Free to be you!

It’s summer! And here at DownTownGirl we believe that means only one thing; it’s time to let go, and let flow! Fashion is always a means of expression, an art form, and summer is the best time to show that off to the fullest. This week’s trend has to be textured summer prints. Worn well, this trend can give curves to a square figure, and can whittle the waist of more curvy physiques. There are no rules here; it’s all about expressing yourself and being free to be who you are! Wear prints head to toe or wear one item of print. Just be sure to show off your best features, a well-tailored look is always a fashion do! So give a try, and you will be the trend setter in your own right.

What he wore

What I wore

Check back in next week to see what DownTownGirl chooses as its next summer trend!

The last few weeks of spring

With spring time drawing to an end, enjoying the bright and fun colour trend is essential. This week, at DownTownGirl, we decided to explore the pastel jeans trend. Pastel is definitely a more muted version of the “bright” trend. But it packs just a big a punch! Mix and match different colours and textured tops, try layering or just keep it simple with a great white shirt. This trend is very versatile and forgiving. So whichever look you settle on, just be sure to give this trend a try.

What I wore

Let your fingers do the talking

Fashion, like all art forms, is not restricted to what you may perceive to be its boundaries. Fashion can take form in the more predictable ways such as over-sized hand bags and 20’s inspired sunglasses, right through to the more obscure, such as nail art.

Fashionistas around the world have embraced this trend and you can rock this look too. For those who are on the more reserved side, you can start off this nail trend by wearing trendy colours and designs: Such as these lilac and grey nails, or this colour blocking pattern.

If you’re feeling more adventurous though, you can start off with this mutes lace over-lay pattern, or just jump right into this trend and let your creative side show.

I, on the other hand, plan on embracing this season’s most on-trend colour- Neon- and going full on glam!

Whichever look you decide to wear, do it with confidence and just let your fingers do the talking.  

Take a Wedge out of Summer

With summer fast approaching, the best way to get a foot ahead of the fashion curve is to be a part of this great revamped trend: Wedge Heels! This trend not only looks great, but Wedge Heels are also really comfortable, so you can go as high as your heart desires.

This shoe trend is so versatile. It elongates the legs, transcends age and personal style, and can work with both day and night.

So ladies go ahead and get yourself a pair of wedge heels, whether you’re going to the beach and just a night out on the town, you will look amazing.

Quit It or Keep It: Peplum Edition

Peplum is just making its way onto the racks of South African fashion stores, but it has made a real impression on the DownTwnGirl team. But does Peplum have staying power? It is very hard to Not look god in Peplum. It accentuates all the best female features; makes the waist appear smaller and gives almost all women a beautiful hour-glass figure.

But there are rules to follow here. Ladies, make sure that the Peplum is the correct length in proportion to the garment it is attached to. It should Not look like this:

Styling is also very important when it comes to pulling of Peplum. Like the great Coco Chanel said, “when accessorising, always take off the last thing you put on”. This seems to apply to Peplum. A more simplistic, tailored Peplum outfit works best. Remember the Peplum is an accessory itself.

So should we Quit It or Keep It? I say Keep It! Just follow the two DownTownGirl rules for wearing Peplum, and you will look fabulous!

Act like a lady

Feminine apparel has been making the rounds on the run-ways all across the world. None has made a greater impact than the Peplum trend. Peplum- meaning small over-skirt- is usually attached to jackets and dresses or skirts. It adds not only a feminine touch to every outfit, but also an air of sophistication, elegance and strength.

Peplum is a great addition to every woman’s closet because of the way it frames the female body. It helps highlight the smallest part of most women’s bodies’, the waist, and also flaunts and accentuates the hips; give women a beautiful hour-glass figure. So go ahead and give Peplum a try. Whether you are petit, tall, and curvy or have a square shape, there is a Peplum look for you!

Check in n Wednesday to weigh in on whether we should Quit It or Keep It: Peplum edition!

I am Not my hair

From the unruly to the over-styled and immobile, hair can quickly take over a woman’s face and outfit. But like the song goes, our hair cannot and should never define us. Rather our individual sense of style and our creative side should mould the hair, like the winds shape the branches of a tree. But, there are a few rules to be adhered to. The shape of your face should be your first thought. There are 4 basic shapes: oval, square, rectangular and round. Always speak to your stylist about this so they can adapt different haircuts and styles to your face. Next, you need to evaluate your lifestyle. You should be able to maintain your look even the day after a salon visit! Lastly, ladies please remember a simple rule: if a bird tries to lay an egg in your hair, you’ve probably gone a step too far.

Let’s hope these people take these rules into account the next time they visit their hair stylists!