Category: Women

UPGRADE YOUR WORK WARDROBE WITH THESE 5 NEW TRENDS

It’s a whole new year, and we think you deserve a whole new workwear wardrobe. Update your office look with our favourite five new workwear trends for 2019.

Show that you mean business in 2019 by adding these five trends to your office look. Bonus – they’ll work just as well after 5pm, too
They say you should dress for the job you want, not the one you have. With the new year upon us, it’s time to realign with your career goals and do exactly that. Whether you’re gunning for a promotion or starting your own business, here are the top five trends to incorporate into your workwear wardrobe right now.

ANIMAL PRINT

Whether it’s leopard, cheetah, zebra or giraffe, animal print is back for another season. This time around, we’re taking this evening standard into the daytime for a fierce approach to workwear attire. Confidence is key when wearing animal print, especially if your outfit is composed of a lot of it (though a little goes a long way, too). Pair a printed dress with minimalist accessories to prevent the ensemble looking too busy.
Free 2BU leopard-print dress 179.95

WEAR WITH

TARTAN

If animal print doesn’t do it for you but you’d still like to incorporate print into your wardrobe, look to pieces in a fine tartan or check. Pair a tartan skirt with a delicate, solid-colour pussy-bow blouse for a subtle yet impactful look, or dare to be bold in a tartan-print dress. Pair it with a vibrantly coloured accessory (like a bag) to look extra chic.
Free 2BU checked dress 179.95

WEAR WITH

STRIPES

Striped pieces are staples in any workwear wardrobe. This season, however, black and white stripes in varying degrees of thickness are the key to a successful outfit. Look to vertical or diagonal stripes to flatter and elongate your form, and combine the two for a more interesting approach to the trend. Wear yours with a bright pair of shoes or a handbag in a solid colour for a touch of personality.
Kelso striped pencil skirt 249.95

WEAR WITH

JUMPSUITS

Jumpsuits have become a standard piece on the catwalk in almost every designer’s collection, and we’re here for it. They’re great as workwear because you need only jump into one item in the morning and you’re ready to go – especially nifty when you’re running late for work. Wear yours on its own or layer it over a blouse for dressier occasions. This is one item you can really get creative with.
Kelso striped sleeveless jumpsuit 399.95

WEAR WITH

SUIT UP

Nothing says ‘I’m ready for business’ more than a two-piece suit. However, this year, ditch that stiff and stuffy structured suit and opt for lighter, floaty fabrics in soft pinks or neutrals, like beige or white (it is summer, after all). Go full glam by wearing it with a feminine cami and all the necessary accessories.
Kelso pink blazer 549.95; Kelso pink formal trousers 299.95

WEAR WITH

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.
Runway images: Getty Images

How to take your look from the beach to the bar

These items are ideal for when you need to transform your look from lazing on the beach to bar-chic and ready.

Summer days spent on the beach often end with an impromptu trip to the bar for a spot of sundowners. You’ll want to make sure your beach bag is packed with the right essentials to transform your look from beach-lazy to bar-chic.
Getty Images
The South African summer is all about soaking up the sun, cooling down with a splash in the ocean and quenching your thirst with sundowners at the bar. Transitioning from the beach to a night of cocktails can be tricky if running home to spruce up isn’t an option. For when those spur-of-the-moment plans happen, we’ve got you covered with fashionable pieces and accessories that will take you out of the water and on to dry land in no time.
When sporting a one-piece with a detailed neckline such as off-the-shoulder, it’s easy to transition from a day on the beach to a night of fun. Simply pull on a pair of shorts and add some cute accessories like earrings. Voilà, you’re bar ready.

Free 2BU floral one-piece swimsuit 359.95; Free 2BU striped shorts 249.95; Free 2BU tassel earrings 79.95; Edgars tassel bag 139.95; Free 2BU striped trainers 299.95


 It’s the happiest time of the year, so have some fun by mixing your prints. Treat your bikini top as though it’s a cropped top and pair it with high-waisted wide-leg pants – don’t worry if the patterns clash; it’s part of the look. Then add that statement necklace you packed for just in case, and a simple clutch to hold all your goods.

 Free 2BU floral bikini top 189.95; Free 2BU floral bikini bottom 159.95; Free 2BU tropical-print wide-leg pants 279.95; Accessorize beaded necklace 399; Dune London clutch bag 1199

Let’s be honest, you’ve always wanted to wear this one-piece off the beach – and you can! Show it off by pairing it with on-trend items like side-striped denims, a sequinned waist bag and some dad sneakers. Street style cred on fleek.

 Free 2BU one-piece swimsuit 359.95; Free 2BU denim shorts 299.95; Free 2BU sneakers 349.95; Accessorize beaded necklace 249; Accessorize sequin moonbag 599

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

BEST SWIMWEAR FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

It’s the season to shop for new bathing suits. Here’s a guide to help you find the right fit for your body shape.

With so many options out there, shopping for swimwear can be quite a stressful and daunting experience. Here, we focus on swimwear that’s made to show off your beautiful frame, no matter the shape.

SLIM & ATHLETIC 

With your slender frame you can basically pull off any swimsuit. But, if you want to create the illusion of curves, look for a swimsuit with bright and bold patterns, or ruffles to add volume. Necklines that show feminine features like shoulders and a bit of cleavage will also soften your look.

HOURGLASS 

If you’ve been blessed with a slender waist and wider hips, à la Marilyn Monroe, take advantage of your curves and go for a bikini set with a crop top and a high-waist brief. The pairing will cut at just the right spot, accentuating your narrow waist. A full-piece swimsuit with a band in the middle will achieve the same desired effect if you don’t want to show your tummy.

PEAR SHAPED 

For those with more of a pear shape, an itsy-bitsy bikini is the way to go. Go for high waisted bottoms for the illusion of a lift, and a small chest looks great in a triangle bikini or tube top.

Looking for that perfect bikini? Now’s the perfect time to go shopping because you get 30% off swimwear at Edgars until 31 December 2018!

Photography: Getty Images & Shutterstock

Going on a destination holiday? Here’s what to wear

Look no further than our guide to dressing like the glamorous goddess you are on your destination holiday this summer.

Whether you’re heading to the bush, the city or a glamorous resort, we’ve got the best items to keep you stylish for all the spots.

BUSH

If you’re off for an adventure to the bush, be sure to include earthy tones and lightweight fabrics in your bag. Small pops of colour can be brought through with accessories for a modern take. After all, blending in with the wildlife is key to capturing all the special moments.
Kelso wrap-around shirt 259.95; Kelso paperbag shorts 299.95; Accessorize geometric-shape earrings 349; Accessorize bangles 299; Kelso leather-strap watch 479; Steve Madden espadrilles 1099 

SHOP THESE PRODUCTS

CITY SLEEK

You’ve decided to hit the streets and embrace the big-city life this holiday – and you plan to be fashion-focused of course. While it’s key to look on-trend, you also want to be super comfortable,  because city life means lots of walking. Sporty ’90s-inspired pieces will do the trick.
Free 2BU turtleneck top 99.95; The Watermelon Social Club chambray jacket 549.95; The Watermelon Social Club chambray pants 649; Free 2BU sunglasses 99.99; Kelso hoop earrings 59.95; Free 2BU sneakers 349.95

SHOP THESE PRODUCTS

RESORT

If you plan on doing sweet nothing during your luxurious resort holiday, we don’t blame you. Take in the sunset and drink your cocktail in glamorous neutral looks to impress. Remember to accessorise appropriately with a sun hat and sunnies, and a bag that will hold everything you need.
Charter Club wrap dress 699.95; Kelso sunglasses 129.99; Kelso charm bracelet 69.95; Aldo sandals 699

SHOP THESE PRODUCTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: NATASSJA DUNCKLEY & MELISSA CANT; STYLING: BRITTANY PENEBRE

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

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

slogan activewear
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

floral-print gym clothesPro-Action floral-print sports bra 249.95, Pro-Action floral-print leggings 299.95 
slogan vests
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

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

Celebrity travel style

Travel style is as important as street style. We look to Kim Kardashian for athleisure tips and Hailey Baldwin for military chic.
 Are you going away this festive season? Then look to the stars for the best in-transit style.
Getty Images
Travel style might be about what you wear while in the most wondrous corners of the world, but it’s also about what you wear on your way there. We’ve rounded up some key travel-style trends served up by our favourite celebrities.

Athleisure

This is definitely the most popular travel-style trend. It is, however, also the trickiest of all to pull off. Athleisure is athletics wear worn as leisure wear, so it’s easy to hit frumpy instead of fabulous. A grey sweatsuit is a grey sweatsuit, right? Wrong. It’s all about fabric, fit and accessories. The celebs who have nailed the athleisure trend pair the laid-back look with the season’s hottest sneakers and high heels. And they don’t look like they are off to a workout. The trick to this style is finding a balance between what you’d wear when running a fabulous errand (meeting your stylist), having lunch with your influencer bestie or going to yoga. Kim K swaps between spandex tights and slouchy sweats. If you are going to try this trend, proceed with caution; it is super-easy to get wrong.

Military chic

I think we can finally call it: this look is timeless! Army-chic has been around since forever and it’s not going anywhere. Travelling in this look is effortless and cool, and gives off practical style sensibility. It says ‘look who’s in charge.’ It is versatile and can be dolled up in some tone-matching heels à la Hailey Baldwin. Throw on your camo and style it according to your personality. The only caution with this style is to watch out: your confidence might get a boost in ranking!
Getty Images

Hat trick

Pop quiz: how do you transform a perfectly bland outfit into globe-trotting hipster chic in less than three seconds? Throw on a well-made black wide-brimmed hat and some dark round-frame shades. Done. It’s that easy. What makes this one of our fave travel looks is that it is an actual disguise. One can toss this onto a chilled jeans-and-T outfit and totally transform a normal ensemble to fab. Bey does this perfectly, rocking her hat with a red lip for maximum impact.

Afro chic

Like Maps Maponyane, turning to our beautiful home for travel regalia can never go wrong. This is especially standout when travelling abroad. The world has more than enough sameness in it and creating a little colourful change is a welcome breath of fresh air. We love how Maps makes use of African print and neutral colours; this creates an exciting balance of elements for the eye. Try this look with a brilliant head wrap or a printed blazer for a touch of home when you’re going away.

Let your luggage do the talking

There is more than one way to slay travel chic; if your outfit doesn’t do it, turn to your luggage and let it win the battle for you. Whether you lug a stylish trolley case or a carry bag with swag, luggage can make a loud statement, screaming: ‘I am going places!’ Somizi glams up the airport runway with some high-end leather luggage. Wherever wanderlust may take you next, remember, it’s not just where you go, it’s also how you look getting there!


By Nkgabiseng Motau

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!
Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images
Getty Images

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. 
Getty Images

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

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. 

Choose sunglasses that suit your face shape

We take style inspo from celebrities Rihanna and Hailey Baldwin to find the best sunglasses frames for the shape of your face.

Shopping for sunglasses is often more complicated than you bargained for, right? With all the various shapes and styles out there, it can be an overwhelming process. With the help of our fave celebs, we break down the frames that best suit your face shape.

Ray-Ban sunglasses for a square-shaped face
H.E.R wears round-framed sunglasses for her square-shaped face
Getty Images

Round you go

If your face is square like singer/songwriter H.E.R, round is your go-to shape for sunglasses. Frames with rounded corners will soften the shape of your face, but they must be in proportion – the larger your face, the larger the frame should be.
Ray-Ban Unisex Clubmaster 1990

Rihanna in sqaure-framed sunglasses
Getty Images
Prada sunglasses

Be a square

If your face is round like Rihanna, go for square/angular frames or wayfarers. The straight lines balance the roundness of your face. Try avoid round frames, as they mimic the shape of your face – smaller frames especially will make your face appear even more round.

Michael Kors
Hailey Baldwin in aviator sunglasses
Getty Images

I heart you

Aviator sunglasses best complement heart-shaped faces like Hailey Baldwin (a.k.a Mrs Bieber). Unlike square and round faces, your heart-shaped face is best suited by shades that mimic the shape of your face. But proportion is key. Those with delicate, small features should go for smaller frames, while larger frames suit those with more prominent/dramatic features.

The best street style from African Fashion International 2019

South African fashion at its best! We round up the best street style looks from AFI Fashion Week in Cape Town.

The annual AFI Fashion Week took place in Cape Town over the weekend and we were there to capture all the show-stopping style both on and off the runway. 
One of the most coveted fashion events, AFI brings together the finest pan-African designers showcasing collections inspired by cultural values and heritage. The likes of MAXHOSA by Laduma, Ruff Tung, Doreen Mashika and Imprint ZA all dazzled us with on-trend animal print, glitzy textures, bold colours and intricate details. But the street style on display was what really caught our attention. From structured short suits, double denim, bold prints and ombre sequins, the FROW brought their A-game. Our photographer Melissa Cant captured some of coolest looks we’re crushing on. 

Images: Melissa Cant