Functional and stylish active gear

Stylish and functional women’s active gear that is perfect for the gym and promenade, as well as the athleisure trend.

Find some inspiration this summer to work hard and break through to new heights in active pieces that will also allow you to play hard.

Be inspired

Pro-Action sports bra 199.95, Pro-Action leggings 299.95, Pro-Action trainers 349.95; Adidas vest 349.95, Adidas leggings 699.95

Find your motivation

Pro-Action racer-back tank top with built-in sports bra 299.95, Pro-Action shorts 249.95, Pro-Action trainers 349.95

Find your zen

Pro-Action sports bra 249.95, Pro-Action leggings 299.95

Be tough

Pro-Action floral-print sports bra 249.95, Pro-Action floral-print leggings 299.95

Pro-Action slogan top 159.95, Pro-Action sports bra (2-pack) 279.95, Pro-Action sports shorts 249.95, Pro-Action trainers 349.95

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Photography: Steve Marais/One League, fashion editor: Lee Hagen, hair & make-up: Suaad Jeppie/One League, model: Tynika-Ann/Boss

How to shop better: tips from the expert

Edgars’ personal stylist and image specialist, Emile Samson, shares his insider tips on getting the most out of your shopping experience!

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When is the best time to shop and why?

Only go when you’re in the right frame of mind. Don’t make your way to the mall if you’re in a rush and feel tired, moody, angry, sad, or even slightly upset. If you do, you increase the chance of missing out on the best deals or a memorable interaction with a sales associate. You really need sufficient time to take in all the new items that have just landed on the sales floor and investigate the current promotional offers.

And the best time of the month to embark on a shopping venture?

We always have something amazing going on in-store, so any time is prime time! New stock makes its way into stores regularly, so you should always be able to locate the item you’ve been eyeing, and in your size too.

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How can I save time in a store when I’m looking for something specific?

The first thing to do is ask one of our helpful store associates. Remember that the first person you encounter may not handle the products directly related to your needs but they will be able to find someone who does. If you’re ever close to our Sandton store, book some time with me so that I can find specific products for you.

How should I dress when clothing shopping?

Dress comfortably. I’d take it one step further and say wear something that’s not complicated. It’s much simpler to try on clothing if your own garments are easy to get out of. Think leggings instead of denim pants, a slip dress instead of a wrap-skirt for instance, or perhaps a T-shirt rather than a button-down shirt.

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What kinds of things should I be buying or looking out for on sale?

Look out for the sales goods that have lots of units available on the shelf. This means that this style or this item of clothing is not as popular as others, meaning you’re less likely to awkwardly wear the same outfit as someone else at work or a Friday-night dinner.

Any tips for making my dressing room experience quick and painless?

You need to have a good understanding of what silhouettes suit your body type, which will eliminate countless (frustrating) trips back and forth from the floor to the changing room. Also, try to stick to the fitting room garment quota, usually five or six, as that naturally edits down your list of items you’re going to put back

What are the benefits of a personal stylist? Is this not something only celebrities need?

Personal styling is not just for celebrities, I can assure you. You can benefit from an expert giving you dressing solutions, garment-fit advice and tailoring recommendations to help you shape and define your wardrobe and personal style. I do offer my services to celebrities, but through Edgars, you can book my services at no charge. Most of us have different dressing requirements during the week versus weekends. We just need someone to direct us on what type of styles, fabrics or garment details suit each occasion. This is where the Edgars personal stylist (that’s me!) is able to give you solutions to the personal challenges you face in your dressing room daily.

What summer staples must I make sure I have in my wardrobe as we head towards the festive season?

First on the list is a great fragrance. If you like a scent that’s sweet and spicy you should check out Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire for women. Another must-have in this category is Tom Ford Vanille Fatale – a zesty offering for both men and women. If a spicy-floral is what your nose is after, try Chanel Misia for women and Christian Dior Fahrenheit Le Parfum for men. This summer, the crop top gets a makeover with button details taken straight from the top designer runways. Look out for this crop top advancement in Edgars stores too. The shoulder knot is also a popular top this season, making an appearance in our Kelso range – its asymmetrical shape is especially ideal for inverted-triangle body types. Also look out for bottoms that have ankle straps, which allow you to convert your straight-leg pants to tapered trousers. Cords, drawstrings and D-Rings are details on garments that will typify the SS18 looks in Edgars. But pick your detailing wisely; if you don’t want to draw attention to your ankles, for example, then avoid pants with drawstrings located at the ankle.

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What’s better, online or in-store shopping?

Both are great for different reasons. In-store you will be able to feel the garment, see a true representation of its colour and whether or not it suits you. In-store you are also able to get expert advice on all of that. Online shopping is great for items you purchase time and again; for instance, I’ve been wearing Signature lace-up brogues for the past six months, so I feel very comfortable to shop for my formal loafers online. After all, you can always return what you bought online to an Edgars store closest to you.

Get your shopping game on with Edgars

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Why Mickey Mouse stills rocks

Mickey Mouse celebrates his 90th birthday this year, and Edgars is celebrating in collaboration with Disney and you.

He’s the most famous mouse in the world and probably the oldest too – Mickey Mouse turns 90 this year. Join in on the fun as Edgars celebrates his big day!

What’s the deal?

Mickey’s debut appearance was in Steamboat Willie on 18 November 1928, and he’s been on a roll ever since. While his birthday has come and gone, the world’s favourite mouse will continue marking the milestone with a series of worldwide celebrations, including a primetime television special and the World’s Biggest Mickey Mouse Party hosted at Disney Parks around the world!

Where’s the party?

You can head to Edgars to join the fun! In a collaborative sponsorship between Edgars and Disney, we’re hosting a range of exciting events, including themed mall exhibitions at venues around South Africa. Visit Canal Walk between 16 and 25 November to get in on the action.

Mickey pocket Tee 129.95

Mickey Tee 149.95

Mickey-adorned products will be available for women, men and kids, from comfy pj’s to fun graphic tees, along with exciting in-store instalments for a dazzling customer experience. Come and join the fun as Edgars brings this uplifting and heart-warming global event home.

Mickey’s retail hall of fame

Mickey’s first appearance may have been on film, but it wasn’t long before he made his way into stores. In late 1929, Walt Disney was walking through a hotel reception in New York City, when a man approached him asking if he could put Mickey Mouse on a children’s pencil tablet he was making. Needing the $300 the man offered, Walt agreed. That tablet was the beginning of Disney licensing. It didn’t take long for Roy, Walt’s brother and business partner, to pick up on Mickey’s commercial potential and get to work. A young seamstress, Charlotte Clark, made the first Mickey plush dolls in 1930, and Ingersoll unveiled the cult classic wristwatch in which Mickey’s arms tell the time in 1933. Disney watches have been produced ever since.

Fleece dress 199.95; Minnie Bow dress 199.95; Mickey promo tee 59.95; Mickey special cap 59.95 & Mickey hoodie 129.95

Mickey and fashion are a match made in heaven

Disney’s design collaborations are all about creating beautiful pieces celebrating characters that tell beloved stories. Mickey has featured in a variety of high-end designer collaborations. In August 2011, haute couture jewellers Chopard launched a Mickey Mouse-inspired collection that included watches, necklaces, rings and bracelets. Fashion designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Anya Hindmarch and Marc Jacobs have collaborated with Disney on Mickey Mouse inspired clothing and accessory ranges. Mickey Mouse has also had a big influence in the design world, where designers such as Terence Conran and Ingo Maurer have featured him in their work. The mouse certainly gets around.

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Big-bag girl in a little-bag world

Fashion blogger Nkgabiseng Motau discusses how her love for big bags is struggling in a world where mini bags are trending.

When it comes to handbags, bigger has always been better for fashion blogger Nkgabiseng Motau. But as she discovers, the allure of the compact bag trend is just too tempting to resist!

There’s a stylish new trend in town and, to paraphrase Queen Bey, I don’t know whether it’s a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare. The cutest little bags in all sorts of whimsical designs that make any outfit look darling have popped up everywhere. Who wouldn’t want that in their life, right? Well, me, I guess. The trouble, you see, is that I like to haul it all, tote the boat, lug the rug. What I’m saying is that I like big bags and I cannot lie.

I’m the sort of person who takes everything everywhere, just in case. Even if I have reinforcements at the office or in my car. To me, it’s completely rational to plan for a sudden invitation to the town’s most glam event. Not that such a thing has ever happened to me, but I just can’t bear to be unprepared should the possibility arise. What if there is an emergency party at the office? What if Beyoncé visits a shopping centre near me and I’m in frumpy flats? I need a back-up plan for even the most far-fetched scenarios. I kind of see myself as a transformer – always ready to take it up a notch.

Perfectly practical

Of course, there are the more practical reasons for my big-bag penchant. For example, I like a bag that is spacious enough for my laptop, especially on days when I have meetings all over town. I don’t want to bore you with the details but the list of practical must-haves includes wet wipes, hand cream, a few lipstick options, sunglasses, perfume and sometimes even the book I’m reading. It’s not totally insane. I just like to be prepared.

This brings me to the problem with which I am confronted. And this is how it all goes down in my head: I need all the stuff I lug around, or at least I think I do. I can just hear Erykah Badu judging me with the words from ‘Bag Lady’, one of her sweet classics: ‘Bag lady, you gon’ hurt your back, carrying all them bags like that’. Well Erykah, I have a lot of stuff, okay!

Alright, I know it’s not okay. Especially not if I want to get my hands on one of those fabulously compact bags. I love them wholeheartedly but the truth, I fear, is that they’re just not the right match for me.

SHOP BAGS

Three-item girl

When I first saw one, I fell in love so hard that even I toyed with the fantasy of becoming a three-item girl. You know? The only three items in her bag are lipstick, cellphone and bank card… maybe a tiny perfume or hand cream, if it’s going to be a long day. The thought made me shudder. I literally had a fashion meltdown. I began to have visions of myself stranded and without a pair of high heels in a queue for an important event with the bouncer giving me the eye of disapproval. Or in a meeting scratching inside my tiny bag for a notepad and pen. Or anywhere needing anything and not having it because I had to pack lightly. The thought sent chills down my spine.

It was in this moment that I realised: wait a minute, I’m a lugger! Quick diversion: A lugger is what I call a handbag hoarder or someone who lugs around things they don’t need. I’ve been calling one of my relatives a lugger for years. Back to my moment of clarity: I realised right then and there that the tiny-bag trend might just be a divine intervention. A sign sent to save me from myself. Maybe Erykah is right. I am gon’ hurt my back and I do need to pack lightly. And so, tiny bag, I say to you, challenge accepted.

Just a little magic

After much pondering, I came to the following liberating resolution. When it comes down to it, a bag should match the occasion as much as it does the outfit. What was I doing taking a laptop to a horse-racing event, anyway?

Perhaps the time had come for me to redefine what I saw as everyday essentials. It was almost like a trade-off with myself. If I want a pretty little bag to freshen up my look, then I’ll have to let go of a few things to freshen up my life.

Time to let go

There’s a little magic to these tiny beauties: they offer a chance to let go of things like that old lipstick that’s been sitting at the bottom of your tote for a year, a chance to be nimble and light. Nimble and light? That sounds like a version of me I could get behind – so in control, yet so easy-going. I love it. I’m changing my Twitter bio as we speak to include the above adjectives. What’s even more magical is that I have a feeling the literal letting go might come with some figurative letting go too, which is always a breath of fresh air.

Whether you’re a big-tote fan or a mini-bag collector, Edgars has the one for you.

SHOP BAGS

Sho Madjozi’s style is more than just a fashion statement

Sho Madjozi’s bold style and strong roots in her heritage make her one of the most exciting entertainment artists in Africa.

The powerhouse musician and front woman of the new Edgars TV commercial tells us why her style and identity are intertwined.

With her colourful pom-poms, braided hair and tasselled skirts, it’s easy to consider musician and poet Sho Madjozi’s style to be eccentric. But there is consideration and tradition at the root of every accessory and garment. Born Maya Wegerif, this Limpopo-bred muso’s look is a tapestry of her culture and background, and she is unapologetic about it. Let’s decode the key pieces:

The bright colours

Colour and Sho Madjozi belong in the same WhatsApp group. You’ll never catch the muso in anything dull and it’s an inter-generational phenomenon; ‘I grew up thinking that my affinity to bright pink and yellow was my choice, but when I look at old photographs of my mom and aunts, I see those colours dominating their clothing too,’ she says.

The pompoms

These little accessories dot the shibelane and make great earrings and decorative trinkets to handbags and shoes. ‘I make my outfits in collaboration with my aunts, grandma and tailors, and I was really inspired when I saw other Africans wearing their traditional attire daily. For instance, Senegalese people dress like Senegalese people all the time, and not only on Heritage Day. I wanted to find a way to be a whole version of myself all the time,’ says the star, whose outfit is never complete without a pompom or two.

The braids

Cornrows and braids making intricate patterns across the head have also become synonymous with the star, who avoids wearing wigs and weaves. These braided styles have been part of many African cultures for centuries and are a permanent part of her style arsenal; ‘I reject the idea that I have to take off my tradition to be palatable,’ she says.

The tasseled skirt (shibelane)

Worn by Xitsonga women at traditional gatherings in performance of the Xibelani dance, this multi-coloured skirt is designed to make the wearer’s waist look bigger, thereby emphasizing the shaking movement of the dance. ‘When I was young, that is how women and girls dressed for special occasions; it became what I understand to be beautiful,’ says the muso. ‘I have been criticised by some who say I wear my shibelane too short. But I’ve stuck to my style; this is my version that I have modernised to maintain practical wearability and relevance.’

Photography: Alexa Singer, styling: Melissa Henderson, hair: Princess, make-up: Karabo

Watch Sho Madjozi in the Edgars #OwnTheLook TV commercial:

Athleisure wear: the DOs and DON’Ts

There’s no escaping the athleisure trend, loved by celebrities and influencers alike. So here are our top tips for nailing the look.

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If it looks like you’re headed to the gym, you’re doing it wrong. As with all fashion trends, walking the fine line between nailing it and failing it can be as delicate as stringing thread into the eye of a needle.

Athleisure (AKA athletic leisure for the uninitiated) is about wearing athletic gear as leisure wear. It’s important to pick your athletic items carefully (there are some definite no-nos, which we’ll get into) and mix them with casual pieces. Because of its comfy and swaggy vibe, it’s one of the most popular travel style trends at the moment. Follow our guide to getting it right.

DON’T wear running shoes

Trainers and running shoes say only one thing – that you’re headed to or have just finished a workout. There’s nothing fashionable about trainers outside of a workout environment, and the material they are made of (usually mesh or rubber) screams ‘functional’. The trick is to look like you’re somewhere between a workout and running a fabulous errand such as a wardrobe fitting or a hair and make-up session.

DON’T be brand monogamous

Play the field a little! Wearing a single brand from head to toe makes you look sponsoredand you’ll miss the point of the trend completely. Mix up athletic brands with other fashion labels.

DO make statements

Wear items such as tops, leggings or caps that feature logos. Graphic text on clothing is a great way to draw attention to your look – but do this sparingly, of course.

DON’T wear freebies

To really pull off this look, that T-shirt you got at your last fun run is not going to cut it. Yes, your outfit should be casual and comfortable, but it should also look well-thought-out.

Find your perfect athleisure outfit for your next workout (or coffee date!)

5 effortlessly chic looks for summer

We’ve rounded up some of the key pieces every women needs in her summer wardrobe – crop tops, dresss and statement sneakers.

Linen dresses and cheeky crop tops that show a little skin – summer just got a stylish seasonal update.

Summer fashion: girl in red button-down dress

Free 2BU off-the-shoulder button-down dress 299.95; Free 2BU necklace (set of 3) 99.95; Free 2BU spiral rings (set of 3) 69.95

WEAR WITH

BUTTONS TAKE CENTRE STAGE, ADDING CHARACTER AND INTEREST TO SUMMER STAPLES

Free 2BU front button-up dress 349.95; Free 2BU studded earrings (set of 9) 89.95; Free 2BU chunky chain necklace 149.95

WEAR WITH

Free 2BU floral-print crop top 199.95; Free 2BU floral-print wide-leg trousers 279.95; Forever New multi-layered necklace 229; Kelso bracelets (set of 4) 79.95; Free 2BU spiral rings (set of 3) 69.95; western-style buckle belt 150; Free 2BU platform lace-up sneakers 299.95

WEAR WITH

LET YOUR SKIN STEAL THE SHOW WITH SHOULDER-BARING TOPS

Free 2BU striped crop top (prints may vary in-store) 199.95; Free 2BU striped button-down skirt (prints may vary in-store) 279.95; Free 2BU hoop earrings 49.95; Free 2BU necklace (set of 2) 99.95; Kelso leather-strap watch 379

WEAR WITH

SHOP NOW

Photography: Glen Montgomery/Supernova, fashion editor: Brittany Penebre, styling: Rushana Burton, hair & make-up: Kelly Paitaki/Gloss, model: Canelle/Boss

AW19 Lookbook: the check trend

We highlight one of the biggest trends this season – the ’90s check print with a 2019 makeover.

The ’90s check is back with a bang and we can’t get enough. We are bringing it up to speed though, dressing it 2019-style. And we aren’t the only ones who love it – celebs Nomzamo Mbatha and Luthando Shosha are fans too, not to mention Hailey Bieber and Winnie Harlow. With its versatile appeal, this print has been seen with fresh updates on all the major runways, from the mixing of textures and prints at Chanel to the adding of fringe detailing at Oscar de la Renta.

HOW TO INCORPORATE CHECKS INTO YOUR EVERYDAY WARDROBE

Start simple and go for one statement item such as a top, jacket or leggings. Leather and denim go famously well with the check print, especially for a street style look that can’t go wrong. Once you’re feeling confident, invest in matching check sets – from tailored suiting to crop tops and high-waisted trousers. You can wear them together for a tailored impact or separate them with a jacket or bold-coloured knit.

Free 2BU corduroy jacket 599.95; Free 2BU checked top 279.95; Free 2BU checked ¾ trousers 279.95; Free 2BU long metal earrings 59.95; Steve Madden printed sneakers 1399

D66 micro-check suit jacket 1399.95; JX crew knit 299.95; D66 micro-check suit pants 499.95

QUICK-FIRE TIPS & TRICKS TO GETTING THESE TRENDS RIGHT

● Wear checks from head to toe. Opt for a two- or three-piece suit. Wear a brightly coloured top or jersey to break up the print ever so slightly. You’re the boss though, so wear it how you want to.
● Remember to mix denim and knit with your checks, the texture of the fabrics complement the print, and the look works for smart-casual or weekend occasions.
● Mix various sized checks of the same hue together in the same outfit. Break it up a little with an accent on-trend colour such as mustard or pastels. Checks also clash fashionably well with bold stripes and animal print – if you’re daring enough.

SHOP THE TREND

Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Paulo Touriero /Hero. Hair & make-up: Shahnaz Wels-Cola/SNCM & Kelly Paitaki/Gloss. Styling: Taugheeda Abdullah-Jacobs. Models: Max/Pulse, Lisa P/Fanjam. Written by Emma Follett-Botha.

7 ways the seventies has influenced Mango’s latest collection

We break down seven ways in which the hippest decade of all – the ’70s – influenced Mango’s newest collection.

Everything we love about the decade is perfectly encapsulated in the latest range from Mango, with the right amount of modern to make it wearable today.

1. A bit of disco sparkle

Metallics may have exploded in the ’80s but they had a moment in the back in the ’70s too, a trend that Mango has subtly incorporated into their collection through this turquoise embellished skirt. And the 2019 twist you ask… the cut – a long-length pencil is totally of the moment.

2. Grandma knits

Slouchy, oversized knits may remind you of your grandma, but in today’s world they scream comfort chic – plus they’re bang on-trend.

3. Power suits

The women’s power suit was all the rage in the ’70s – think double-breasted and shoulder-padded. Today’s version is missing the exaggerated shoulders for a more streamlined fit, but retains a bit of the boxy look for a laid-back feel.

4. Oversized coats

What was once called hobo chic is now just chic, when it comes to the new jackets and coats of the season. Worn a size too big, coats bring a low-key edge to an outfit.

5. Patterned jackets

Make a statement in wool jackets with checks and other printed patterns, paired with knitwear and denim for a subtle nod to arguably the most significant of the fashionable decades.

6. Caramel leather and silky dresses

The classic black leather biker jacket makes way for a more structured jacket in caramel, reminiscent of Austin Powers‘ Foxxy Cleopatra. Feast your eyes on silky dresses in striking colours and prints that are perfect for layering in winter.

7. Corduroy deluxe

Corduroy and the ’70s were a match made in heaven. And for good reason. The thick and durable fabric is perfect for keeping warm in winter and cuts an interesting silhouette in any piece, particularly a structured suit.

Get excited! Mango’s autumn/winter collection is here

Mango’s latest collection of clothing has us excited for winter. Think corduroy and chunky knits in burnt oranges and organic browns

Featuring all your favourite colours and fabrics for the season, the ’70s are back – with a 2019 update.

The effortlessly breezy aesthetic that is synonomous with the ’70s fashion era has been so beautifully reimagined with this range. The ochre-hued colour palette, with its burnt oranges, browns and mauves mimics the changing landscape, while the silhouettes are contemporary and chic.

Winter staples such as chunky knits, long-sleeved round necks, corduroy and denim are all represented, the key switch up being in the refined and intricate detailed stitching.

Breathing life into the launch is photographer Mario Sorrenti, who brings together familiar faces – Adrien Brody, activist and model Adwoa Aboah, as well as models and close friends, Amber Valletta and Carolyn Murphy, among others, for a collaboration called ‘Together’.

We’ll say no more. Enjoy the campaign visuals and check out the collection at Mango stores and select Edgars stores nationwide.

Content partnership with Mango