We were ready for phase 2 of our fashion blog towards the end of last year (remember this?) Then ”tragedy” (well the techy kind) struck, and our (former) hosting company lost all of our data (nooooooo). It has taken the past 5 months to get back on track in terms of building up the blog and our audience. Now, we are pleased with the results (our monthly traffic is higher than it has ever been and so is the % of returning visitors…mostly consisting of our mother, friends and those Googling ”Ian Somerhalder topless” but hey we”ll take it).

So what’s next?

1) Back to focusing on our Designer Amor venture (same concept, different partner)…more soon, we promise.

2) Planning something truly awesome in terms of a fashion event for Port Elizabeth for later this year.

3) And finally, we will be blogging not only about fashion, our personal styles and Ian Somerhalder, but also more about beauty and fitness (which means even more photos of Alla’s abs ;) )

Those who follow me on Twitter might have noticed a *few* shopping tweets (OK OK I went back to Orchard Road way too many times).

Aside from H&M and Forever21 where I actually shopped, I also roamed the Zara store in Singapore. The coral blazer and tassel skirt were two of my favourite finds there…thanks to being on an entrepreneur’s budget, my shopping at Zara in Singapore was (sadly) limited to the window shopping variety.

I own Herve Leger.

I have now become obsessed with spotting Herve Leger dresses on my favourite TV shows. The latest spot? Blair Waldorf in this stunning blue Herve Leger dress on a recent episode of Gossip Girl.

MET Gala Dresses 2012 (these 3 ladies got it so so right):

• Camilla Belle in the most gorgeous ivory beaded dress…looks better on her than it did on the model:

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• Our style crush, Nina Dobrev, in a Donna Karan, black and gold gown that just screams ”LOOK AT ME”…we did and she looked stunning: 

• RiRi is a slinky, crocodile applique dress that takes the leather trend to a whole new level:

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Aside from bonding with my (far too small) DVD collection, I have been trying to occupy my days. I won’t bore you with the details of my self-pitying-chocolate-eating-fever-week but one of my distractions has been giving myself a mani-pedi with the new range of nail polishes from Essence.

Now if there is one thing I have a fetish for, it’s nude nail polish. No colour looks as chic and elegant.

And now Essence has launched an entire range of Essence Nude Glam Nail Polish. Amazing.

So Thomas Pink is finally opening in SA…why should we be excited about this?

Thomas Pink is the leading international luxury shirt brand, with an exquisite shirt for every occasion. The first store in Hyde Park Corner, JHB, will use the new contemporary store design concept which draws its inspiration from Jermyn Street heritage and the dynamic eclecticism of 21st century London, featuring retail innovations such as video walls and a white shirt bar. Thomas Pink have a team of designers who constantly monitor shirting trends whether it be colour, fabrics, style, or fit, and adapt their offering accordingly.

 
Can you tell us more about the styles and fashions we expect from the Thomas Pink range?

The design perfectly accentuates the brand’s core products – men’s formal shirts, in the generously fitting Classic, streamlined Slim Fit, and body skimming Super Slim Fit – All complimented by an extensive and impressive range of ties.  The range also has a more relaxed casual collection which includes a selection of stylish Polo shirts. Furthermore, Thomas Pink offers accessories such as cufflinks, socks, boxer shorts, hankies and bow ties.  Also available is Pink Woman, a collection of women’s shirts, tunics and dresses.

 
Apart from Joburg, in what other cities in SA are you planning to expand and when?

We have at least one other store planned for Gauteng, with potentially Durban and Cape Town down the line.

 
What are 3 MUST HAVE winter wardrobe items?

1. The Imperial 200 shirt. Jermyn Street tailors have always measured shirt quality by its yarn count. Referring to the length of yarn needed to make 1lb in weight – the higher the yarn count, the finer the fabric. Our 200′s are Pink’s ultimate cotton shirts – the 200 count means a soft, silky feel to the fabric. – They are made in the UK, and cherished by the most discerning of wearers. Beautifully created in two-fold 200 yarn cotton, its unique hand feel is famous as a result of the ultra-smooth lightweight fabric. Wonderfully comfortable and extremely light to wear, the Imperial will age gracefully, becoming even more distinguished with time. (This is one of the images from the press release – The pale blue shirt with the black label in the neck)
2. To celebrate all things British in Summer 2012 (The Olympics and The Queens Diamond Jubilee), Thomas Pink has used the colours of the Union Jack to create a Special Edition Collection across shirting, polos and womenswear – Join in the celebrations, and pick up an item from this special one off collection.
3. Thomas Pink are renowned for their tailoring. This winter we will be stocking their Athens Blazer. It features a single breasted block and has 2 button at the front opening, the internal pockets have a luxurious Heracles stripe internal trim. It is made from 75% pure wool, and 25% Linen.

Finally, what kind of prices can we expect?

The vast majority of shirts will be in the R1,290 – R1,595 range, but there will be the odd style that falls outside the lower and higher end of that range.

Packing as I did for Thailand…summer dresses, sleeveless tops, mini skirts and shorts (and a jersey for all those air conditioned buildings). Plus comfy shoes (a must for travelling).

Delaying the above mentioned packing frenzy by exploring some Singapore fashion trends and what the locals are wearing:

Trends I’m loving…the black leather shorts, the wide leg pants and the loose white shirt dress. 

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I AM OFF TO SINGAPORE IN JUST ONE WEEK.

Can’t bloody wait.

The Singapore to do list thus far (for any of the readers who have been to Singapore, please let me know if I’ve missed out on a cultural attraction/a shopping mall/a must eat food/etc):

• China Town (for the shopping, for the food, for some more shopping)
• Little India
• Sentosa Island
• Marina Bay Sands
• Far East Plaza on Orchard Road.
• Singapore Art Museum
• Botanical Garden
• Esplanade Theatre
• Banana Leaf Restaurant
• Singapore River Night Cruise
• The temples

What did I miss?!

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My most divine fashion find there? This red short trench coat…à la the Burberry short trench coat.

Ruby West is having a pretty awesome sale on some of their winter gear. Don’t miss out.

PE, don’t be fooled by this week of good weather, get your winter gear out.

My winter shopping this year has begun with some staples: Edgars Knitwear.