Cosmopolitan.com

Dress It Up

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00 +0200

When we buy clothes, we look for versatility. We like to buy something we can wear casually during the day or at a swanky party in the evening, because we like to mix it up a little!

The T-shirt dress is a trend that’s unstoppable when it comes to flexible fashion. Wear this funky item with leggings, skinny jeans or simply on its own. The best thing about the T-Shirt dress is that it’s entirely up to you...

Check out our photo gallery and take your pick.

Emmy Excellence

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00 +0200

The red carpet at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards sparkled with Swarovski crystals, bold colours and diamond accessories. While some, including Kim Kardashian, Damages’ star Rose Byrne and Glee actress Amber Riley, kept it cool in white Marchesa, Gucci and Melissa Masse respectively, others opted for colour. Mad Men’s January Jones stepped out in a bright blue, strapless Versace gown, while Glee’s Naya Privera graced the carpet in an over-the-top, teal Simin dress.

Heidi Klum stood out from the crowd of long, flowing gowns in a ravishing Marchesa mini. However, Claire Danes and star of The Vampire Diaries, Nina Dobrev, were much noticed when compared to Emily Blunt’s lavender Dior gown and Glee’s Dianna Agron’s Carolina Herrera dress. Danes dazzled in Swarovski-encrusted Armani Prive, while Dobrev looked smashing in an off-the-shoulder Zuhair Murad number. Modern Family actress, Sofia Vergara wasn’t far behind in a gold-sequinned, strapless Carolina Herrera dress.

Eva Longoria Parker, Glee actress Lea Michele, Kelly Osbourne and True Blood heroine Anna Paquin kept it safe in black. Longoria Parker chose a stunning strapless Robert Rodriguez gown, while Michele’s ruffled Oscar De La Renta frock and Paquin’s Alexander McQueen dress didn’t quite measure up. We must say, Osbourne looked a little too skinny for our liking in her Tony Ward number, unlike comedienne Tina Fey, who looked gorgeous in Oscar De La Renta.

Check out the gallery here.

Let's Get Physical

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00 +0200

No, we not talking about fitness-induced sweat stains or hideous gym pants and headbands, instead we’re talking about sportswear becoming street wear this summer. Dressing sporty doesn’t mean dressing without style. Style can be implemented in every and any outfit, as long as you do it with good taste.

Dressing sporty but chic is a solution to looking fabulous every time even when casually dressed. But this trend can easily go wrong as you need to know which colours work together to enhance the outfit. The key is not to look too sloppy (like you’ve just spent hours in the gym) nor too glamorous.

Here are a few styling tips to help you be chic, as well as stylish even when dressing sporty.

• The first tip when thinking about sporty outfits is not to think baggy t-shirts and overly loose fitting sweat pants. Think leggings and an over-the-thigh fitted T-shirt, your hair pulled back and a great pair of sunglasses.

• Find a pair of casual pants that suit you perfectly. The pants can be a bit loose and worn with a simple top or even a printed top to add some fun into the mix.

• A pair of sweat pants, long or Capri are also great, and can be worn with a nice pair of sneakers or even flip flops. Team this up with a simple tank top, an oversized bag, a scarf and a pair of sunglasses, and you ready to go. Bright coloured sweatpants are popular this season so don’t be afraid to indulge.

• Work in the hot pants trend as well as bodysuits and cut off tees, these are three very popular and stylish items for this summer.

• Cross-lacing, particularly in leather is reminiscent of baseball gloves and boot laces and adds a fun and unique aspect to this trend.

• Incorporate knee high socks, cut-out back socks, sporty socks with stripes and bobby socks with your attire as this is all the range on and off the runway. The right kind of leg warmers can also work.

• Utility elements like plastic buckles, snap closures and rope ties are also great.

• There is nothing wrong with adding a bit of accessories with this trend. Eye catching items such as a baseball or trucker cap and a statement handbag are great accessories to use.

• Mix and match to create gorgeous one colour or multiple toned outfits, but make sure the colours you choose blend well together.

• Add a touch of sexiness with a super-high yet sport-inspired heel.

• And last but not least, don’t be afraid to style your hair by either keeping it dead straight, curly, in a pony tail, a messy bun or the side braid. A good hairstyle always adds that little extra to a stylish outfit.

Lovely In Lace

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00 +0200

Lace never goes out of fashion. But there are a few risks involved with wearing lacy clothing – you can easily start looking like a Goth, trashy or tacky, or worse, morph into a bad table decoration.

Follow these tips and set yourself apart from the masses …

THE DO’S
• Be romantic, but not too feminine. Be sensual, but not too suggestive.
• Take lace that would have once only made up a part of a garment and make it an item of its own. This includes lace skirts and lace dresses. Dare to wear them without a slip underneath.
• Strike a balance in the amount of lace you wear. You don’t want to wear too much but you don’t want to wear too little either. For example, a great pair of lace tights can add a sexy feel to almost any outfit, but don't overdo it by wearing other lace-trimmed pieces at the same time.
• Choose fine lace. Chunky patterns are outdated and unflattering and tend to make you look like your granny’s tablecloth.
• Choose your colours carefully. When it comes to spring and summer, opt for lighter shades with very dainty, feminine patterns. White and ice-cream-type tones are best. When it comes to autumn and winter, stick with darker colours that look less pasty, such as chocolate brown, charcoal, black and navy.
• Opt for lace panels. It can be a safe alternative to full, lace garments.

THE DON’TS
• Never buy poor-quality lace. It hardly ever fits properly and it won’t look or feel right.
• Watch out for itchy and stiff lace.
• When choosing your colours, be cautious of using too much black. You don’t want to look like you’re in mourning.
• Avoid wearing too much jewellery with lace. A simple pair of earrings or even just a bangle will do.
• Never wear white stockings with lace, unless you are going to a theme party and you're going as Alice in Wonderland.
• Avoid a white lace trim around the hem of a skirt. Always. It really only suits little girls. Avoid jagged and uneven cut hems too.

Stylish Stripes

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00 +0200

Stripes are definitely back. One look in your favourite store and you’re bound to find great items covered in stripes of all shapes, colours and sizes.

Browse our photo gallery and pick your favourite – but stocks won't last forever...

Racy Fashion

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:00 +0200

'If you're looking for passion, fashion and a whole lot of fun, then the Vodacom Durban July is the place to be,’ says COSMO Fashion Assistant, Andrea Albertyn. 'This event is a fashion spectacle (forget the horses!), and this year, it's set to be a floral extravaganza.’

DO’S…
‘The first and most important tip is to stick to the theme, weather and your body type,’ says Albertyn. Fashion stylist, Pippa Lynch, agrees. ‘This year’s theme is “It’s a blooming great day”, so incorporate flora and fauna into your look whether it be on your hat, makeup, accessories, dress or shoes. But take along a cover up of some sort in case it gets cold,’ says Lynch.

Choose colours you're comfortable with and that complement your complexion, advises Albertyn. It has become a tradition to wear a hat to the races, so wear some form of headwear.

But also take along sunscreen – even though it’s winter and you’re out to have a great party, you don’t want to wake up on Sunday morning with horrible sunburn, recommends Lynch. Don’t forget your shades and keep hydrated, adds Albertyn.

‘The grass on the green is spongy and therefore has the tendency to suck in stilettos,’ says Albertyn. She recommends a solid heel. You also need to be comfortable, advises Lynch. ‘You will be on your feet partying all day, so make sure you’re not wearing a corset that squeezes the air right out of you.’

Get creative and don’t be afraid to show your individualism, says Albertyn. ‘Half the fun of the July is exercising your creativity,’ agrees Lynch. ‘When else do you get to dress up like a loon besides Halloween?’

DON’TS…
‘Don’t wear your matric dance dress or ball gown – stick to something a little more fun,’ suggests Lynch. ‘Think outside of the box and come up with a look that you know is unique and that no one else will have thought of. ’

Albertyn also warns against wearing white. Take your direction from the theme and choose bright, bold and fun colours. ‘Don’t use too much makeup... It’s a day event and it will only melt in the heat and humidity. ’

Lynch agrees. ‘Let your outfit and accessories be the centre of attention.’

Get Your Socks On

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00 +0200

Given that thigh high boots are so prominent this winter, this fashion trend should come as no surprise to you. Normally just a humble accessory that most woman hide, socks have now become one of 2010’s most popular fashion trends for woman.

You may find yourself rummaging through your sock draw and donning a pair of knee high socks, or over the knee socks, or thigh high socks. From sporty, sparkly, patterned and layering socks, a great pair of socks can add that extra (and sometimes much needed) eye-catching detail to an outfit. This will be one of the defining looks to work into your wardrobe and best of all they are transitional and will therefore suit a number of winter and summer fashion trends.

The art of wearing long socks stylishly is to avoid cheapening the look. Focus on their chic aspect by following these simple pointers...

THE DO’S...
• Pick your length wisely: they have to suit your body’s shape. For example, if you have big thighs, thigh high socks will draw to much attention to them. If you are short, pair a short hemline and below the knee socks to imply greater height.
• If you’re new to long socks, start with neutral colours such as black, grey, brown, cream and off-white. It makes it easier to mix and match as well as blend in and balance any outfit without drawing to much attention to them.
• You need to create balance in terms of colour and style. If your socks are multicoloured or feature an eye catching pattern then the rest of your outfit should be very simple.
• It’s also always good to add trendy accessories, like platform high heels or interesting jewellery.
• Another stylish and chic way to wear your socks is to pair them with a gorgeous and flowy, floral/boho dress or top. This is a fashion favourite.
• Don’t be afraid to layer. Knee high socks and over the knee socks worn over sheer, patterned stockings can add a whole new dimension to an outfit.

THE DON’TS...
• Don’t pair knee high socks with tartan and plaid skirts unless you like the school girl look.
• Avoid combining socks with anything that is too sexy. The socks already speak for themselves.
• Avoid mixing many materials in one outfit. Stick to two or three as this creates a chic and sleek look. This also applies to colours.
• Strappy sandals and shoes with super tall thin heels are a definite no no with socks. Anything else goes with long socks it just depends on your personal style, and whatever shoes you do decide to wear with them remember to wear them with confidence!

Arm Yourself

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:00 +0200

Military-styled fashion is all about functionality and decadence, using masculinity as inspiration. It can be worn as casually as a harem-styled trouser or you can dress it up with a mandarin-collared trench coat. Prominent colours that make up this fine trend are army greens, deep navy and strong nude tones with a dash of gold, and metallic tones as accents.

DO’S
• Any body shape can pull off this trend. Simply stick to the basics and keep the look minimal.
• If you like the slouchy trouser, team it up with a sleeveless vest and layered chains to give it a more girly approach.
• A cropped military buttoned jacket can be softened with a short floral skirt and maybe even a wedge heel to give it that extra feminine touch.
• Doc Martins are super hot right now. Wear them with skinny jeans or tights and a checked shirt.
• Military coats are big this winter.
• A great way of using the military trend in a funky, unique way is to add a bold colour. Choose a bright military shirt, jacket or pair of pants.
• If you feel this trend might be too over-powering for you, simplify it by sticking to accessories with military accents.
• A crisp trouser is a really sophisticated way of toning it all down.

DON’TS
• Do not do military head-to-toe, it’ll look too theatrical.
• Try and break the colours. Don’t only wear army green or navy. Add some denim or poplin into the mix.
• When choosing military wear, try not to accessorise with too many items of jewellery, as it’ll over-power the outfit, especially if you’re already wearing military-styled garments.

One-of-a-Kind Styling

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00 +0200

‘The secret to one-of-a-kind styling is to take normal, everyday items and give them a new lease on life,’ agrees Durban-based stylist, Pippa Lynch. Ultimately, she adds, the best way of getting unique accessories for your wardrobe is to make them yourself.

From scarves and hats to jewellery and gloves, here are some great winter accessory suggestions for you to try.
• ‘Lost some pieces from your Monopoly or Scrabble sets? Instead of throwing old board games away, use these trinkets to make cute earrings, necklaces or charms for bracelets,’ suggests Lynch.
• ‘Winter scarves don’t necessarily have to be drab and boring,’ says COSMO fashion assistant, Nathirah Isaacs. Instead of wearing a normal, plain scarf, why not add pom poms to the ends. However, if you’d prefer to simply buy a scarf, she adds, go for bright colours or choose a scarf with pockets.
• And then you could use your scarf as a belt, suggests Lynch.
• ‘Beanies can be creative too,’ says Isaacs. Add sequins, badges, or even knit one to add your own signature style to it.
• Make brooches from toys, such as a piece of Lego or a toy car, says Lynch. Putting a clasp on the back makes for a statement piece you know no one else will have.
• ‘Add a vintage brooch to your hats or tie a satin ribbon around your hat to update it,’ suggests Lynch.
• Cut the ends of your favourite gloves off and make them fingerless, says Isaacs.
• Make your own hair-pieces, says Lynch. Take a piece of ribbon or an elastic and measure it around your head before cutting it to the desired length, she says. After sewing the ends together, she adds, sew buttons or flowers to your new hair-piece too for an added feature.
• Wear your leg warmers with brogues, over skinnies or with leggings, says Isaacs. Instead of keeping it black like everyone else, choose colours to make a statement.
• Don’t forget about thigh-high socks and stockings, she says. Keep them bright and pair them with boots and an oh-so-micro-mini for an updated winter look, she adds.

A DIY SHOPPING LIST
If you can’t take find anything inspiring lying around your home, says Lynch, here is a shopping list to get you started on your styling mission:
• A glue gun
• Brooch clasps
• Jewellery clasps
• Small nose pliers
• A sewing kit
• Ribbons, lace, elastic, buttons and fabric

If you need further inspiration, suggests Lynch, visit P.S. – I Made This… for tips on how to make your own pieces and add a personal touch to items you already have.

Football Fashion

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00 +0200

The World Cup is upon us and the boys are getting ready to make us proud. While you might have your car mirror flags and vuvuzela at the ready, get your wardrobe ready before kick off on 11 June. These items are selling out fast, so get your World Cup memorabilia before it’s too late.

Check out our gallery and take your pick.

Web-Shopping

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00 +0200

Finding an online shopping destination to suit your fashion needs is no easy task, but we've found a handful for you to browse through. As most of the sites are based overseas, you'll need to use a currency converter to work out exactly how much those fabulous wedges or that gorgeous dress will set you back.

MODCLOTH (http://www.modcloth.com)
Indie and vintage fashion is taking over the rails of every major retailer at the moment. Since you don't want to bump into someone wearing exactly the same outfit as you around every corner, US-based ModCloth offers the trendy COSMO girl equally-stylish alternatives, including a wide range of vintage-styled tops, skirt dresses, oversized blazers and shoes. Expect to pay about R220 for ballet flats, R300 for a skirt and anywhere between R300 and R1000 for a dress.
Bonus Feature: ModCloth offers their customers a chance to vote and comment on the newest options via their 'Be The Buyer' icon. The clothes with the most votes make it into the online shop.

WITCHERY (http://www.witchery.com.au)
This Australian online boutique is for the more sophisticated COSMO girl. Think simple, stylish tees, sequinned waistcoats and batwing dresses. While some of the shop's items, like jackets and shoes, may be a bit pricey, accessories and tops are surprisingly affordable. Elegant fringe scarves retail for about R130, cardigans for R650 and jeggings for R390.
Bonus Feature: Witchery has an extensive sale section, where you're bound to find a few bargain buys.

BIRDMOTEL (http://www.birdmotel.com.au)
Whether you prefer vintage style or trendy glam, Birdmotel has managed to find the perfect balance between both fashion genres. Find great rock 'n' roll tees, funky bodysuits and cute minis. Beware, however; unless an item is on sale, you're likely to splash out a minimum of R515 for a skirt or a dress and R1 067 for a trench coat.
Bonus Feature: Check out the site's interactive 'Shopalog' before you start browsing. It might narrow down your search.

FOREVER21 (http://www.forever21.com)
Think of this site as an international, online version of Mr Price. Prices are reasonable to say the least: you'll pay just over R200 for a blazer and, in a few cases, no more than R100 for a super stylish dress. While the prices are definitely below average for such fashionable pieces, the shipping fees cost more than some of the clothes do. However, if you spend over $100 (R782), there is a flat rate of $35 (R274) to ship internationally.
Bonus Feature: Forever21 also stocks chic gym wear at low prices, including v-neck tees for around R37 and sports bras for approximately R53.

ASOS (http://www.asos.com)
Asos is the Dubai of online shopping. You name the style and they've got it. You'll be confronted by pages and pages of leggings, tees, jumpsuits, skirts and jackets, not to mention shoes and accessories too. Each section is divided into handy search-related subsections, so you can search for a pair of jeans or a coat, for example, by style, size, colour, price, brand or celebrity influence. Be prepared to pay about R350 for a pair of skinnies, R245 for leggings and R290 for a jersey dress.
Bonus Feature: Not only do you get a 360-degree view of every item you click on, you can watch a video clip of it being modelled on the catwalk.

REVOLVECLOTHING (http://www.revolveclothing.com)
This site is for you if you're interested in big-name fashion. Whether you like the idea of celebrity designers, (check out our article on celebrity fashion lines) or would rather be toting the latest Diane von Furstenberg wedges, you'll be able to find it on Revolve Clothing. Obviously, prices vary depending on which designer you choose. Make sure to click on ZAR to view the prices in Rand before you start browsing.
Bonus Feature: Click on the 'Trend' section and find out what's hot, how you can wear it, as well as where you can find the style (and buy it) on the site.

NET-A-PORTER (http://www.net-a-porter.com)
Arguably the better known online shopping destination, Net-a-Porter.com is similar to RevolveClothing.com in the sense that you can only buy from designer labels. Think Chloé, Versace, Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs. Simply by referring to those four names as examples, you can only imagine the prices. Don't go near this site if you're on a tight budget or trying to save.
Bonus Feature: Are you only looking for denim? A wedding dress? Or perhaps you're concentrating on work wear? Well, for those of you who dare to browse through skirts that cost over R65 000, this site does offer a 'Boutique' section to suit your specific needs.

ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS
1. Before you get your heart set on an item, make sure to check whether the site offers international delivery, how much it will cost to ship your purchase and how long it takes before you get the product in your hands.
2. Aside from shipping fees you may have to pay a separate import duty as well.
3. Beware risky sites. If you come across a site that doesn't look trustworthy, go with your gut. You don't want to hand over your credit card details to just anyone. Rather stick to well-known sites. And just to be sure, read the site's privacy policy to ease your mind.
4. PayPal is finally available in South Africa! So, to avoid handing over your credit card details entirely, opt for the safer choice and use this service. You can buy items online without handing over your banking information at all. Visit PayPal for more information, as well as to find out which online shops work with this service.

Sexy Shoe Slip-Ups

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00 +0200

Cute ballet pumps, sexy stilettos, power platforms – chances are, you have several pairs of each. But do you realise your shoes should come with a health warning? A report from podiatrists reveals that up to 80% of us have foot problems, and our shoes don't help the situation. Here's how to limit the negative effects…

HIGH HEELS	The Problem: Killer by name, killer by nature? Well, not entirely. 'High heels throw weight onto the balls of your feet and change the way you stand, which over time can give you leg cramps, trapped nerves in your feet and backache,' says podiatrist Dave Wain. 'Wear them too often and your ligaments can shorten, which is why it may be painful to then walk in flats.' Foot Fix: Limit killer heels (higher than two inches) to special occasions. If, like Posh, you wear them every day, then do calf stretches to compensate. Kick off your shoes and go up and down on tiptoe 10 times. Ease pressure on your feet with gel cushions. Health Hazard Rating: High
WEDGES
BALLET PUMPS
POINTY SHOES
FLIP-FLOPS

A New Line of Work

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:00 +0200

It seems posing as fashion designers is what most celebrities are moonlighting as. While some ranges are fun, fearless and fabulous, other celebrities shouldn't quit their day jobs.

CLOTHING LINE #1: 6126
Designer: Lindsay Lohan
There certainly is a lot of controversy attached to Miss Lohan's name, but it seems her Marilyn Monroe-inspired clothing line, 6126, is outrageous… in a good way. Her designer collection features a wide range of on-trend leggings, from the bold (and expensive) fishnets at $121 (about R894) to chic vintage lace leggings at $26 (about R192). Buy Online

Fashion Bloggers

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00 +0200

We called on our fun, fearless tweeps on Twitter and asked them which fashion blogs they thought were must-reads. Here's what they've said...

FashionJazz – for all the latest on rock chic and vintage items (and sales!).

Fashion Bananas – a British blogger gives us some fantastic tips on how to combine items to make a beautiful outfit.

Rantings of a Fashion Addict – Like Fashion Bananas, you'll get great ideas just by browsing through the posted photographs, as well as a few bonus beauty tips.

Fashion Toast – visit this blog for an entertaining look at a US fashionista and her thoughts on vintage couture looks.

Style Scoop – this blog offers the latest on designers, fashion news and trends, and of course where you can buy amazing clothes, accessories and lingerie.

Fashionista – think of this US blog as a celebrity fashion site. You'll see all your favourite celebs in the latest designer labels.

Style Bubble – this blog is perfect if you're searching for a behind-the-scenes look at international fashion shoots.

Jak&Jil – while Style Bubble is great when it comes to shoots, Jak&Jil is a must for Fashion Week freaks.

PinkPenWords – if you have a shoe fetish, this blog loves to focus on heels, flats and everything in between.

But we also found a few good fashion blogs ourselves...

What Your Undies Say About You

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00 +0200

Who knew the contents of your top drawer would reveal so much? We weighed up the range of bottoms all COSMO girls wear and asked a few COSMO guys what they think too..

BRAZILIAN/FRENCH CUT	BRAZILIAN/FRENCH CUT We think: We look sexy, but keep them for special occasions, because they’re expensive – and inevitably eaten by our bums. Guys think: 'Mature, classy – and amazing to look at!' (Rick, 25, account)
HIPSTER BRIEFS
G-STRING
FULL BRIEFS
BOY-LEGS

A Digital Boutique

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00 +0200

We all love a good sale, whether we're offered 25% off or hunt for half-price mania. But when COSMO heard about an exclusive online sale where you can get up to 80% off trendy South African labels, we simply had to check it out.

INVITE ONLY
36Boutiques is a private event retailer; a new, exclusive, high-end fashion website. Sales are not open to the public and in order to take part in any of their sales, you have to be invited.

To get your hands on an invitation, you'll need to register and become a member on their site, after which you'll gain access to some of South Africa's best designer clothes. Depending on what you want to buy, items are sold for between 35% and 80% less than retail price. And as a member you can refer as many friends as you like, so they'll get their hands on great deals too.

HOW IT WORKS
Once a sale starts, you'll only have 36 hours to buy what you want (Mondays 12pm to Wednesdays 12pm). The sales are designer-specific and for the moment only one label will be on sale at a time. Once you've filled your virtual shopping cart, make sure you have your credit card ready – because that's the only way you can pay for your new clothes.

DESIGNER LABELS
36Boutiques only stocks South African labels available, with a focus on local talent. The first sale, which is happening right now (Monday 29 March to Wednesday 31 March), will feature Stefania Morland's range exclusively. In the upcoming weeks, you'll be able to buy Ben Sherman, Jingle & Chime, Hermanna Rush and Louise Carver's jewellery range for a fraction of the price.

Visit www.36boutiques.com to register or to find out more about the new online boutique.

Work Wear

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00 +0200

Fashion stylists, Mark Heyes and Clare Smith, pick out all the types of work wear that will give you confidence in any office.

MARK'S ADVICE
• If you're a well-endowed size 10 and feel conscious of your chest, just leave your waistcoat undone and let the lines detract all attention away.
• Flaunt those sexy legs with a mini skirt – but be sure to wear some trusty opaque tights, you don't want to be too revealing.
• A crisp white shirt is an essential and a fitted style will work best on a slender frame. Beware – Dad's old shirts really don't work!
• The ruched pocket skirt is on trend, and also accentuates your waist and adds curves in all the right places.
• Skirts that sit on the knee boost height and add figure definition.
• A fitted jacket or blazer is a great tool for concealing upper arms. Plus, it will dress up your favourite basics.
• A delicate chiffon blouse worn with a plain vest disguises a multitude of sins. The vest clings, while the blouse glides over any imperfections.
• Don't be scared of skinny jeans – wear them in black with killer heels – they'll make your legs look long and sexy.
• Wear pale colours with confidence by layering a darker coloured jacket over the top to give you a glamorous hourglass figure.
• A well-cut tailored dress naturally slims you down and shows off your best bits. You may need to pay more for good fabric but it'll be worth it.
• A statement necklace doesn't just add your own personality to corporate work clothes, it also has the added effect of drawing the eye away from your tummy.

CLARE'S TIPS
• An unbuttoned waistcoat will give any figure a waist, or wear it buttoned-up to add definition to small chests.
• Layering is the perfect way to create the impression of having curves.
• Shirt dresses are so versatile – worn with skirts, trousers or simply on their own.
• Frills and ruffles make up for what's not there – so not great for big busts.
• Pencil skirts can hold in everything, in all the right places.
• Black is always slimming.
• If you're pear-shaped, never wear jackets that finish on the hips as they only draw attention to the area.
• Pussy-bow collars draw the eye away from a large chest.
• Longer jackets that cover the bum naturally disguise big bottoms while creating a sharp silhouette and feminine shape.
• Fitted jackets with deep V details give large chests a smaller appearance.
• Waist belts draw attention to the narrowest part of your body and create a lovely silhouette.

Oscars Frock Report

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00 +0200

With the exception of Maggie Gyllenhaal's out-of-place blue and white Dries Van Noten gown, dresses at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards were either super pouffy or sleek and chic.

Jennifer Lopez looked somewhat elegant in a white gown but the extravagant Marchesa ruffles were a little too over-the-top, more so for Up in the Air's Vera Farmiga. Speaking of OTT, Charlize Theron created a stir in a Dior Haute Couture satin dress – was she channelling her inner Material Girl?

The best dressed at this year's Oscars were definitely Sandra Bullock in an embroidered, champagne Marchesa gown, Diane Kruger in a soft Chanel floor-length halter neck, Miley Cyrus in a classic cream Jenny Packham corset and Anna Kendrick in a pale pink Elie Saab creation.

While Avatar's Zoe Saldana might not have worn the most beautiful outfit, her oversized purple Givenchy frock certainly got a lot of attention, as did Elizabeth Banks' feathery pastel Versace gown.

We loved the pale palettes, classic elegance and antique embroidery mixed with modern twists and up-to-the-minute accessories. And barring the occasional disaster (Mariah Carey's too-small Valentino gown), this year's Academy Awards were almost fashion-faux-pas free.

Sequins

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00 +0200

Since its inception in the 80s and its frequent re-birth, sequins are back and are dominating every catwalk and high-street shop this season. This eye-catching trend can be worn during the day as well as at night, but has to be done with care to avoid a gauche look.

Wondering how to wear this little hot number? Follow these COSMO tips and you will never go wrong:

DO'S
• Mix and match sequins with solid colours to play down the sparkle for a day time look. For example, wear a sequin blouse with a cardigan or blazer over it. That way, the effect will be less dazzling.
• To avoid an overly bold presence, wear a see-through dress over a sequin dress (e.g. a black unadorned lace dress). That way, you'll look more stylish without looking too fascinating.
• Less is more when it comes to sequins so keep it as simple as possible and when necessary. Pair with solid coloured leggings and leave accessories to a minimal.

DON'TS
• Don't overdo it. Some people think it's fashion forward to wear a trend from head to toe! Never wear a sequined dress, shoes, bags and jewellery together or you'll end up looking like a disco ball.
• Don't wear the wrong pieces for the right occasion. E.g. a short sequin skirt, a skimpy top and a pair of high heels during the day – except if you're going to the studio for a photo shoot or to record your new album.
• Don't wear sequins with other metallic colours. Sequin clothes on wet look leggings, bold satins, patent leather, chunky earrings and necklaces will only make you look like a fashion victim.
• Although statement bags, studded shoes, accessories, garments and bold colours are all in vogue, avoid pairing such items with sequins.

SHOP THE TREND
To be a 100% COSMO girl, get this sequin blazer from Nicci boutique and Foschini stores nationwide. Also, be smart enough to keep it in your closet forever because this trend would be a hot vintage trend in the next 10 years.

Burberry Live!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00 +0200

If you've always wished for a front row seat at London Fashion Week, now you have it. Burberry will be streaming their Autumn/Winter 2010 Women's Wear show live from London at 4pm GMT (that's 6pm South African time).

Here's a video message from the brand's chief creative officer...

You can watch the live stream at http://live.burberry.com. (Please note that because it's an international stream you'll probably need a fast Internet connection)

Designer to Watch - Stacey Alexander

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00 +0200

Twenty-three-year-old Stacey Alexander wants to improve South African women’s fashion sense with her glamorous yet affordable ready-to-wear range. Her collection appeals to both young and old women.

She says her creativity ‘stems from my mother’s love for fabrics and an eye for interior decorating’. Stacey’s journey as a designer began in retail when she worked for a few Cape Town-based boutiques including Journey Lifestyle and Me Me Me. In 2008, she entered the annual National Foschini Design Awards and won the competition. After that her work was showcased at the 2009 Cape Town Arise Fashion Week. The resounding success of that show led to her being invited to be part of the 2010 Audi Joburg Fashion Week where her fashion-forward range was very well-received.

We asked Stacey a few questions on her personal style, latest trends and style forecast for winter…

What’s your personal style?
I don’t have a specific style! I find beauty in many things. My dress sense often determines my mood; I believe it’s all about a feeling. Today I might look completely fashion forward, on trend, sequence up, power shoulders with stiletto-studded heels, etc and tomorrow I could look like Alice in Wonderland.

What trend will you be rocking this winter?
My favorite trend I see making its way back on the shelves is the Country/Barn Yard/Prairie trend. Its softness makes me feel good and like I have an altar ego. Also, I will be rocking floral dresses and pairing them up with washed out denim jackets and over the knee boots. Other items I will be wearing this winter are soft faded denim shirts, cute winter shorts and leather jackets with a lot of buckles.

What are this winter’s hottest trends?
This winter’s hottest trends will be tuxedo inspired clothing in different shapes and styles e.g., soft, fitted denim jackets. And for colours, it will be inky tones, grey, charcoals and indigo.

Bags For Hire

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00 +0200

Owner and founder of Designer Bags, Archana Sinha, can’t imagine a better way for a COSMO girl to save money, while still accessorising her favourite outfits with the latest trends. Sinha, who runs the online designer bag-hiring service, says for the same price of purchasing one bag, you can hire 24 designer ones in a year.

‘It’s about a lifestyle. Women don’t carry only one bag,’ Sinha says. ‘In order to meet the expectations of this lifestyle, we offer women a different bag, in different colours, for every occasion. You shouldn’t have to make concessions for fashion.’

We agree!

All you need to do is become a member by filling out a registration form, select from two monthly membership options, choose your bag and wait for your precious rental to be delivered to your doorstep.

Of the two monthly membership types, you can choose either the Regular membership (this is R140/month excluding bag hiring fee) or the Subscription membership (this is R2 280/month including bag hiring fee). Bag hiring fees cost between R400 and R1 500 per bag, depending on the designer and style.

Watch our video in which we asked the ladies from Marcus Brewster Publicity whether they would consider hiring instead of buying...

Your Denim Style

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00 +0200

Does the way you wear denim say more about you than your star sign? Try these four ways to wear our favourite wardrobe staple.

RELAXED DENIM GIRL
You live in faded denim in slouchy shapes – the perfect match for one of this season’s must-have items: a T-shirt dress.
What Your Denim Says About You
You love your weekends. The perfect Sunday for you is curling up in front of the TV, with the papers and your man, or going to the local restaurant for a Sunday roast. Denim is about comfort with style; you don‘t like your fit too tight, but still sexy and low on the hip.

STYLE STATEMENT DENIMISTA
Quirky accessories with funky denim details make denim a fashionable (but not fashion victim) look.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re not afraid to experiment and you love having fun with fashion. Denim is the perfect way to express your individuality – you can add a personal touch with interesting accessories and make bold statements with separates.

NINE-TO-FIVE DENIMATRIX
Who said you can’t wear denim to the office? Smart, clean-cut tailoring is all you need.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re ambitious, determined and a perfectionist at heart. You want to be taken seriously, so your denim is rarely faded and you prefer to wear it with I-mean-business heels.

GLAM DENIM DIVA
For sexy, sassy, big-night-out jeans, just add sparkle and glitzy heels.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re fun, flirtatious and love your Friday nights out with the girls. You like to hit the dance floor, and jeans are the perfect way to look sexy without flashing too much leg.

Golden Glamour

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00 +0200

The 67th Annual Golden Globes award ceremony was a mixture of subtle pastels and bright, colourful gowns, accentuated with a touch of class. From chiffon and beads, to ruffles and lace, these ladies lit up the red carpet in style.

Take a look at our photo gallery.

THE STANDOUTS
Avatar star, Zoe Saldana, was radiant in a ruffled maroon Louis Vuitton gown, as was Chloe Sevigny in flowing, ruffled Valentino. Kate Hudson’s sharp, white Marchesa dress certainly kept the cameras flashing, as did Couple’s Retreat actress, Kristen Bell, who sparkled in a white, Jasmine di Milo cocktail number.

Kate Winslet shone as usual in sleek, black Yves Saint Laurent, as did Penelope Cruz in black, lace Georgio Armani Prive. Cameron Diaz beamed in red Alexander McQueen and Sandra Bullock made a statement in a bright purple Bottega Venetta strapless dress, while Jennifer Garner’s understated beaded Versace gown left her 100% safe from the critics.

Nicole Kidman flowed in pale satin Nina Ricci, Damages star, Rose Byrne, stood out in deep purple Lanvin, while The Devil Wears Prada award-winning actress, Emily Blunt, kept it elegant in a graceful Dolce & Gabbana gown.

THE CONTROVERSIES
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s beautiful Roland Mouret mermaid dress certainly stood out; however, the colour might have been a minor oversight. Drew Barrymore’s refined champagne Atelier Versace gown was near perfect, we just wish she left the unnecessary sponge-like attachments accessorising her shoulder and hip at home.

But, who was the most controversially gorgeous star on the night? It’s a tie between Jennifer Aniston and Mariah Carey, both of whom opted to stay chic in black. Former Mrs Pitt wore a slender Valentino gown that boasted a rather lengthy and revealing slit, while Mariah Carey’s tight-fitting Herve Leger bandage dress by Max Azria left no room for the imagination.

THE FAILS
Twilight and New Moon actress, Anna Kendrick picked a dated Marchesa dress, while Olivia Wilde’s glittery Gucci number seemed early millennium for 2010. Diane Kruger played the bold card in pink Christian Lacroix, but while it may have been bright and on trend, the frilly detail was a bit too old-fashioned for the Wicker Park star.

The Oversized Blazer

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00 +0200

Featured in the Autumn issues of the major fashion magazines, on the runways and printed in catalogs on the hottest trends, the boyfriend jacket has become one of the must-have items recently. Shopping for this trendy article can be as easy as raiding your boyfriend's, brother's or husband's closet.

The boyfriend jacket gets its name from its boxy, oversized cut; these blazers will keep you warm and looking cute at a casual Saturday afternoon cocktail party or on a sizzling night out.

THE DO'S
• Black is the hottest colour, but grey, navy blue, pinstripe and even tweed are good options too.
• The easiest way to wear this blazer is over a simple T-shirt with button-up, fitted jeans.
• Because this jacket is cut larger than most, wear at least one fitted item of clothing so you don't look shapeless.
• You can find sleek blazers with amazing linings. If you do, show them off by rolling up the sleeves once or twice. Making this style your own breaks the preppy blazer look.
• Pair it with a pair of cuffed shorts or cropped pants, or another fashion-friendly favorite this season, leather shorts.
• Wear your blazer over a full skirt or, if you're really daring, wear it with a miniskirt – it'll look like you're power dressing.
• If you have shapely legs, wear it over dark leggings and then pair with ankle boots, flats or sneakers.
• Nothing says classic chick like a white blouse – find one with romantic ruffles so it doesn't look corporate.
• Accessorise with a long, chunky necklace or with a thick strands of beads to make your look more sophisticated. You can also button up the blazer and wrap a colourful scarf around your neck to dress up the outfit. If the oversized look is too overwhelming for your frame or you simply don't like it, let a belt add some shape to your waist.

THE DON'TS
• Don't pair your blazer with a matching suit pants or skirt unless you're actually going to a business meeting.
• Shoulder pads reign on the runways, but you should always pick a style you feel comfortable in. Remember, boyfriend jackets are a throwback to the 80s, you don't want to single-handedly bring Dynasty back to life.

The Skirt Dress

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00 +0200

Here are a few tips from COSMO’s freelance fashion assistant on how to make the skirt dress work for you, as well as what not to do when you add this sassy item to your style.

THE DO’S
• You can wear the skirt dress in any colour, especially in two tones and patterned fabrics.
• Accessorise your skirt dress with a stylish belt; it will add structure and definition to your waistline, as well as highlight your feminine figure.
• Make the dress your own by adding lots of bangles, petite necklaces brooches, and sling bags to your overall look.
• Sandals look fabulous with this particular dress, but if you want to dress up a casual look, simply add heels.

THE DONT’S
• Don’t wear head-to-toe patterns. Instead, keep the skirt dress two-toned. For example, a plain, white vest on top and a patterned floral fabric on the bottom.
• Don’t go for a dress that is too tight, as most of these dresses make use of elastic in the waist. If it’s too tight, it can look very unflattering.

Smart Bra Habits

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:00 +0200

John Caleo, executive vice president of design at Victoria's Secret stores, offers practical advice on how to protect your bras.

PICK A BREATHABLE FABRIC, like cotton or a cotton-rayon blend. Bras cut from synthetic materials, such as nylon or spandex, can irritate skin as well as block air circulation, triggering redness and/or itching if worn regularly. Occasionally wearing a sexy, lacy one (typically made with nylon and spandex) won't cause any harm.

LOOK FOR MOLDED CUPS. A bra that lets your boobs bounce as you move can worsen PMS breast pain and cause soreness and possibly even sagging.

WASH IT THE RIGHT WAY. As tempting as it may be to let the washer and dryer do all the work, the cups and band will stay firmer – and give you more support – if you wash the bra by hand with a mild laundry detergent in lukewarm water and let it airdry after each wear.

LOSE IT WHEN IT FEELS LOOSE. There's no hard-and-fast rule as to how long the average bra lasts, but it's a good idea to stop wearing it when the elasticity begins to give and/or you're constantly adjusting the straps to make it fit.

Summer Charms

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00 +0200

It seems the higher, the brighter, the better is summer's new motto.

SHOES
This season is all about super-high platform heels, wedges and stiletto sandals. Think 6-inches and don't be afraid to experiment with colour. If you are, however, looking for flats, Tomy Takkies are the way to go.

HEADBANDS
'Headbands are a must for summer,' says COSMO fashion assistant, Nathirah Isaacs. 'You can dress them up or down with any outfit, whether it be evening or everyday wear.'

EARRINGS
For a night out on the town, go for big chandelier earrings, says Isaacs. They'll help to accentuate a simple outfit and add a bit of glitz to your party dress.

BANGLES
Whether you're accessorising for a party, heading down to the beach or setting off on a shopping trip, colourful bangles are integral to any outfit, according to Isaacs. Build your collection with turquoises, yellows, oranges and greens.

SUNGLASSES
'Colourful sunglasses are a must for those days on the beach,' says Isaacs. From neon pink wayfarers to oversized yellow frames, even sunglasses need to be bright this summer.

NECKLACES
'Move away from the chunky necklace and go for the "less is more" look,' advises Isaacs. 'Dainty pendant necklaces are really hot this summer, as are long, beaded necklaces.'

BELTS
Move the thick belts to the back of your cupboard, because thin belts are back. 'Thin woven belts or thin belts in assorted colours are a must, whether you want to wear them normally or around your waist.'

RINGS
'This season is about the statement ring,' says Isaacs. Think big rings with bright stones or colourful patterns.

HATS
The latest trend for summer is the Panama hat. Buy it in different shades, and always remember to include a day-to-day straw version and a more chic cream Panama one. Accessorise your hat with a colourful strip or keep it clean, with a white or pastel band.

The Jumpsuit

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00 +0200

Jumpsuits rank up there with Harem pants as a trend that both frightens and intrigues us. Wearing a jumpsuit is a hard look to master, but with the right style and fit it can become your next wardrobe classic.

THE DOS…
• Choosing the right jumpsuit all depends on your body shape. If you have big busts, steer clear of bandeau styles – flatter your figure with deep V designs. Long-leg jumpsuits work best on curvy figures and shorter jumpsuits known as rompers suit shorter women.
• Wear a jumpsuit instead of a cocktail dress. If treated like the trusty LBD, the jumpsuit will no longer appear scary and will instead become one of the most versatile and sultry items in your wardrobe.
• When choosing colour go for black, navy, grays and plums as well as pastels and prints; these are popular this summer.
• Jumpsuits can be easily accessorised with a stylish belt to clinch in the waist and highlight your feminine figure. Make the outfit your own with bold clutch bags, chunky bangles, large earrings and headbands.
• Dress it up with killer heels or play it down for work with pumps. For casual daywear pair your suit up with another of this season's hottest trends, the gladiator sandal.
• Add a blazer or a cardigan if you're not yet that comfortable revealing your one piece to the world.

THE DON'TS…
• Head-to-toe patterns are a big no. Instead choose solid colours and sophisticated fabrics.
• Don't go for something that's too baggy because it can be as unflattering as if it were too tight.
• Don't wear a jumpsuit like a second skin unless you have that perfectly-toned size 8 body. Choose a suit that will conceal anything you are not 100% comfortable showing.

Different Strokes

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00 +0200

Hit the beach or pool in bright florals, graphic prints or basic black.

GRAPHIC PRINTS make a bold statement
• No waist? Go for a bikini or swimsuit with a belt, which will give the illusion of a defined middle.
• Perfect for a long body, horizontal stripes make the torso appear shorter. Go for a style with lots of detail.
• Got a fuller bust? Halterneck tops offer good support and create a sexy cleavage. Avoid bandeau tops, which provide no support for big breasts.
• If you have a petite frame and a small bust, triangular cups and Brazilian-cut bottoms will have a flattering effect.
• Great for shapely shoulders, a halterneck will draw attention away from the thighs to your sexy top half.
• Dark colours and swirling prints do wonders for the fuller figure. They have a slimming effect because they 'break up' the body and give the illusion of definition.

BLACK SWIMSUITS (either solid black or black and white) are flattering and oh so glam
• Perfect for a boyish figure, the halterneck top draws attention to toned arms and shoulders, and side-ties help create a curvy shape. Boyish body types should steer clear of solid-coloured swimsuits and stick with patterns.
• Great for a long body, a contrasting design will 'shorten' the torso and the belted waistline will add more shape. A boy-short style looks great on slim hips.
• If you have short legs, go for styles that are cut high on the thigh to make your legs look longer. A swimsuit with a plunging neckline helps a short torso appear longer.
• Got a big bottom? Black, medium-sized bikini bottoms of which the sides are about 7cm wide, flatter bootylicious babes. A halterneck top with a plunging neckline draws attention up and away from the bottom half.
• Get an instant flat tummy. A structured one-piece trims the midsection and flattens the tummy. In fact, it promises to make you look one size smaller than you are!
• Show off your toned abs in the ever-sexy monokini, which is barer and more daring than a one-piece but not as bare or daring as a bikini.

FLORALS are wild and bright, and sure to make you the centre of attention!
• A bikini top with underwire support offers bigger busts extra support and an instant lift.
• If you have an athletic body, try a style with sexy ruffles that create the illusion of shapely curves. Bonus: ruched and cinched tops help enhance the bust.
• To make a long body seem less lanky, go for bright prints and horizontal lines. Designs that draw the eye down; dark, solid colours and high necklines are not your friend.
• Perfect for the hourglass figure, a Brazilian-cut bikini will show off your sexy curves.
• Flat-chested? Tops with strategically placed prints will create the illusion of a fuller bust.
• Draw attention to a toned body with a bright bikini. A plunging top will show off your cleavage and ring details on the bottoms will highlight your hips.

SWIMSUIT SHOPPING: 5 NEED-TO-KNOW HEALTH TIPS
1. Get tight
'Loosely woven materials provide less protection, leaving skin vulnerable to the sun', says Speedo SA brand manager Gayle Wise. Buy UV protection layered matt-Lycra and the thicker microfibre instead. (Your swimsuit's swing tag should rate the UV protection.)

2. Colour my 'kini
'Darker colours attract more sun than lighter shades but they let less sun shine through the bikini than lighter shades,' says Wise. Lined swimsuits also decrease sunlight penetration.

3. Bikini bras
If you like wearing your bikini top as a bra, make sure it gives you enough support. 'Billabong's Jungle Daze range functions like a bra but look as stylish as a bikini top,' says Billabong designer Dawnsy Mienie.

4. Buy quick-dry
'Wearing a wet swimsuit in the sun may change the pH levels in the vagina and increase the risk of infections such as thrush,' says gynaecologist Dr Divanovic of Medfem Clinic in Johannesburg. Buy fast-drying bikini fabrics such as cotton-Lycra.

5. Cover up
The one-piece swimsuit is back in fashion, giving you more protection. Play around with 'skirtinis', boy shorts and tankinis, which not only protect you from the sun but also look great.

* Don't forget to wear sunscreen with an SPF15 and reapply it regularly.

Fashion Rocks

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00 +0200

The famous and fabulous were out in full swing at the annual Fashion Rocks charity fundraiser in Rio De Janeiro last week as world-class musicians and designers brought fashion and music together in a rocking runway extravaganza.

Calvin Klein, Versace, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs, along with internationally acclaimed Brazilian designers, showcased their new lines while 5 000 of the world's elite were treated to live performances by Mariah Carey, P.Diddy, Ciara, Grace Jones and Estelle.

'Under any circumstance, music will always set fashion trends around the world,' says COSMO Fashion Assistant, Nathirah Isaacs. 'Just look at what bands and singers are wearing this year, and look at how everyday people are dressing on the street. Many people have musical celebrities they idolise, like Mariah and Estelle, and lots of people copy the trends their idol sets.'

The same can be said for designers. Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana have been inspired by Madonna in the past, Gucci by Rihanna and Giorgio Armani looked to Beyoncé as their fashion muse.

'Music and fashion are both forms of self expression,' says Isaacs. 'Music and fashion is one and the same thing.'

Check out our photo gallery for all the pictures from the 2009 Oi Fashion Rocks fundraiser.

Harem Pants

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00 +0200

Harem pants are one of the returning fashion trends this season. They're billowy, sensuous and versatile, but depending on your figure this might not be the look you're after, as these pants have a tendency to add weight to fuller figures. However, the right pair can make you look both stylish and slim…

THE DOS
• Always remember less is more. Don't look for the biggest balloon hips or the baggiest crotch, instead go for an ever so slight ballooned hip and delicately draped crotch. If you wear more subtle harem pants, you can hide your problem areas rather than create new ones.
• Add more structure to this voluminous shape: belts add definition to your waistline, and we can all use a bit more definition from time to time.
• Dark colours create a slimming effect, and when you add that slight balloon to problem areas like hips and a flattering skinny leg, that creates an even more slimming effect.
• High heels are a must to keep your look lean, long and sexy.
• Wear cropped jackets and tops. This will help people to see that your pants are deliberately billowing and that you're not trying to keep your pants from falling down. The shorter jackets and tops also accentuate the style.

THE DON'TS
• Don't choose pants with an extremely low crotch; pants that sag in the centre half way down your leg are not a good look on most people. This also makes the pants to look less elegant and stylish.
• Don't choose heavy fabrics as they do not drape as elegantly as delicate ones would.
• Don't overload on jewellery. One elegant piece around your neck and possibly a few bangles are enough.

Too Close For Comfort

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00 +0200

Over the years, experts have slated some of our favourite wardrobe accessories as being hazardous to our health. We've been told stilettos are bad for our back and can damage our feet and knees, push up bras result in posture problems and poor circulation, and heavy handbags put tension on the spine. If that wasn't bad enough, skinny jeans are bearing the brunt of the health police and it looks as though it's time to face the facts.

Ever heard of meralgia paresthetica? According to Dr. John England, a US-based neurologist and member of the American Academy of Neurology, skinny jeans put pressure on the femoral cutaneous nerve in your thighs, which can leave you with a strange, tingling sensation in your legs. Add stilettos to the mix and you're in double trouble, as the tingling simply worsens.

As told to MSNBC: '[The femoral cutaneous nerve] is a pure sensory nerve,' says Dr. England, 'it doesn't go to muscles or provide strength. Anything tight around that area could potentially compress the nerve.' But don't go tossing your supertight skinnies quite yet; 'tingling thigh syndrome' is temporary, and you can continue to wear skinny jeans without causing any permanent damage. Simply remove the pressure by stripping off and those pins-and-needles will soon disappear.

'This health risk might be blown out of proportion,' counters Durban-based stylist, Pippa Lynch. 'I do, however, recommend avoiding very tight skinny jeans and rather opt for the styles that have a little more stretch, as they are a lot more flattering on most leg shapes and body types than the skin-tight variety.'

Alice Dunkley, a stylist at The Wardrobe Studio, agrees: 'Comfort is most important when buying any jeans, so if they are uncomfortable to sit in, then chances are this is not good for one's health.'

'For all those risk averse stylistas out there,' adds Lynch, 'boyfriend styles and rolled-up cargo pants are slowly trumping skinny jeans as the preferred silhouette this season, so if you attribute those pains in your legs to your skinny jeans, simply shop for a new style.'

Toying With The Line

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00 +0200

We all know sex sells, and the fashion industry is proving it time and again. Adverts are created to connect with an audience on an emotional level, and if it hits one or two nerves, it may be a job well done for getting people talking about it. But are things being taken too far these days?

Are these five campaigns creative genius or low-grade smut? Decide for yourself...

THE 'G' SPOT

This 2003 Gucci campaign depicted a model showing off her pubic hair shaved into a 'G'. Crude or clever? Obviously the 'G' stands for Gucci, but the sexual undertone suggests something a little more pleasurable. The public were in an uproar not at the suggestive symbol, but rather at the blatant display of pubic hair.

PERFUME-AS-PENIS

In 2007 Tom Ford released his Tom Ford for Men fragrance with a racy ad campaign, which showed a naked, oiled up woman, with blood red fingernails holding the perfume bottle as a penis in front of her vagina. Tom Ford is known for his controversial advertising campaigns but many felt this was taking it too far. Obviously this advert was meant to attract men, and what better way to attract a man's attention than with a naked woman?

COKED UP ON FASHION

Moving away from sex, Sisley's 2007/2008 Fall ad campaign showed two 'coked-up' models snorting a cocaine-white dress, implying they're addicted to fashion. Even the smallest details were considered to make this campaign authentic – the model with her eyes rolling back in her head and the credit and white powder. But what kind of message does this send to young women? Not to mention the stigma of the drug culture in the fashion industry...

GANGING UP

When this campaign went public, Dolce & Gabbana were accused of glorifying gang rape. The Italian designer duo was accused of being sexist and presenting women as sexual objects that can be exploited. Is this what immediately strikes you too? Did you have the same reaction to the ad?

WIDE OPEN

American Apparel's raunchy campaigns are often very liberal when it comes to sex, making it part of everyday life, and often face petitions by the American public to have their campaigns banned. But this particular ad is so blatantly in-your-face, it came across as crude, teetering on the verge of porn.

While these ads certainly make you take notice (and you won't easily forget the designers' names after seeing them), would they actually cause you to buy their products?

Look Sexy After a Mastectomy

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00 +0200

Actress Christina Applegate radiated confidence and beauty on the 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet just 13 months after having a double mastectomy. But while millions of women across the world have beaten breast cancer with surgery, finding specially-made lingerie that fit comfortably and also look sexy is a challenge in South Africa.

'My mom had breast cancer some years ago and, after having a mastectomy, she always found it difficult to find well fitted, beautiful bras and swimwear,' says Helen Yeomans. 'We then realised that many ladies who have had breast cancer must be feeling the same way. We went in search of mastectomy wear and, after getting excited about what we found, decided other ladies must be given this same opportunity to obtain these beautiful bras and swimsuits.'

The mother-and-daughter team have now set up their own business, a specialised mastectomy wear boutique in South Africa, and outsource beautiful bras and swimwear internationally.

'We stock bras for every stage of recovery, bras that can be taken into hospital (post op), those you can wear during the waiting period before having reconstructive surgery and also many beautiful bras if you decide not to opt for reconstruction,' says Yeomans.

All bras, tops and swimsuits in the Mastique Lingerie collection are made with fitted pockets for a secure hold and discreet fit. A few of the bras are also made with fashionable camisoles that give extra coverage if scarring is higher. The bras fit close to the chest wall, so you can lean forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Although the Mastique Lingerie boutique is situated in Fourways, Johannesburg, the Yeomans' do deliver to the rest of South Africa. Visit http://mastiquelingerie.co.za to view the full Mastique Lingerie collection.

Spring's Hottest Bags

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00 +0200

Quilted
A must have for the new spring season; quilted bags are suitable for both evenings and days out depending on the size. Smaller quilted bags can be carried as a clutch, or if it has a chain can be worn over the shoulder. But there are also a few that are big enough to be taken to work.

Tan leather
Choose an understated handbag that goes with everything this summer – but it's more suitable for day wear than nights out.

Embroided leather
Bring out the bohemian in you by investing in an embroided leather handbag. It's fun, beautiful and suitable for day-to-day use.

Straw with leather handles
This simple woven handbag is great on and off the beach.

Fringed
Fringes are everywhere these days. Show you're clued up on the latest trends with the boho-style handbag, which is suitable for a day-to-day use.

Gold
Gold handbags work with every outfit and for every occasion.

Black patent clutch
Everyone owns there faithful black clutch, but why not try a patent one to add extra shine to your summer collection. Save these for a glamorous evening event.

Mock croc print
The ultimate in ladylike chic, it's defiantly worth investing in a timeless mock croc classic. Suitable for everyday occasions as well as corporate ones.

White
A crisp, white handbag is defiantly a summer essential. Choose one in a soft leather to make you look super stylish and elegant at any event.

Studded
Studs are so hot this summer and can be worn on any occasion.

Live From CTFW

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:00 +0200

Arise Cape Town Fashion Week 2009 will kick off this evening at the Cape Town Convention Centre. But if you're not able to make it to the Mother City, or have simply forgotten to get tickets, we'll keep you posted on all the action – live from the runways.

COSMOPOLITAN will be tweeting from the runways during a few of the shows, including Misfit, Tart, Lalessa, Lovewaterlove and the Foschini/Nokia New Generation Show.

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CosmopolitanSA and you'll get up-to-the-minute tweets on the latest trends.

Waistcoat 101

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:00 +0200

Ever thought of pairing a satin waistcoat with a dress? The COSMO fashion team offers their advice on how best to wear a waistcoat.

PAIR A WAISTCOAT WITH…
• men's or formal pants – for a boyish look
• a dress – for that fabulous bohemian feel
• jeans – to keep it casual
• a pencil skirt – if you're going for corporate style

You can pair a waistcoat with just about anything – whatever your outfit you can never go wrong with one. But always try to wear something underneath it, don't just bare all.

FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Waistcoats come in a range of different materials and fits, including colourful denims, satin, brushed cotton, tartan, leather and wool. Best of all, there are endless styles to choose from – from buttoned up to buttoned down, double-breasted or bomber-jacket style.

Mix and match your waistcoat with these items:
Denim = T-shirts or shirts or vests or dresses
Satin = shirts
Brushed cotton = T-shirts or vests
Tartan = plain undergarments
Leather = shirts or T-shirts
Wool = polo necks
Buttoned up = shirts
Double-breasted = shirts or T-shirts
Bomber-jacket style = polo necks or long-sleeved tops or T-shirts

There is a waistcoat for all body types, but it's very important that it's the right fit. Wear a long-length waist coat if you have an apple figure. And a shorter one if you're pear-shaped – it will show off your waist.

High-Waisted Pants

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00 +0200

High-waisted pants briefly appeared on the streets in 2007, but sadly failed to make an impression. But they're back in 2009! Follow these simple guidelines and these bottoms will no longer be difficult to pull off.

Click here for our rules.

Unleash Your Wild Side

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00 +0200

Don't be tame this winter; leopard prints are still popular. Here are a few tips on how to make leopard print work for you and what not to do when you're adding spots to your style.

DO...
• Stick with the same style of leopard print. Match large spots with large spots and couple small, more detailed spots together.
• Dress up leopard print with chunky jewellery. Pair your outfit with a chunky gold or large bracelet in a warm hue.
• Wear leopard print during the day or glam it up at night. An understated leopard print top with jeans and riding boots will do well for the afternoon and a leopard print clutch or sexy heels with your LBD for your night on the town.
• Have a statement piece. If you don't want to make too much of a statement, a leopard print bag, bangle or shoes can be a great addition to your wardrobe.
• Keep the complete ensemble simple. You don't want to look like road kill.

DON'T...
• Mix it with bright colours. Leopard print tights with a striking blue top or your favourite red coat just doesn't work.
• Fall into the dreaded leopard print trap – kitted out in the print head to toe will never be trendy.
• Pile on the layers. If you're going to be layering, stick to one layer of leopard print at a time.
• Wear any colour print. Stick to the usual black and brown prints.
• Add African jewellery to your outfit, it will look like you're trying too hard.

Fashion Fiction

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00 +0200

Ever thought you couldn't wear horizontal stripes? Or wearing white in winter is a fashion disaster? Think again. We asked the experts to discredit a few fashion myths.

FASHION MYTH 1: Only wear sequins at night
'Sequins can be worn anytime, day or night,' says Nathirah Isaacs, COSMO freelance fashion assistant. 'You can dress them up during the day with jeans or sexy denim shorts, or go glam at night with heels and chandelier earrings.'

FASHION MYTH 2: Chunky accessories are always trendy; you can wear them whenever, wherever and however
'This is false. Chunky jewellery is funky and trendy, but only works with some outfits. Imagine an evening dress with chunky jewellery… I don't think so!' says COSMO fashion assistant Mishkah Rinquest.

FASHION MYTH 3: Never mix patterns and prints
'Mixing prints and patterns is pretty trendy this season – most of the big designers and fashion-forward celebrities are taking liberties when it comes to mixing and matching. But to get it right, only mix patterns and prints that are the same tone,' says Durban-based fashion stylist, Pippa Lynch.
'Patterns and prints worn together can create a very interesting and eclectic look, provided it’s done cleverly,' says Alice Dunkley, a Cape Town-based stylist. 'Try to link the two, by using patterns and prints of a similar theme, tone or colour palette.'

FASHION MYTH 4: Never wear white in winter
'That is so not true,' says Rinquest. 'White is a colour for all seasons. There are great pieces available in winter like coats, chunky jerseys and polo necks, all of which come in white.' Isaacs agrees: 'In winter, glam it up with red lips and you're good to go.'

FASHION MYTH 5: Never wear horizontal stripes
'Horizontal stripes have always been said to make a person look heavier or larger as these draw the eye across the body, creating the allusion of width,'says Dunkley. 'But depending on the stripes you choose, they can actually have a slimming affect. Narrowly spaced horizontal stripes take the eye upwards and create the illusion of height and slenderness.'
'If you have a small bust and waist and no hips, horizontal stripes will help give you a shape. But stay away from horizontal stripes if you want to downplay a particular part of your body, or if you already have curves,' says Lynch.

FASHION MYTH 6: Don't mix bright colours
'To be trendy and out there, you can do whatever you want, even if it is mixing bright colours. It might be a bit loud for some people, but you can get away with it; it's a fashion statement,' says Rinquest.

FASHION MYTH 7: Black makes you look slimmer
'While darker colours generally have a more slimming effect than lighter colours, black is not always as slimming as it's thought to be,' says Dunkley. 'If worn too tightly, black outlines the silhouette and will actually make a person appear larger than they are. Surface quality of a fabric is also important; when choosing black for a slimming effect, look for smooth or matt fabrics rather than shiny ones.'

Designer to Watch - Cloe Townsend

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00 +0200

Our Designer to Watch for June, Chloe Townsend, creates leather belts, jewellery and made-to-order bags for Missibaba http://www.missibaba.com, and although her personal style is reflected in her accessories (particularly the colour combinations) she prefers to work with leather.

'I love it. I love the depth of colour, the malleability and its non-fray factor,' says Townsend. 'I usually design for someone who is confident with their own individual style, and who appreciates quality and handmade products. I love elements of both the traditional and modern, and when combined they create an aesthetic with more depth and interest where both elements are highlighted rather than lost through overkill.'

Townsend has accessorised for local fashion designers, Stiaan Louw and Stefania Morland, but as an emerging new designer, there are many others she'd like to work with.

'I would like to work with Marianne Fassler again; she allows me total creative freedom and our pieces work well together. I'd also like to collaborate with my boyfriend Xandre Kriel (he's a furniture maker) on some fun, colourful furniture pieces.'

And when it comes to her crew, Townsend keeps it local while helping her community simultaneously.

'I support the women at the iKhaya Trust Centre because the project is based in Stellenbosch, the town I grew up in, which is very close to my heart,' says Townsend. 'I am totally in love with my crew of ladies and have gotten so much personal benefit from dealing with such strong, courageous women. They embroider my bags with inspired hands, always surprising me with fresh colour combinations.'

But how can a COSMO girl incorporate Missibaba accessories into her outfit this winter?

'Most of my pieces are very versatile and can be worn day through night, winter or summer, so really you must just play. A belt I'm really loving this season is our tux belt in black patent leather. It'll jazz up any old jersey, dress or coat.'

Rachel's Style Rules

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00 +0200

Day or night, this actress looks chic. No wonder DKNY Jeans got her to design a line for them (called Edie Rose). Here, she shares her style rules.

1. CHOOSE DARK JEANS
'They're so easy to dress up. I think skinnies look really flattering with heels. Get a good pair that has some stretch.'

2. RECYCLE TRENDS
'It's funny how things are coming back in again so quickly – for example, one shoulder shirts were big just a few years ago and are now back in style. For that reason, I never throw anything out, and I like to wear things when they're sort of just coming out of being really cool.'

3. THROW ON A SCARF
'I love scarves – I have so many. If you have a simple dress and a great scarf, you have such a good outfit. I just got an amazing silk Chanel scarf that has stars on it as a gift.'

4. MIX AND MATCH
'I'm a big fan of mix-matching… taking pieces from certain outfits and pairing them with others. It allows you to create your own look.'

5. DRESS DOWN AT NIGHT
'I don't like dressing up unless I absolutely need to. For a date, I wear a T-shirt and jeans with a great pair of superhigh heels. I've had to train myself to walk in them.'

RACHEL'S STYLE OBSESSIONS
Yellow
'I'm so into yellow right now. You can pair it with a neutral shoe or a contrasting colour such as green. And I'm not scared to wear yellow and black together.'

Shrunken blazer
'Wear it with tux pants and a vintage T-shirt for an androgynous look. I love clothes with a male influence.'

Big bracelets
'I'll put on one cocktail ring or big bracelet and that's it. Wearing a single piece makes more of a statement.'

Best Budget Bags

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00 +0200

We've found 10 beautiful bags to help keep you chic, and won't break the bank.

To complement your daytime trench go for tartan check and add warm colours, such as deep purples, and autumn hues to your winter accessories. Clutch purses are the perfect addition to any night-time look – whether you choose to accessorise with a simple, black clutch or be bold with patent, snakeskin reds and glistening blues.

Whether you're looking for a canvas holdall or a shimmering clutch, we've found the perfect budget bag to complement your style.

Boot Up

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:00 +0200

The days are getting cooler and so are autumn trends. Ladies, knee-high boots are back!

Boost your sex appeal and let knee-high boots give you instant street cred.

Mix them up with your wardrobe of skinny jeans and jersey dresses, and select styles from suede – for a laid-back everyday look – to the very daring and edgy patent leather. Whichever way you choose to rock your boots, make sure the hemline of your dress or skirt is no more than 7.5cm above the top of your boots, you want to look sleek, not stumpy.

Dress Rehearsal

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:00 +0200

Watch the drama as Clive Rundle fits his models before Sanlam SA Fashion Week.

In a rare moment of candidness, fashion designer Clive Rundle allowed cameras into his studio to capture a quick 3-minute video of him and his models during a fitting and dress rehearsal a few days before his Summer '09/'10 Collection was shown at Sanlam SA Fashion Week in Johannesburg.

From Haute to Everyday Couture

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00 +0200

Ever wondered how to turn a catwalk look into one that works off the runway? In the April 2009 issue of COSMOPOLITAN we showed you how to turn a high-fashion catwalk look into one that can work for you in the office, on a date or on a great night out.

Here are more of our style tips to help you maximise your designer investment by mixing and matching it with everyday items.

Studio photography by Karl Rogers
Ramp photography by Simon Deiner (SDR Photo)

Designer To Watch - Cherie Neveling

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:00 +0200

Our Designer to Watch for March, Cherie Neveling (designing for Cherie Clair) shares the trends she thinks will be hot during a cool autumn.

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK
A must-have for every wardrobe are your black basics, from the ever fabulous LBD to an irreplaceable pair of black pants. Black is every girl's best friend and secret weapon. As a favourite base for runways around the world, it's a saving grace for the otherwise fashionably impaired.

This autumn combine your favourite black pieces for a multi-textured monochromatic feel or play it up with bright block colour statement pieces or hints of winter chick plaid.

COLOUR
Even a classic fashion fundie such as myself can't help but be drawn to the vibrant hues of burgundy, emerald green, plum and other rich shades. A spin off version of summer's brights, go for muted, darker tones that will tickle the pallets of colour lovers.

This autumn go big with a block colour statement piece or use with accessories. Also look at adding coloured tights to your wardrobe.

MIX IT UP
There's an upside to the cooler weather other than movie nights and duvet days: awesome silhouettes and layering. You can always blame the weather on your varying textures over accessorising.

This autumn don't worry about trying to match. If ever there was a time to layer it up with contrasting textures and shades, it's now.

Make a Statement

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00 +0200

Everyone is proclaiming this to be the season of the 'it' shoe. So the more daring the better.

Go for peep-toe booties with exotic skin and sky-high platforms. Just remember to wear them with confidence and no one will notice you wincing.

Click here to see which celebrities have been making statements in their heels.

Star Style Beyonce

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00 +0200

Snapped at the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend in Arizona, Beyoncé does shabby-chic with a pair of ripped denim shorts, grey slouch jersey, beanie and snakeskin Christian Louboutin heels.

We love how Beyoncé has balanced the casual shorts and jersey with a touch of glamour from her designer heels and eye-catching accessories – she fits in with the sporty atmosphere but still stands out from the crowd in her effortlessly cool ensemble.

Designer To Watch - Nadia Lemmer

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00 +0200

Fresh from the ramps at Toronto Fashion Week, Nadia Lemmer is carving her way within the South African fashion circuit, literally. Her latest collection, 'Grandma's Secrets', is intricately decorated with forks, spoons and even cupcakes, and the final-year fashion student is taking it upon herself to make sure plus-sized women are not excluded from the world of fashion.

We asked Nadia for her perspective on the latest trends.

HOT TRENDS
Nadia's main pieces are designed primarily for the average woman, which to her is a size 16. Her practical yoga top is lined with elastic on the bottom hem so any compromising stretches aren't jeopardised by material flopping over your head. Her idea for the light-weight top stemmed from the new trend of more fashionable sportswear. So now you can look presentable when heading for the gym and 'accidentally' bump into someone who is only allowed to see you at your best.

Another of her hot pieces on trend is a plain T-shirt with white lace, designed specifically to be tighter in all the right areas. 'If you put on weight, your bust is the area that will remain the most representative of your natural frame,' she says. Therefore, the emphasis on these T-shirts is to be tighter around the bust and looser around the waist and hips.

Her final, key piece is a black lace over-garment, which can be worn with either a formal pants or jeans. For something a little more glam, Nadia plans on embellishing one of the pieces with sequins to add a little sparkle.

WHAT EVERYONE'S WEARING NOW
Right now though, Nadia is quite excited about leather jackets making their way back into wardrobes (much the same as they did in Europe for their autumn/winter season).

But it's not only leather that's making a comeback. At Toronto Fashion Week, Nadia saw knitwear, including dresses with crocheted details, being showcased on the Canadian catwalks.

KEY FOR AUTUMN
Nadia predicts gloves are going to be big during the autumn season – she already owns a cashmere and leather pair. Also, invest in legwarmers and sequins, particularly sequined leggings (a striking look that will definitely turn a few heads). But if you're looking for even more attention, feathers are long overdue for a comeback.

If you'd like to get a closer look at Nadia's latest collection, she will be showcasing a few pieces at a Woolworth's Trunk Sale in the not too distant future under the very clever brand name of Lemmernade.

Golden Globe Gowns

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:00 +0200

We might not have seen many of the 66th Annual Golden Globe award winning films or television shows, but we certainly know the stars who walked down the red carpet.

Take a look at our photo gallery.

ATTENTION GRABBERS
Firmly attached to Brad Pitt's arm, Angelina Jolie sparkled in her grey Versace gown while Jennifer Lopez finally joined her on our Hot Mammas list as she glowed in a gold Marchesa design. Rumours that Marc Anthony wants the mother of his twins to cover up seem to have been dashed when Lopez emerged from their limousine in the backless gown that didn't leave much to the imagination.

Two Evas also turned heads when they landed on the red carpet. Eva Longoria arrived solo in a body-hugging, red Reem Acra gown with train and Eva Mendes did Dior proud in her white gown with front bustle.

YOUNG & INNOCENT
The young stars kept things simple and understated. Miley Cyrus took tips from last year's Oscars and wore a white Marchesa Grecian dress while America Ferrera was spotted in a silver Oscar de la Renta one-shoulder gown with a hemline just below her knee. Arriving separately from Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcha, Rumer Willlis rivalled her mother for attention in a deep purple Reem Acra design.

CRAZY HAIR DAY
We all have bad hair days, but when you're walking the red carpet, there is simply no excuse. Drew Barrymore's hair style was just too much even for her Dior by John Galliano blue masterpiece, while Cameron Diaz spoilt a perfect Chanel Haute Couture gown that was pretty in pink and Reneè Zellweger scared fans in a black sheer blouse with fishtail skirt by Carolina Herrera.

CURVES
Elie Saab squeezed Beyoncè into a silver detailed strapless design that played up the not-so-single lady's curves, and Megan Fox opted for a gold Ralph Lauren number that gave new meaning to bootylicious.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...
If you missed the award ceremony on M-Net last night, here's a short list of the main winners at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

FILM
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Kate Winslet, The Reader

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

TELEVISION
BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Mad Men

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
30 Rock

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Decoded

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00 +0200

Formal, semi-formal, casual, smart-casual, black tie, white tie, cocktail, festive... It's enough to make a girl's head spin. And with the party season well underway, what-am-I-going-to-wear anxiety isn't far behind. The COSMO fashion team dig their heels into dress codes and offer their advice on what to wear.

FORMAL
Formal wear usually applies to an evening wedding or dinner, but some corporate Christmas parties also call for a degree of formality. If your stock trading man brings home a 'formal' invite we recommend a little black dress or a long evening dress.

SEMI-FORMAL
This dress code can apply to anything from milestone birthday and anniversary parties to end-of-year office soirees, and is usually more formal than smart-casual. We recommend a stylish top with dressy jeans or a formal dress with ballet pumps.

SMART-CASUAL
Smart-casual is probably the way most of South Africa dresses to work, and can be worn when attending daytime shindigs and smaller birthday parties. We recommend a dress-shirt with elegant accessories.

CASUAL
Anything goes. Your host wants you to be comfortable and to come as you are, but we recommend stylish jeans and flat shoes or sneakers.

BLACK TIE
Black tie is sometimes also regarded as formal. If you're attending a charity ball we recommend a long 'little black dress' or a glamorous, formal dress.

WHITE TIE
The most formal of dress codes is reserved for a night at the opera or state dinners where men are required to wear bowties and waistcoats. We recommend mid-calf dresses or ball gowns and white gloves. No short skirts or dresses.

COCKTAIL
This dress code is pretty self-explanatory and will apply to dressy, fun parties. We recommend long or short evening wear, but on a hot summer's night wear a short cocktail dress and a pair of gorgeous heels.

FESTIVE
This depends on the season or public holiday and is quite transitional. Festive can mean anything from co-ordinating colours that match the season to Santa Claus hats, but it really depends on your own taste. We recommend you choose something semi-formal and glam it up with your style – whether you like bright colours, big accessories or silly shoes.

Green is the New Black

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00 +0200

Global fashion is fast cottoning on to the fact that in a world of limited resources and unlimited consumerism, real beauty is more than skin deep. International trends suggest it is not just hip to have an eco-conscious wardrobe, it is essential. Problem is, most of us are often too busy conquering the world to save it.

The question on most people's lips is not, 'How can I live more sustainably?' but 'Where on earth do I start?' Start with the earth.

ORGANIC COTTON
These days even T-shirts can be organic, but this doesn't mean you can eat yours. Organic clothing is made from materials raised or grown without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Authentic organic fabrics and clothing are good because fewer chemicals are produced and chemical residues do not enter (accidentally or negligently) into the environment during production. Also, humans and animals are not exposed to chemicals and chemical waste is not deposited in landfills.

Cotton is responsible for a quarter of the world's pesticides, though it only uses 3% of the earth's land. This makes cotton one of the major pollutants in the rag trade. Gita Salem, from the eco-conscious, American label S&G, sees the role of organic cotton holistically.

'Pressure from consumers will play a big role in the shift from conventional to organic cotton,' says Salem. 'Already a number of major apparel companies are making clothes that cater to the rising demand for environmentally conscious products. The problem is that it is still a minor fraction of their business.

'The other problem is that the demand for organics has yet to trickle down to the cotton farmer. There isn't enough organic cotton out there yet for all the big companies to shift to organic materials. At the moment, the demand far exceeds the supply.'

For this reason, S&G clothing is part of Fashion With Responsibility, which unifies the interests of fashion labels with heart and style.

Woolworths is the world's third biggest consumer of organic cotton and offer a wide range of not only clothing but also home products made from 5% to 100% organic cotton.

GREEN TIP #1
S&G clothing encourages you to 'buy organic. If you can't find organic items locally, buy them directly from the label or from an online distributor. If you can't afford international prices, then talk to your local boutique owners and ask them to carry organic materials.'

Salem suggests once you buy an organic item you are happy with, tell your friends about it. 'The more consumers buy organic and tell shop owners that they want organic, the more organic clothing we will see in the marketplace.'

RECYCLING, CINDERELLA STYLE
Recycling isn't only for paper, plastic, glass and tin. And it means more than raiding vintage shops or your best friend's wardrobe. Did you know that fleece can be made from recycled plastic bottles?

Recycling is not the back-end of sustainable clothing; it is the new front in fashion. In Africa, we are no strangers to reinventing the feel. Darkie Clothing made vintage wear and second-hand clothes the hottest thing in Africa over the last few seasons. Take a lesson from the innovative label and give an old bag new life.

G-Mo shoes turn the Cinderella fairytale on its feet. Never mind a ball gown, you can wear your old sofa, favourite leather trousers or your retired handbag on your feet and look great. The shoes are made from recycled materials such as upholstery fabric swatches, and the summer sandals are ingeniously designed to fit your foot like Cinderella's slipper.

GREEN TIP #2
Grandt Mason, founder of G-Mo Footwear, says it is a good idea to get educated. 'With mass producers it's all about the time – down to the second, so they can't always afford to go green. But smaller companies like Darkie Clothing started out redesigning vintage clothes,' Mason says. 'Go for organic natural fibres where possible, but also look for shoes that use less glue. Weigh up the options of a rubber sole versus a cheaper material like plastic. Rubber is a natural product and lasts longer.'

LOCAL DESIGNERS WHO CARE:
Designers such as Craig Jacobs, Karen Ter Morshuizen, Paul Harris and Gavin Rajah use organic fabrics in their collections. Other local labels that use organic materials include Darkie Clothing, The Eco Trend Collection, Fundudzi and Lunar.

Labels that use recycled material include Carbon d'Afreeque, who design accessories, and Karen Clothier's Hip & Zen.

Blushing Blossoms

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00 +0200

When wearing floral skirts, keep the top simple. Pair pretty, petalled bottoms with plain tops, simple ruffle blouses, clean crisp shirts and cardigans. Keep the colours minimal and don't wear oversized tops or busy prints. Matching a floral top with a floral skirt is overkill.

If you opt for blushing blooms on top, you can complement it with just about anything: jeans (skinny, wide or narrow leg), hot pants, shorts, tights and skirts. Bottom line, don't go overboard with floral bottoms and avoid tracksuit pants.

When it comes to adding detail, go large. Chunky beads, wooden accessories, big bold gold or silver jewellery, assorted broaches, cuffs and hats will do it. Thin necklaces and flower-printed jewellery won't make an impact, and stay away from diamantes or diamonds.

To avoid overdoing the look, wear one floral item and keep the rest plain and simple. These prints can make everyone look beautiful if they're worn well. Flatter your figure by wearing florals on the part of your body you want to show off. On areas like hips, thighs and breasts, keep it plain. If you are tall and slim, you can wear dresses of any length. If you are short with slight hips and thighs, keep the dress knee length or short.

Slip on gladiator sandals or wedges, but avoid elaborate courts or pumps with heavy prints – they'll just compete for attention.

Remember to make sure you smell as pretty as you look with a fresh summer scent like Marc Jacobs Daisy (R1 110) and Bvlgaria Jasmin Noir (R610).

Bold and Bohemian

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:00 +0200

The Bohemian:
Go wild by mixing different florals and stripes together – the boho trend doesn't require any items to match. Flowy skirts are especially popular. Team yours with fitted tops that have minimal detail.

When picking accessories, chunky is what you're looking for. Complement your look with gladiator sandals or wedges to avoid looking like you're a slave to the Woodstock era.

Bold Colour:
Colour blocking (wearing solid bands of colour) is a huge trend right now, but it can go very wrong if you block incorrectly. Stick with the darker colours wherever your problem area is. If you're a daring dresser, try wearing bold, 'clashy' colours such as pink, red or orange, and then teaming that with yellow.

Remember to break the monotony of the bright colour with a basic colour somewhere else – like a black or brown pair of shoes and accessories.

Feel Sexy Your Own Skin

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00 +0200

Be comfortable with what you look like – your size, shape and other unique characteristics – because when you feel fabulous in your skin, you look fabulous. 'True sexiness and confidence come when you stop trying to change your shape and start working with what you have naturally,' says Stephanie Dillon, PhD, author of The Woman's Guide to Total Self-Esteem (New Harbinger Publications).

BODY TYPE 1: CURVES THAT WON'T QUIT
Confidence boosters
Stars like Beyoncé and Scarlett Johansson have brought back the hourglass figure. But men would say this shape never fell out of favour. 'Research has proven that guys don't mind a single bit if a woman has extra meat on her bones,' says Dillon. Lots of women have paid an exorbitant amount of money for breast and butt implants... the things you got for free. Using positive words like curvy and voluptuous to describe your shape also drives home the idea that your body is hot.
Rules for working It
Dark, stretchy dresses are a curvy girl's best friends – they accentuate that hourglass silhouette. Another flattering option is V-neck tops. 'They display your cleavage without letting it all hang out,' says US COSMOPOLITAN Fashion Market Director Karen Larrain. The same strut-your-stuff principle applies to how you carry yourself. 'Trying to make your body seem more compact – by, say, hunching over or crossing your arms – gives the impression that you're apologizing for your size,' says director and acting coach Stan Kirsch, who helps actresses flaunt their figures. 'Taking up your space gives you a presence.'

BODY TYPE 2: STRONG AND SPORTY
Confidence boosters
It might sometimes be hard to feel like you hit the genetic jackpot with your muscular arms and thighs, but appreciating them for what they let you do – whether it's being able to run for 10 kilometres or kicking butt on the tennis court – helps. 'Women make the mistake of focusing on what their bodies look like, not what they accomplish,' says Nancy Etcoff, PhD, author of Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty (Anchor Books). 'An athlete's body is agile and strong. It's beautiful.'
Rules for working it
Wear miniskirts that show off your rock-hard legs; flaunt your streamlined arms in spaghetti-strap tops. Are there occasions when you want to look more classically feminine? 'Opt for blouses and dresses with embellishments like ruffles or puffy sleeves,' says Larrain. Cinching your waist with a wide belt adds curves, and using a terrific scent can also make you feel more girlie. What's especially great about being so athletic is that you're acutely aware of how your body moves. The trick is to look like you're not focused on it. 'Putting a hand on your hip and relaxing your shoulders will help you look less stiff and rigid,' says Kirsch.

BODY TYPE 3: LITTLE AND LEAN
Confidence boosters
A slight build with a small chest is a youthful, playful and energetic look. No matter what your actual age, you will always be the picture of exuberance. Plus, everything looks amazing on you, which is why fashion designers love your shape so much. But the benefits of tiny boobs extend well beyond clothes. 'Small breasts look perfect on a boyish figure because they're in proportion with the rest of your body, and proportion is attractive,' says body-image researcher Sherrie Delinsky, PhD.
Rules for working it
The girlish innocence of your shape will temper very sexy styles, making summer's short skirts and strapless tops (which can be skanky on larger-breasted women) look elegant. A minidress is an especially flattering choice. 'The short hemline draws attention away from the bust,' says Larrain. Cuteness is, of course, part of a boyishly built woman's charm. When you want to come across as more authoritative, stand tall, throw your shoulders back and push your breasts out – you'll appear bustier, taller and more self-assured, says Kirsch.

BODY TYPE 4: THE HIP-DON'T-LIE LOOK
Confidence boosters
A good tip for a pear-shaped woman (bigger on the bottom than the top) is to find a feature that you love and highlight it. It can be anything – an elegant neckline, pretty feet or a tiny waist. Everyone has something beautiful about them, but few focus on it. 'Eye-movement research has shown that when people who dislike their appearance look at their bodies, they zone in on parts they hate,' says Etcoff. Learning how to accept a compliment can help you begin to focus on the good stuff. When someone praises you, force yourself not to wave it off. 'Accepting flattery helps a positive comment really seep in,' says Dillon.
Rules for working it
It's all about balance. Off-the-shoulder, halter, and scoop-neck tops will offset the width of your hips and dark, wide-legged pants downplay your lower body. Wear heels because they visually lift your butt and stand up really straight because it will give the illusion of broader shoulders. Finally, show off the innate sexiness of your shape. 'Swing your hips slightly from side to side as you walk,' says Kirsch. 'It says that you love your figure and have fun with it.'

Framed

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00 +0200

'Trendy accessories, such as a hot pair of sunglasses, are an easy way of buying into a new look or owning a designer label, and will keep your style fashionably up to date,' says Robynne Kahn, COSMO's senior fashion editor.

But because there are hundreds of styles, shapes and brands, you could spend hours trying on pair after pair and still walk out of the store unsatisfied.

'Your expensive jeans may capture someone's attention once, but a good pair of sunglasses is pure, timeless elegance,' says Safilo South Africa, distributors of designer eyewear. 'The trick is in finding a shape that suits your face.' Instead of determining the shape of your face by looking in a mirror, Safilo recommends tracing the outline of your face from a photo.

ROUND:
'Select frames that have angular lines to sharpen and add definition to a round face shape,' says OpticsPlanet.com, an online eyewear retailer. The lines and angles taper the curves of you face. You can make your face look longer and narrower by choosing frames that are wider than or equally as wide as the broadest part of your face. Aviators are also a good choice.

SQUARE:
'This face shape has a prominent jaw line with broad forehead,' says Safilo. 'They need sunglasses to soften the angles of the face. Sunglasses with soft curves help reduce the angles and cat eye sunglasses will give you more definition.'

LONG:
Swiss opticians Perret Opticians say, 'If you have a long face, you should go for a frame which cuts the length of your face.' To widen or shorten your face, you can wear round or square frames as long as they are not wider than your face.

HEART:
Spectacle World in Cape Town suggests thin-rimmed or rimless frames. 'The heart-shaped face is a very difficult face shape to fit, because almost any pair of glasses will add emphasis just where you won't need it.' Thin-rimmed or rimless frames will help balance out your wide forehead and soften your thin chin.

OVAL:
You have been blessed with probably the most ideal face shape because you can pull off any shape. But you need to retain its natural form. 'Select frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of the face,' says Spectacle World. 'Avoid low, swooping temples, which will unbalance the face.'

Once you've got the basic shape all you need to do is find the right colour...

Bags of Style

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:00 +0200

It's easy to pack too much. First off, the holiday essentials, then the just-in-case items and finally anything left lying around that can be crammed into the suitcase. Resist this urge to pack-all-you-can: plan your holiday wardrobe with care so you can travel light and have room in your case to bring back more duty-free goodies!

A seaside escape
1. Keep your accessories to a minimum – they can get lost when you go swimming or may be damaged by water, sunscreen and salty air.
2. Make sure you take along a hat and lightweight shirt to cover up in the midday sun. And pack two choices of swimsuit (one wet and on you, the other drying at the hotel) and alternate between them.
3. Casual is key, so forget expensive, one-of-a-kind items or an outfit made from fabrics that can get messed up (such as pure silk).

Activity holidays
1. Buy speciality clothes. Wearing ill-fitting riding shorts or a top that chafes your underarms is just going to dampen your holiday mood.
2. Separates in lightweight cotton will keep you cool on lazy days, but for more active ones, pack items made from durable fabrics such as canvas or Lycra.
3. Choose pants, shorts, dresses or skirts in dark a colour – great for evenings (and don’t show up the dirt!).

Slick in the city
1. Pack light. Mix and match any two colour combinations, such as black and white, or white and gold – they not only look smart, they expand your outfit options too.
2. Take at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking a lot, especially if you are on a shopping mission or visiting tourist attractions.
3. A lightweight trench coat is a must – to stay dry during light showers or warm if the weather turns chilly.

Bush-bashing
1. Dress in layers. Most game drives start before sunrise and the weather’s cooler then - and at sundowner time – than at midday.
2. Safari pants that unzip to become shorts are a practical option.
3. Shorts and T-shirts are fine for day but to prevent mosquito bites at night, wear lightweight, longer-length pants and skirts, long-sleeved shirts or a thin pashmina over a vest.

Clothes That Flatter Your Shape

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:00 +0200

Create a waist
A dress with too much fabric and a midlength hem can make you seem stocky. A cinched waist and knee-length hem elongates your body.

Sport a fitted silhouette
Billowy fabric tends to add bulk to small frames. A dress cut close to the body slims you. And if your upper body is toned, a sweetheart neck shows it off nicely.

Hug curves
A dropped waist is a difficult one to wear – it can make you look twice as wide. A black dress is always slimming and a nipped in waist gives good definition.

Take it up a notch
When fabric pulls across your hips, it makes you look thick. An empire waist is forgiving of a curvy lower body.

BTS: COSMO Swimwear 08 Shoot

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00 +0200

COSMO Online brings you behind the scenes action of the 2008 Swimwear Shoot in association with Max Factor on location at Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort in Mauritius.

The crew are back home now but check out all the blogs, video clips and photo galleries on how we achieved the perfect summer look that no COSMO girl should be without.

Think of it as a little teaser for summer!

Look out for the November COSMO Swimwear issue on sale 15 October.

Summer's Hottest Trends At SA Fashion Week

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00 +0200

The Sanlam SA Fashion Week recently showcased 50 local designers' summer 2008/09 collections at the Sandton Convention Centre, where bright new talents elbowed their way onto the catwalks and into 120 retail exhibition tents. Bursting with the hottest looks for the new season, the four-day event was held in Johannesburg at the end of August.

If you missed it, here's their runway report on the latest summer trends from our home-grown talent.

Colours:
Dominant colours in Aubrey Ramatla's collection for this season include nudes, whites, beige, browns, mauve, dirty pinks, hot pink, royal purple, gold, black and soft greys.

Fabrics:
Malcom Kluk wrapped his models in satin of various weights, cotton organdy, chiffon, stretch cottons and linen. But you can also add some denim.

Shapes and silhouettes:
Soda's collection kept layering simple, with aerated shapes and body conscious sub layers.

Detailing:
Two paid a lot of attention to collars and necklines – opt for one shoulder detail or strapless garments. Keep hemlines on your mid-thigh and focus on origami-styled pleating and organic prints. There's also a return to the natural waist, subtle prints and beading.

Garments:
Summer's must-have pieces include shorts, wide-legged aerated trousers, waist-emphasised dresses, translucent layered dresses and tops, cropped tailored jackets, and Black Coffee's bodysuits and leotards.

Secretarial Cool

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00 +0200

Pussy-bow blouses, figure-hugging pencil skirts, cashmere sweater sets and slimming trench coats are all staples of this style.

Several designers have showcased this sexy-smart look, with models walking the catwalks of Milan, New York and Madrid for the likes of Bill Blass, Diane von Furstenberg and Lam in knee-length skirts, tailored suits, fitted coats and silk-chiffon blouses.

This sexy, sophisticated styling can easily be re-created for everyday wear in the form of close-fitting suits, sexy shift dresses, chic glasses, pencil skirts, sky-high heels or peep-toe pumps, and belts that emphasise the waist.

The stern lines of the whole outfit are softened and made sexier by ruffled satin or silk shirts and quirky tights or pantyhose. For an even softer look, let hair hang loose instead of pulling it back severely from the face.

Accessorise the look with a string of pearls or a brightly coloured clutch, and your outfit will send you straight to the top of the class!

Winter Warmers

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00 +0200

Winter's luxurious and sexy knits are inspired by '60s icon Jean Shrimpton. Jersey dresses are worn with nothing more than black opaque tights or with a pair of skinny satin trousers - it's important to choose slim shapes that balance the volume of the knitwear. (Remember the rule of proportion: volume on top, skinny below or vice versa.)

The key rules
1. A wide belt will define the body shape and add interest to the knit.
2. Focus on one chunky knit at a time - too much volume is not flattering.
3. Wool and cashmere are winter essentials. Don't skimp on quality: buy well and it will wear well.

Essential accessories
* Bold, chunky jewellery - anything delicate will be lost
* Black opaque tights
* A great belt - drawing attantion to your waist will give instant definition
* Ankle boots (this season's must-have)
* Bags are an easy way to add instant colour to neutral knits

Make Your Legs Look a Mile Long

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00 +0200

Avoid in-between lengths
Midcalf hemlines can cause even lean legs to look stout. A pair of dark jeans can be more flattering than a mid-calf skirt because the colour is slimming, and a long floor-grazing inseam adds inches to your lower half.

Go supershort
Cropped pants make your lower body look stumpier and wider, and they draw attention to your hips. Hot pants work by creating a continuous line from your thighs to your ankles, optically stretching your legs.

Add height with heels
A blousy top, jeans and flats are cute, but they break up your silhouette. High heels elongate your leg line, giving a more slender look.

Opt for a high waist
A loose-fitting blouse can add bulk. In contrast, high-waisted pants give a long-limbed, statuesque appearance and make your legs look like they start five centimetres higher than they really do.

Winter Trend Watch

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00 +0200

Gloves in various colours and styles, as recently shown on the catwalk of New York and Milan by designers such as Laura Biagiotti and Cacharel, add the perfect finishing touch to a winter outfit. When it comes to this winter's handwarmers however, knits get the thumbs down and coloured leather and suede get a high five!

Knitwear goes from gran to glam and replaces some of last winter's key look:
1. The long knitted cardie replaces the trench coat in formal wear.
2. The knitted dress replaces the shift dress.
3. The structured cardie replaces the structured jacket.
4. Woolen tights replace leggings.

Return of the Alpha-Male

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00 +0200

After decades of using male models with virile good looks and porn star physiques to parade their clothes, fashion houses in the mid-1990s began downsizing men, going for younger, thinner and lankier models in a trend that last year wound up being just simply androgynous.
But specialists say a page is being turned, and the real men are back.
`Our man this season looks like a young Texan farmer,` said Ungaro assistant designer Damien Amsallem. `He has muscles, though he isn`t big. And even if he`s only 20, he has a real physique and looks like a man.`
Historians and designers say big-shouldered beefcake gym-addicted types were shovelled off catwalks in the 90s by the likes of Yamamoto, who went for street-boys as models, or Belgian avant-garde designer Raf Simons, who put suits with extravagantly small shoulders on sapling-thin boys who were not agency models.
Then came Hedi Slimane, who from 1999 to 2006 revolutionised menswear at Dior with cigarette-slim pants and narrow suits. He is credited with the worldwide crush for the skinny, boyish, often sexually-ambiguous, silhouette.
"Slimane and Simons and that whole generation of designers loved street and youth culture and rock `n roll and gave men`s fashion an androgynous make-over,` said fashion historian Lydia Kamitsis.
`Inevitably, now we`re seeing a turn-around, which is not over-statedly virile but which is the sort of masculine image conveyed by western youngsters today.`
At BananasMambo, one of Paris` top male model agencies, manager Patricia Cadiou-Diehl said that for the first time in years she was receiving requests for models aged between 25 and 30, `or who look as if they're over 25.`
`We used to get requests for 17-year-olds, which was often a headache as you have to get special permits and parental agreements,` she said. `Now, over the last few months, they want boys with bodies, not adolescents.`
Eating disorders of the kind undermining the female model industry are unheard of with male models.
`Not having pimples is the most important thing,` said 25-year-old model Pires.