Stiaan Louw Launches at astore

Let it not be said that Styel Guide takes a holiday abroad and forgets to keep up with what's happening back home. The big style news this week is that designer and friend Stiaan Louw has launched a collection for astore. At last we cry!
Stripped down basics is what makes up the collection. Stiaan says, "the line that was produced bearing the Astore customer in mind, aims to introduce them to the fit and subtle detailing synonymous with the ‘Stiaan Louw Menswear’ collection. This collaborative effort sees the first of many such projects for the brand while expanding our existing market."
How Louw can you go?

Photographer: Brett Rubin (www.brettrubin.com), Model: LeRiche from Shine, Stylist: Nicole van Heerden

All clothes currently in store, available in sizes and colourways
Store locator: www.astoreisgood.com
For more info contact: stiaanlouw@yahoo.com or (021) 465 5499

Travel-Blog Day 4: Anthropologie

While I was cruising down Regent Street I stopped in at the Banana Republic store and fell in love with a velvet dress. But I left it with its friends since I couldn't afford to keep it in the manner to which it was accustomed. I then stepped into the fairy land that is the latest store to move from the US to the UK - Anthropologie. It s kind of like Poetry in SA, only on steriods. The sheer volume of wonderful goodies makes it feel like Urban Outfitters but the quality and ingenuity are vastly higher. Just magical. Check out the 'living wall' and the chandeliers made by a South African from recyled materials. My favourite item was a necklace made with gold beads and a double layer of giant soft green crystals. Maybe next time.

Travel-Blog Day 4: Jimmy Choo for H&M

I did not stand in any queues. I did not have to fight with anyone. I did not have to buy an item off e-Bay at three times the original price. No. I sailed into H&M in Regent Street yesterday and popped downstairs to the Jimmy Choo section. There were about five other people there and a few shop assistants. I browsed the gloriously soft and buttery leather and suede pieces like the dove grey one shoulder dress in total peace. I carefully examined the shoes and accessories which were chunky and excellent quality - if a bit extreme for my lifestyle (not taste - I thought they were wonderful). And then I tried on a few sparkly items, eventually settling on this sequin zip up. As Stiaan will know I have wanted one for about 18 months. And there it was for me. Lovely. It shall be back in CT with me soon.

Travel-Blog Day 3: London on the Move

Travel-Blog Day 3: Joanie and Boys

Such a fun afternoon just hanging with the Middletons. This photo was taken especially for Dee Dee, aka Janet.

Travel-Blog Day 2: Saffas Abroad

How I laughed. I'm not sure why they needed to announce their nationality - there wasn't any sport on yesterday that I can recall - but Saffas will be Saffas! So for the first time on this blog, this is a style 'no'.

Travel-Blog Day 2: Happiness in Buildings

Some classic (by which I mean touristy, of course) shots of some of my happy places in London. The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, St Paul's, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, you know, the usual.

Travel-Blog Day 1: London Heathrow

So this morning I land in London town and head off to stay with my cousin in Wimbledon. Urgh. I am not a fan of South London, but I will be happy to see my lovely cousins and friends. The plan for this week is to check out the new range of Jimmy Choo for H&M which launched in the UK this past weekend. And to go and stroll through Selfridges and Harvey Nicks to get back in touch (literally) with all the latest gear. I will post photos as I manage to co-ordinate me, an internet connection and my camera. But since I am primarily on holiday over the next two weeks, it may be sporadic posting. Keep coming back to take a look.

Introducing 'Bert

We have recently welcomed a new member to the gang. Rob is a seemingly lovely commercials director who contributes to the laughs quite well. But more importantly, has excellent taste in jackets. This one is C2 from Carducci, single button which fits like a dream. Not bad for a first purchase in front of both the new girlfriend and my hawkish eye.

SA's Got Talent Thoughts

Ok, so let me share my thoughts on the recently completed series of SA's Got Talent. Now, I didn't watch it all, but I found the live shows quite compelling. I loved that Randall got to show his humour - and jolly good glasses. I'm guessing Extreme Eyewear?
I loved that the acts were generally quite good. Although I will say that I thought the kids needed their own show. But Darren, Louwtjie, the singing bros and George all rocked it. Props.
But for me the real winner was Anele. Rob too. But Anele emerged as a funny, accessible, relaxed and exciting TV presenter. And she is slowly but surely developing a style to go with her talent. It's not hits all the way, and the shoes need a lot of work. But she is winning the style battle and growing in confidence before our eyes. A real SA girl of our time, with bags of ambition and the skills to back this up, she is the real talent on this programme.

Yolande - Tunic Shirt

I really like how lovely and simple this outfit is. It maintains femininity through the tunic shirt.

WIN with Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo and Elton John AIDS Foundation have launched a global photo competition to support Project PEP, a charity collection that donates 25% of sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa. The overall winners will be announced after the competition close on 7th December. On offer is the ultimate Jimmy Choo VIP experience – the winner will be invited to spend a day of luxury and the Jimmy Choo HQ and choose 7 pairs of shoes and 2 handbags to keep. Plus over 100 exclusive Jimmy Choo prizes will also be awarded to entrants.
The theme of the competition is "You, Your Shoes and 72" and you can find out more and enter the competition by going to the web site - http://www.jimmychoo72.com.
Good luck Style Guiders.

Nicole - Fashion Designer

First year fashion design student at Fedisa, Nicole recently won the award for fashion design from Sanlam Private Investments. This is a real coup for a first year but considering she designed and made this dress as well, maybe easy to understand. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing what you do next.

Lindsay - The Fine Gold Belt

This is my 1002nd post so somehow in the midst of my dreadful sick week last week I missed a milestone. Yay now anyway. Sorry for the radio silence, but here today we have a lovely lady called Lindsay who wore a beautifully simple outfit and just accessorised it with a very fine gold belt and gold flats. Perfect.

WINNERS: Extreme Eyewear Night Out

Congratulations to Taahirah, Mari and Miranda who are all now invited to attend the very posh Extreme Eyewear store launch featuring the Chrome Hearts Jewelled collection which is being flown in for the night. Your names will be on the door and you should be there at 6pm tomorrow night. Dress is smart.

Behind the Scenes - Nabielah

Behind the Scenes - Anthony and Algria

Sorry for photo quality today gang, but I am too ill to work on these before I post them. Anthony was our Woolies World photographer and Algria our make up artist.

Photo Project 5: The Still Life

Shot at my artist friend Fritha's office at Michaelis, which is a treasure trove of interesting found objects.

WIN - Extreme Eyewear Store Launch Tickets

I have THREE places to give away to this sumptuous evening out in Cape Town this Saturday evening. Celebrating the new Cape Quarter store opening, the evening will offer the best glasses in the land, champange and oysters. You really can't go wrong.
To win, please comment in the post about your sunglasses fashion tips for the summer. The best tips will each win a place and I will announce the winners on Friday morning.

Behind the Scenes - Imaan

At the Woolies World shoot the week before last I took some candid behind the scenes shots for you. This is Imaan from arrival in her no-make-up-look through to ready to go out and shoot.

Photo Project 4 - The Nude: Slut Toes

I will leave it up to you to interpret, but I am rather proud of the photo I presented for our nude project.

WINNERS: Steri Stumpie T-Shirts

Congratulations to Jasna Zellerhof and Katherine de Tolly who have both won limited edition Steri Stumpie t-shirts in the blog giveaway. Katherine wins for her classic "Chanel No 5" response to her most fabulous outfit, and Jasna wins for all of the cute outfits she put together. Ladies, delivery to be arranged soon.

Photo Project 2e (FINAL) - The astore Tribe

This is the last of the series of portraits I took of shoppers at astore in Kloof Street for my photography course project on enviromental portraits. The whole thing was a blast. Come back tomorrow for the photo I presented for my nude class project... It is not what you may expect. In fact it may be worse.

Photo Project 2d - The astore Tribe

Shopping with Leo

WIN. WIN. WIN. Limited Edition Steri Stumpie T-Shirt.

Ok lots of you have told me that you don't want to send photos of yourself. Fine. You know they are just going to land up on the site... So if you want to win a limited edition, I'm going to say 'cult', Steri Stumpie t-shirt, then please just email me on info@robyncooke-styleguide.co.za with a description of your favourite outfit. There. See. That's not so hard.

Behind the Scenes: Luisa

Sylist assistant, Luisa, chilling in the dressing room on the Woolworths World February shoot while the poltergeist steamer was warming up.

Behind the Scenes: Naomi

Working with Naomi is always a pleasure. This time we were on the shoot for February Woolies World magazine. That's Melissa doing makeup and hair.

Very Good Hair

In a kind of homage to 2008-version Aggy Deyn, this lady at The Assembly last week looked hot. Loved the one-shoulder white 70s dress, the gorgeous vintage purse and, yes, the extreme hair. She was also very tall.

WIN: Steri Stumpie T-Shirt Giveaway

Yay! Another cool prize to give away to my loyal readers. You can win one of two limited edition Steri Stumpie t-shirts from a collaboration with Levis and nine hot young local graphic designers. Each design is based on a Steri Stumpie flavour.
All you have to do is send in a photo of yourself in your most outrageously fashion-forward, edgy, cool outfit.
And then you stand a chance to win a t-shirt, a six pack of Steri Stumpie and some limited edition goodies (stickers/iron on badges and collectable product cards). That's it.
Send your pics to info@robyncooke-styleguide.co.za by Friday 30th October at noon, when I will annouce the two winners.

Superette Shopping

There are so many lovely places to eat brunch these days in Cape Town. One of them is Superette in Woodstock. Fresh food, convivial atmosphere and some lovely goodies to take home with you. Styling.

Poppy and Friends Go To The Market

Just for starters, please note the Chanel sunglasses, the Country Road tunic and the cute Zara denim jacket. I guess you pick up a thing or two in the fashion department at Elle SA.

Caroline's View: Dress and Accessories

As usual Caroline brings an interesting take on style to the blog. Pretty cotton dress and some heavy duty accessorising. I really like the hair styling as well.

Label Online Boutique

I paid a little visit last week to see Sarah, who runs SA's very own net-a-porter online designer boutique. It was quite fun - we chatted and stroked lovely garments from labels like Acne, Paul & Joe Sister, Antik Batik, Melissa Obadash and some lovely accessories and denim brands. You can go and check it all out online at http://www.shop-label.com.

Photo Project 2c - The astore Tribe

Photo Project 3 - Landscape 2

Not my finest work, but in the interests of full disclosure, you get to see all the pics I present in my class. This one was quickly skipped over since I seem to make even a landscape look like a portrait.

Photo Project 3 - Landscape 1

A Jaunt of Janets

Who knows what the collective noun is for many of my flame haired friend. However, since we have been out and about to some fun places recently, a jaunt it is. Evidence in stylish photographic form.

Afraid of Mice

Once upon a time two lovely young ladies, called Bianca and Simone, established a new vintage space upstairs at 210 on Long Street called Afraid of Mice. The stock all comes from visits to Seattle where their brother lives. We do not know his name.
When you go to browse and shop they play you jaunty 80s records (yes, actual LPs) and you can dance along to Club Tropicana, although that may just be me.
And then you find yourself seduced by the affordable and beautiful garments, bought with an eye for quirkiness and current trend. Go and play with them. They are nice.