiving.
So what is the guide to wearing stripes?
- If there is a choice to be made between vertical and horizontal stripes, also choose vertical. Vertical is the most fashion conscious choice. Vertical stripes elongate the body making you look taller and oh yes, skinny.
- If you feel like you are packing on a few extra pounds, then horizontal stripes is most definitely, your enemy. As the stripe wrap around the silhouette it can draw attention to those parts that you want to hide.Think about avoiding these especially around the tummy, hips and thighs.
- When choosing your stripes, whether horizontal or vertical, the thinner the stripes the more stylish and more pleasing to the body.
- Currently, I am in love with the pinstripe pants, pair this with a solid shirt and heels and you are ready to set the city alight.
- Stripes draw attention to the eye, so when wearing stripes consider wearing it around areas of the body that you want noticed.
- If you have a thin top half of a body and a more curvy bottom, opt for a vertical striped top and a solid bottom.
- If you are not yet comfortable with wearing stripes, another way to keep up with the trend is to accessorise. Opt for scarves or hand bags with the print.
- For those wanting to hide their bodies, pairing a loose stripe cardigan over a neutral dress works just as well.
- Also consider wearing a solid suit with a pin stripe shirt, this screams sexy.
So, however you want to rock this trend, is completely up to you, just make sure that you are.
DL Boutique and Cafe is located at the exquisite Pearls Mall in Umhlanga Durban. This new hot spot fuzes fashion with food making it a stylish eating experience.
DL Boutique and Cafe boasts its very own celebrity chef, The Gourmet Bushie.
About the Chef
- The Gourmet Bushie is a brand created by Sherwyn Sean Weaich.
- A government school educated, township raised, mixed race citizen and a proud product of the new South Africa with, “old school values.”
His cooking centres around Food, Family, Friends and this is the ethos upon which this fabulous restaurant is built on.
The menu at the restaurant is quite an easy one, where you can find a health bar that serves Multi grain snacks, a salad bar, gourmet burgers, sandwiches and lets not forget the delectable dessert menu. Apart from the tasty food and drinks selection, I love the fact that they have incorporated fashion into the mix.
The Designer Label Boutique offers young designers as well as manufacturers a platform to showcase their apparel. The boutique is found at the end of the restaurant where you will find everything a woman needs, from shoes, accessories and not to mention the stylish garments.
VIDEO CREDIT : DigIn Media
Island holidays are my favourite because there is nothing to do except relax and enjoy the sun, beach and cocktails. There is also the added bonus of travelling light. However, any fashionista will tell you that even on an island, one should always look stylish.
On my recent trip to Zakynthos, Greece, I teamed up with Sissy Boy, Vogue Eye Wear as well as Truworths to bring you the latest Summer fashion.
Eye Wear Courtesy : @VogueEyeWear
Day Fashion Courtesy : @Sissy Boy
Polka Dot Bikini Courtesy : @Truworths Fashion
A great big Thank You to all my Sponsors.
What to wear this spring?
As the months slowly draw to an end, us South Africans can look forward to kissing the cold weather goodbye and saying hello to the warmer season of spring. Spring is a great season as we bear witness to the the miracles of nature. The birth of new always brings joy to the heart as the colours of spring brighten up our days.
Although spring does bring about warmer days, being a smaller girl with very little fat does not give me the privilege to enjoy the warmth. Sadly the days are not so warm for me were I can prance around in a sleeveless vest. Oh no! The slightest breeze brings on the goosebumps. So when I went out shopping looking for the latest spring trends, I looked for something that could be cool enough but warm enough.
If you read my previous blog on Spring Trends 2016, you would have noted that denim is in. Its actually very funny, whenever I hear someone say “denim is in” I always wonder, when was denim out?
Denim is so versatile that it can move between seasons with ease and can radically change from day time to night time.
I love this dress from Inwear, found at Truworths stores country wide. It is the perfect little number for the season ahead with its 3/4 sleeve. This dress can be worn with heels for a more dressed up look like I did, but worn with a pair of sneakers, it will quickly change to a relaxed outfit that can be worn to a Sunday lunch with the girls.
The second look I went for as we move into spring was a more relaxed look. Been a mom to an eight year old boy means weekend sports run around, so I put together a look that was relaxed, however still stylish enough to say “I made an effort”.
I love this look, the Hooded top is from TRNY, which is also a brand found at Truworths as well as the high top sneakers. The look is young and fresh, after all I do go gaga over hooded tops anyday. I matched the top and shoes with a tight pair of denim.
The final look is an all time favourite, a White TRS sweater over blue denims. You can not go wrong wearing this combination, it is an all time favourite, like the little black dress.
So, if you are like me and not completely convinced that spring will bring back the 30 degree Celsius that we South africans are used to, you will be happy with my look book for the next few weeks.
POST SPONSORED BY TRUWORTHS
Spring Fashion trends 2016
It’s soon time to say good bye to the dull, gloomy days of winter and hello to the warmer mornings of spring. As we pack away our scarves, coats and jackets, what are some of the fashion trends that we can look forward to?
Spring is known as the month of rebirth, as we watch the trees getting greener, and the flowers start to bloom, tradition leads us to believe that this season’s fashion should be all about florals and pastels.
Well, no more, tradition is over and 2016 spring is about to bring about a spring fashion revolution. What encompasses a fashion trend setter is the ability to own your own identity. Spring fashion trend 2016 has an array of fashion do’s, so there is no possibility of anyone feeling left out.
This season don’t be afraid of wearing darker shades, flaunt your little black number, and you will still be on point.
Bright, bold stripes are so in, however be careful of the illusions that stripes can create.
Gingham is a must have and I am so glad that it is in this season. I get so nostaligic thinking about gingham, it was my all time favourite when I was a little girl. I think it made me look very proper.
Micro pleats are a yes, these can be very feminine and romantic. Its adds a modern shape to your silhouette , it is very unstructured therefore having the ability to drape quite flatteringly around the body.
Shine and sparkle in sequins, either wearing a dress, pants or even a cute little jacket. This sequins trend is perfect for a night out or just to add a little glamour to an outfit.
The next trend takes me back to my cabbage patch doll, for those of you that are as young as I am, and played with these dolls, you will also remember the doll’s dress. Yes, it had patch work. Patch work my lovelies, are in. Be it on dresses, pants, jackets or even hand bags.
Add a little volume to an outfit with ruffles, again, a very feminine, romantic feel in this trend.
Throw out the old and stock up on done up denim outfits.
After hiding the shoulders all winter under tons of clothes, spring time is all about the bare, exposed shoulder.
Low slung pants have snuck back in, but be careful with this trend, worn incorrectly could leave you looking untidy and unkept. Take due consideration to your height.
No more hiding behind coats, its time to flaunt it this season with mesh playing a big game.
So, these are the spring fashion trends for 2016, but remember, you are unique and you can create your own style using these trends. If you dress in your style personality, you will always feel comfortable.
Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards
Ten talented student designers were handpicked from twenty-five strong entries to proceed to the final round of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair, a prestigious fashion competition that offers aspiring KwaZulu-Natal fashion students an invaluable opportunity in advancing their fashion career.
Talent abounded on the tastefully decorated runway with competition ensembles sewn from a range of innovative ideas that suited the card-inspired ‘Leader of the Pack’ theme. Models wore outfits boasting diamond cut-outs, geometric prints and stylish accessories.
Audiences were also treated to five stylish collections from the Vodacom Durban July Designer Collection presented by Durban Fashion Fair, giving but a taste of what to wear on raceday.
Judged by some of the most respected names in the industry, Zama Mathe, Kathrin Kidger, Sindi Shangase, Hanrie Lues and Gold Circle’s Monica Holman, the finalists’ creations showcased a delicate blend of creativity, technical precision and clever interpretation of the raceday theme.
Popular Durban designer and one of this year’s eight Invited Designers, Zama Mathe, felt the students pushed the envelope: “I loved the fact that the students can construct a garment really well, interpret the theme in an indirect way and create a raceday ready outfit that is fashion forward and trendy.”
It was the first time judging the Young Designer Award for Bloemfontein Invited Designer Hanrie Lues, who herself excelled in the national version of the fashion competition, the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge, just a few years back.
“I personally loved the designs where I could see the designer’s concept come to life through great execution. The beauty of the construction combined with an innovative idea and good fabric use was what stood out for me.”
The finale will play itself out on the Action Stage at Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event on July 2 with the eventual winner walking away with an array of prizes including a trip to New York fashion Week flying courtesy of Delta Air Lines, R5 000 from both Gold Circle and Schweppes, a Huawei P9 Smartphone from Vodacom and much more. Second and third prize winners will win R3000 and R2000 respectively.
Until the big day racegoers can join in the July fever festivities by attending one of two Fashion Experience Shows made up of the stellar collections from the eight Invited Designers as well as creations from the finalists of the national Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge and the regional Young Designer competition.
The ten finalists in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair are: Shéskia Aprakshya Ramnath (DUT), Neshika Nundkwar (DUT), Jessie-Gray Thornton (DUT), Leona Magdelene Pillay (DUT), Nonkululeko Zama Msomi (Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion Design), Mariah Bianca Govender (DUT), Jessica Shuttleworth (DUT), Philani T Mthiyane (Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion Design), Jamie Lynn Marais (DUT) and Athenkosi Mfungula (Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion Design).
The 2016 Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 2 July. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za
The Daily News Race Meeting
Bird Cage event
PHOTO CREDIT : NANDI WALLS
This weekend set stage for one of Durban’s premier ladies event. The Daily News together with Gold Circle and Event World hosted 300 of the most glamorous ladies from sunny Durban.
Gill Mostert of Gold circle said, “We wanted to allow the ladies to attend a race meeting where they were treated special and felt it was time to introduce a ladies day function to our calendar. The Daily News raceday was the perfect racemeeting as it is a lead up racemeeting to the Vodacom Durban July. This function allowed ladies to do a little shopping for the Vodacom Durban July as well, which I’m sure they appreciated.”
There was no denying the beauty and the elegance of the event, the many clothing stands left the ladies spoilt for choice as they negotiated their fashion sense for the much anticpated Vodacom Durban July. Aside from the clothing, guests were treated to mini make overs from a leading makeup house and hair salon.
Champagne flowed and decadent treats were served throughout the evening making any girl feel like a queen for the night.
I have to give credit to the Daily News as well as Gold Circle and Event World for putting together such an incredible event. It is not often that women get together and share in the things that in true fact, unite us, fashion, champagne and dessert.
So with that being said, if this was a taste of what can be expected at the Vodacom Durban July, then I cannot wait.
MY STYLE
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