HOW TO STYLE THESE WINTER KNITWEAR STAPLES

- - No comments
One of our favourite things about winter fashion is knitwear, and lucky for us its bigger this season than ever before. Put a fresh spin on these four key pieces for a winter wardrobe that's as stylish as it is practical.  
From matching sets and roll necks to cardigans and knitted tees, here's our pick of knitwear essentials and how to style them for a fresh winter look.

1. The matching set

Picking out what to wear in the morning can get complicated, which is why we love matching sets so much. They negate the need to colour match, layer, colour block, and all the rest that comes with styling. All you need to consider after putting on your matching set is what coat to throw over it (if you even need one).

Kelso faux-fur melton coat 699.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso high-neck ribbed knitted top 299.95; Kelso brushed ribbed knitted skirt 249.95; Kelso snakeskin slim block-heel boots 499.95 SHOP NOW; Accessorize hair accessories 129.00; Steve Madden belt bag 699; Accessorize hoop earrings 149.00; Accessorize necklace 199; Free 2BU layered necklace 129.95; white socks stylist’s own

2. The roll neck jersey

It doesn’t get more wintry than the knitted roll neck, which has a built-in scarf (handy). As well as keeping you warm and comfortable, it’s an elegant style that will elevate any outfit. It layers well underneath a jacket or a dress, or it can be worn on its own.

1
Forever New snakeskin-print dress 1499Kelso bodycon knitted dress 199.95Kelso crossbody bag 449.95Free 2BU feather earrings 99.95; bangle 79.95Steve Madden over-the-knee boots 1699

2
Kelso snap turtleneck 249.95 SHOP NOWKelso checked wrap skirt 279.95Kelso multicolour bangles 79.95 each; Steve Madden over-the-knee boots 1699Accessorize earrings 249.95

3
Kelso button top 249.95; Kelso side-stripe pants 249.95Kelso belted coat 799.95 SHOP NOWFree 2BU denim jacket 499.95Accessorize faux-fur earrings 399Accessorize hair accessories 129Jo Borkett structured bag 1399Prada sunglasses 2790


3. The long-length cardigan

Cardigans may remind you of your grandmother, but we’re here to tell you that they're back and more trendy than ever, as seen all over the runways of Missoni and Brunello Cucinelli. It makes for the perfect layering piece over a dress or a top-and-trouser combo.

1
Kelso half placket shirt 279 SHOP NOW; Kelso checked belted dress 399.95; Kelso colour-block cardigan 449.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU rings (set of 3) 79.95; Free 2BU layered necklace 79.95; Accessorize leopard-print earrings 99; Steve Madden suede block heels 1299; Accessorize hair accessories 129; Kelso flap-detail slouchy bag 499.95; fishnet nude socks stylist’s own

2
Kelso colour-block cardigan 399.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso cuff-sleeve peplum shirt 299.95; Kelso Petite trousers 349.95; Free 2BU neck piece 79.95Accessorize earrings 249; boots 559.95


4. The knitted tee

A knitted T-shirt might not be something you thought you needed in your wardrobe, but it is. The soft texture is comforting to wear, as well as warm, while the casual cut of a tee means it can be dressed up or down. Pair yours with wide-leg trousers and sneakers or dress it up with a structured suit for effortless chic.

Jo Borkett wide-leg pants 999Kelso knitted crop top 349.95 SHOP NOWAccessorize bangles (set of 4) 199 each; Kelso hoop earrings (set of 2) 59.95



Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Paulo/Hero. Hair & make-up: Alice Coloriti/Supernova. Styling: Rushana Burton. Models: Kamila/Ice Gentics. Location: Northlink College Belhar Campus

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

THE VERSATILE GOLF SHIRT IS IN FULL SWING

- - No comments
Golf shirts are back, and they're cooler than ever before. We break down how to bring out the best in this versatile piece.
Golf shirts have climbed the wardrobe ranks and can be styled in a variety of ways to take your look from casual to formal in an instant. Nkgabiseng Motau sums up the many ways you can work your golfer. 



The varsity cool golfer

As rapper T.I. once said, nothing beats the ‘the swagger of a college kid’. Create a stylish campus-cool combo by adding a 'members only' jacket over your golfer. Go with soft summer colours broken by a neutral, like grey. If you opt to wear a cap then try stick with your chosen colour palette – a grey cap paired with grey pants creates a cohesive look.
JX bomber jacket 699.95 SHOP NOW; JX printed golfer 229.95 SHOP NOW; JX crew-neck top 199.95 SHOP NOW; JX checked joggers 399.95; JX cap 169.95Accessorize studded earrings (set of 10) 199; ring & bracelets (worn throughout) stylist’s own


The smart/casual golfer

When wearing multiple stripes, the trick is to keep the colours in the same family. It’s the darker shades that bring the ensemble together here, creating a pulled-together look with a smart/casual feel. Don't be afraid to add some accessories – this outfit provides the perfect neutral canvas for interesting pieces that bring out your personality. The puffer gilet is a great way to add a warm layer without creating a stuffy silhouette.
JX puffer gilet 399.95 SHOP NOW; JX V-neck pullover 399.95; JX golfer with stripe detail 219.95 SHOP NOW; JX slim-fit chinos 399.95; Kelso earrings (set of 12) 79.95; socks stylist's own


The combination golfer

Golfers are versatile, which means you can play around and be inventive with your combos. How about adding a silk-textured blazer over a pastel-coloured sweater? We love the contrast of colours. For something different, try turned-up plaid pants and an interesting pair of socks. Complete the look with a few sporty touches, like a moonbag worn the trendiest way (across the chest) and some classic tennis kicks for added flair.
JX crew-neck knit 299.95 SHOP NOW; D66 checked suit pants 399.95; Stone Harbour golfer 199.95 SHOP NOW; D66 velvet blazer 1399.95; DC body bag 249.95; printed sushi socks 59.95JX sneakers 399.95 SHOP NOW


The rebellious golfer

Who would have thought a classic golf tee could rev up some engines? Create a badass biker vibe by wearing your golfer like a rockstar. Pair interesting textures and patterns – like leather and plaid – for a look you can own at any party. Kick your street cred up a notch with Dr. Martens high-top boots in black or burgundy. Complete the look with an interesting pair of socks, folding up your jeans to show them off.
JX biker jacket 999.95 SHOP NOW; JX checked hooded shirt 449.95; JX striped golfer 299.95; JX joggers 299.95; Kelso studded earrings (set of 6) 59.95; Vans socks 199.95; Dr. Martens boots 2499; leather bracelets & chains stylist’s own


The preppy golfer 

Give your golfer the classic appeal of the old boys' club. For this look, throw a sporty knit over a casual shirt in pastel blue or light denim. The key with these layers is to get the right mix of colours. Opt for blue, white and navy with pops of red. Stick to a neutral colour for your chinos, which can be folded at the bottom for an extra relaxed look. Wear with sneakers for a casual-cool feel, or boat shoes when you're in the mood to dial the look up a little.
JX varsity-detail cardigan 499.95 SHOP NOW; JX denim shirt 399.95; Press Avenue golfer 199.95 SHOP NOW; JX denims 399.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso earrings (set of 12) 79.95; Puma crossbody bag 249.95; Persol sunglasses 3490


The suave golfer

Slick as the night, dark colours bring out the cool in everyone. For a dapper and minimalist look, pair your golfer with a dark tailored suit. Keep the look simple and accessory-free, except for a bold pair of dark sunnies for some attitude. Finish off with a pair of sleek sock sneakers in black for a dash of street-style sensibility. Pay attention to the fit of the suit jacket and pants, opting for a slim silhouette.
D66 suit jacket 1199.95; JX basic golfer 199.95D66 suit pants 399.95JX sock sneakers 399.95Ray-Ban sunglasses 3090; necklace & ring stylist’s own

SHOP GOLFERS



All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Fashion editor: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Jacobus Snyman /Hero. Video: Roice Nel. Hair and Make-up: Shahnaz Wels-Cola/SNCM. Junior fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Models: JayJay/Boss.

Celeb-style winter headgear that’ll keep your head warm (and hide a bad hair day)

- - No comments
Check out the headgear that your favourite celebrities are rocking this winter.
A stylish updo or wig may have been your saving grace on many an awkward hair day, but sometimes even wigs have their not-so-good days; and there comes a time when that slick ponytail can no longer be your daily go-to. Enter the latest in headgear for the AW19 season. From Marc Jacobs beanies to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior bucket hats, as well as our very own Rich Mnisi’s Nwa-Mulamula: Milorho ’19 hats, here are the top five headgear trends this season has to offer.
Written by Afika Jadezweni

Beanies

When Marc Jacobs had models walking down the runway in knit beanies and hat hair at his AW19 show, Vogue dubbed the designer’s unlikely accessory choice a moment of ‘undone elegance’. The beanie has never really had a fashion moment, at least not one that would deem it runway worthy; however it looks like it’s set to be a street-style hit this winter. Complete with a statement coat or jacket, the knit beanie has earned its spot in the accessory hall of fame.

Berets

This has been a big one for some years now, drawing inspiration from both 1920s sportswomen and the uniform of the Black Panther movement of the 1960s. The beret can also be attributed to the ‘chic French girl’ look, while South Africans might also attach a certain nostalgia about their grandmothers to the beret. Perhaps the fact that the beret isn’t an item of fashion only associated with one group or a particular time in history, is what makes it such an enduring piece to own.

Baker-boy hats

If you’re into 1920s trivia, you’ll know that the baker-boy/paper-boy hat was not the kind of headgear you’d find in the wardrobes of the sartorially elite. As the name implies, it was literally worn by the poor working class – bakers, paper boys, fishermen and chauffers for the rich. The British crime drama Peaky Blinders has also popularised a version of the flat cap that the gang adopted as part of their signature look. The multiple reimaginations of the baker-boy hat have now hit retail shelves in a big way.

Head scarves

The purpose of the head scarf wasn’t always about looking ultra-glam as you drove off into the sunset in a red convertible. Besides looking like money, the purpose of wrapping a scarf around your hair in said convertible was to avoid getting wind hair á la Bridget Jones. Images of Hollywood glam aside, the head scarf is quite symbolic for women across the world, especially in the context of religion. Islamic women wear the Hijab as an empowering form of modesty and worship, for example. On the other hand, in various African cultures, it can also be a way of showing respect to a bereaved family. Conversely, married African women also wear head scarves when visiting their in-laws. While the function of the head scarf might not primarily be that of glamour, the power of reclamation means it can be worn in an array of style-savvy, head-turning ways. Even on celebratory occasions!

Faux fur

The faux-fur hat historically was all about practicality – in frigid Russia – but it’s taken on a new look. For a dramatic look that makes a statement, try mixing your textures by pairing fur with leather or patent.


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

BOOST YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP WITH THESE NOURISHING OVERNIGHT TREATMENTS

- - No comments
These intense, overnight beauty products will ensure you wake up with a radiant complexion.
It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is great for your skin – it’s not called beauty sleep for nothing after all. But for most of us, it takes more than eight hours of shuteye to achieve a truly radiant complexion. That’s where the latest crop of high-powered overnight treatments comes into play. Created to support, boost and even mimic the skin’s nightly repair process, they do all the heavy lifting while you’re in dreamland. From masks to moisturisers, serums to oils, here’s the lowdown on the beauty products that will take your skin from drab to fab.

REGENERATING SERUMS

Serums are able to penetrate the skin at a deep level, where the active ingredients can work their magic. A night-time serum specifically aimed at hydration and regeneration will boost your skin’s cell renewal process for a naturally radiant look.

INTENSE MOISTURISERS

A rich night cream packed with potent extracts that facilitate skin renewal is a must. Select products with powerful anti-ageing ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, as well as peptides and vitamins, which are all known for their restorative properties.

ADVANCED EYE CREAMS

The area around the eyes is the most delicate skin, so a nourishing and firming formula is key. Peptides and antioxidants help to improve the appearance of dry, tired skin, as well as minimise expression lines.

SUPERHERO MASKS

Applying a mask once or twice a week could just be the moisture-boosting step your skin needs to look its best – especially as we head into winter. An overnight mask is the final step in your evening beauty ritual, locking in the benefits of the products that came before for hydrated, plumped and refreshed skin.

THE BEST BEAUTY OILS

Face oils are a valuable addition to your nightly routine, no matter what your skin type. Dry, sensitive skins will love the intense moisture, while those with oily and combination skins will find that beauty oils help to clear the congestion caused by blocked pores, reducing breakouts, blackheads and enlarged pores.



Getty Images


4 tasty, nourishing recipes to heal your gut and boost your mood

- - No comments
We bring you a selection of easy, nutritious recipes that help restore health to your gut, improving your immune system, mood and weight-loss efforts in the process.
Gut health is the inspiration for the gorgeous new cookbook The Mandala Kitchen by food blogger and nutritional therapist Marlien Wright, with 101 fabulous recipes to heal and restore your digestive system. A healthy gut has significant benefits for your general wellbeing, including a stronger immune system, improved mood and increased energy. Normalising the bacteria in your body even has positive spin-offs for sleep and appetite regulation. Kick-start your journey to better gut health with these nutritious, family-friendly recipes.

Gutsy Oat Smoothie 

Serves 2

2 green-ish bananas (they should be on the cusp of becoming ripe; the less ripe a banana, the higher the resistant starch content in them)
¼ cup whole rolled oats, soaked overnight in ½ cup filtered water
1 cup baby spinach or kale
2 tbsp maca superfood powder
1 tsp chia seeds
1 cup almond or coconut milk
pinch cinnamon and drizzle of raw honey


1. Add all the above ingredients to your blender jug, and pulse/whiz until you have smooth mixture.
2. Add some water if you prefer a runnier consistency.

Brownies for your Bacteria (recipe originally from The Good Gut by Justin and Erica Sonnenburg)

Makes 16 brownies

5 tbsp unsalted, cultured butter or ghee
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
1 cup almond meal
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cacao nibs
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp orange zest


1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a saucepot on low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
3. Add the almond meal, sugar, cacao nibs, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and orange zest and whisk until all ingredients are incorporated. Pour into a 20 x 20cm greased baking pan.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Banana Flour Pancakes 

Serves 2 – 4 

¾ cup banana flour
2 eggs
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
salt to taste
50ml of A2 milk, water or a milk substitute like coconut, almond or rice milk
ghee or coconut oil


1. Add all the ingredients, except the ghee/coconut oil, to a mixing bowl and beat well until you have a smooth consistency.
2. Scoop/pour the batter into a hot pan that has been coated with a ghee/coconut oil. The size of each pancake should more or less resemble that of an American pancake, or ‘crumpet’.
3. Wait for small bubbles to appear on the surface before turning over, aiming for an attractive golden appearance, and serve with your choice of topping, such as fresh berries, bananas, yoghurt and raw honey. For a more savoury option try streaky bacon with some real maple syrup.

Chocolate Pots 

Serves 4 

1¼ tbsp powdered gelatine
3 tbsp water
1 (400g) tin coconut cream
½ cup raw cacao powder
4 tbsp brown sugar
coconut flakes to serve
salt to taste


1. Mix the gelatine with the water in a small bowl and set aside for five minutes to allow the gelatine granules to expand and soften.
2. Place the coconut cream, cacao powder, sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine. Bring to just below simmering point and remove from the heat.
3. Add the gelatine mixture to the warm coconut milk mixture and stir until the gelatine dissolves. Transfer to four 150ml ramekins and place in the fridge for one hour to set.
4. To serve, add a few coconut shavings.

These recipes were extracted from The Mandala Kitchen by Marlien Wright (Jacana Media, R330)