Cape Town’s Man Of The Cloth: Marco Riekstins

I first stumbled upon Man Of The Cloth when I was searching for the Blue Blood store in Cape Town, and since then it’s become one of my must read websites  when it comes to fashion advice. Knowing that it is local and Cape Town based means the content is even more targeted to exactly what I like, and what can be found in Cape Town.

So we threw a couple of questions at Man Of The Cloth author, Marco, and he threw some answers right back at me!  Sit down and read this through if you want to know what’s going down in fashion. After you’ve read it, you’re already 35% cooler (As ekke):

Name: Marco Riekstins
Age: 25
Profession: Stylist, Blogger, Capetonian
Lives in: Cape Town

Your average day, broken down…?

An early start and a fresh pot of coffee are essential for blog days. I spend hours reading other blogs and surfing all the social media spots so that I have both content and constant knowledge of what’s going on. After many, many hours I get up and go to gym, have some lunch at Jardine on Bree and walk to Long Street perhaps for inspiration. It all depends on the day.

What attracted you to the fashion world?

I was desperate to be in this new world of fashion that I was introduced to in London. Back then I thought Abercrombie & Fitch was fashionable. When I moved back I got into retail and with free uniform allowances and discounts I started building a wardrobe so that I could be cool like my colleagues.

Your top three best dressed male celebrities, and why you think they are the best dressed…as often being well dressed transcends money and access to major fashion brands…(Confidence etc)

Ryan Reynolds is a fantastic example of Red Carpet coolness. He likes the three-piece combo but it’s always stylish and sleek and his hair is a perfect coiff.

There aren’t many celebrity males who go all out or have a stand out look. Tom Ford would be too easy because he only wears Black with White shirts. It’s his signature. But Johnny Depp is surely one of the men with personal style. He is a Hollywood rebel and manages to look more chic and off-beat than any other celebrity.

Johnny Depp: Anything he doesn’t look good in?

My first choice will definitely be Kanye West — but I have strong feelings against him on a personal level. He can be so ego-driven that it puts me off (and I’m sure many others agree). His style is so forward. He showed that rappers don’t have to follow the cookie cutter mould. Something they should have realized years ago. I like Black Eyed Peas style too.

Kanye “I’mma let you finish” West

For a guy in Cape Town, wanting to dress well on a budget, what are your suggestions as to styles to wear, and where to buy clothes?

As far as casual wear I think that Markham and Woolworths are really getting it right for the first time. Country Road and Trenery even more so. Basics are imperative. As long as you wear good basics you can afford to spend time saving for the items that will enhance them.

Then on the other hand, someone comes to you with an unlimited budget for fashion shopping in Cape Town, where are you going to take them, and what are you going to buy?

Burberry, Loading Bay and Blueblood, Paul Smith… there are a couple items at Gucci that are quite nice. But it all depends on who the person is. I wouldn’t take a 52 year old and put him in skinny jeans and low V t-shirt. I could have an awesome time kitting some out though.

Besides Crocs (I hope you agree…!), what are the other things that men should never wear?

I should start a non-profit organisation against Afghan Scarves and Crocs. In fact I started a group on Facebook called the Anti-Crocs movement a long time ago. What’s wrong with a pair of Havaiana’s? My next big DON’T is the white shoes and belt combo. It’s never okay. Sorry. If you’re going to, rather cut it with a brown belt. That works well with All Stars.

Have you got any favourite scents for summer?

Gucci II Summer is a fantastic fragrance. It’s fresh and a little sweet but perfect for Cape Town Summers. I wore Tom Ford for December 07 and it takes me back there every time. My favorite though and the main one I wear is Marc Jacobs. It’s so different and I get a lot of compliments with it.

On that note, what do you think of more floral fragrances (If that the right word to use) for men, such as D&G Light Blue? Are these going to be popular?

Light Blue has been around for a long time though. Their new range is floral inspired but it’s all natural scents and it’s not marketed around flowers and white linen pants- it’s the kind of scent you wear after a shower. Clean is important. You want that after-shower smell. You should really take time trying fragrances and see what suits you. Rather buy one good EDT than a basket of canned deodorant or random fragrances. Also try go for something you wouldn’t normally go for. There are enough men wearing Davidoff, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake. Really.

Mens grooming has come a long way, and pretty much every guy now owns a moisturiser of sorts, often amongst many other men specific products. Have you got a favourite mens grooming range that you’d recommend?

You can’t go wrong with the Nivea for men range. But a guy should ask the counters what is recommended for their own skin. If you have oily skin it’s pointless buying a normal face wash because you’re embarrassed to ask. They will be able to assist you perfectly.

Wet shave vs dry shave debate, where do you stand?

I have a short beard but I keep it neat with a beard trimmer and I cut the edge around my neck where the beard ends and I wet shave the rest. Wet shaves give moisture . I recently had a wet shave at Mr. Cobbs barber and if I didn’t prefer a beard I would go regularly because it’s a treat.

Do you think there will always be a demand for high end designer goods, or do you think with the way the world is going, people are going to start looking towards more personal, local boutique brands?

High-End brands on a local front aren’t going anywhere. And also because some people associate them with success. I like high-end brands but I think the idea is that you can buy something cheap and incorporate it with a high end basic like a good jacket or jeans.

A lot of regular people watch fashion TV and wonder what the point of the runway shows is, because some of the clothing is just so outrageous that no one would ever wear it, what is the real purpose of runway shows?

Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Gaultier are artists and so when their shows open the idea is to WOW and shock people. Besides if you watched a show with just a pair of jeans and a T-shirt there wouldn’t be a reason to keep watching season after season. Many Fashion Houses display their higher -end products for the runway and sell ready-to-wear products in-store.

Runway Shows: Bruno Bruno!

There always seems to be a ‘look’ in fashion, if someone is aspiring to be a fashion model in Cape Town, what is the ‘look’ right now? I was paging through a British GQ and all the male models seem to be skinny, whereas in SA it seems to be more about the well built look. Do guys need to be lifting weights to get into modelling now?

Our boys are picked up for their natural boy-next door looks. Overseas the big designers tend to use emaciated boys with sunken cheeks and odd looks because they are more high-fashion. They make the clothes more serious. Whereas Dsquared2 and Dolce & Gabanna use sex to sell. And it works. But I think the return of the 90’s male “Adonis” is back. Like David Gandy. The skinny look will probably make it’s way out soon.

I thought the GQ best dressed men awards in SA last year were a little bit narrow minded. Do you have any thoughts on the awards? Any ideas for improvement like maybe more reader involvement?

There were a few obvious choices. But I suppose they were considering the over-all package as well and how successful they were on other levels. With the photo shoots I think a more organic approach could have been taken. Have the top ten in their own environment, favorite coffee shops, on the beach in a suit… wherever! A studio shoot is a bit dull.

When you’re overseas, where are you going to be shopping for clothes?

Harrods, Selfridges, Top Shop, H&M, Harvey Nichols in London. The department stores carry everything you need and they’re full of young stylish staff that will help you choose something modern.

What do you feel about staff service in high end stores in SA compared to overseas? I bought a pair of G-Star jeans at Cavendish and the staff were super helpful and I was just wearing a t-shirt and cargo pants. Then Fabiani in the Waterfront virtually did not offer any help at all when I walked in in the same gear…

When I worked in Harrods a toothless American Hick walked up to me and bought for the entire value of my target. Never underestimate the power of a black Amex. G-star were trained very well. In fact there are a few stores that impress me with their salesmanship but Fabiani I’m afraid to say has to step up. I’ve heard a few similar complaints.

We’re  in another pumping summer in Cape Town, what are your summer essentials?

Short-shorts, my sunglasses and as much sun as I can manage to absorb. I’m not too fussed on Summer style in Cape Town because it’s just too hot to dress-up. So I go for the coolest alternatives. Long Vests are in!

Ray Ban Wayfarers, hot or not? Or just too common now?

Erm.. Hard to say because I own an awesome pair of fold-up wayfarers and I can’t part with them. I’d say the basic ones in their vintage design are best. The colourful ones are great for the younger boys and girls. I am trying to find another pair though, and I’m considering just going back to my Aviators. The Persol glasses (Also part of the Luxottica group, the same as Ray-Ban) featured on ‘The Hangover’ are also becoming a great contender.

Marco, one of the most difficult things is keeping up with trends as they come and go so quickly. There is a huge penchant for cheque shirts and Ray Ban Wayfarers at the moment. Do you think it’s worthwhile trying to keep with the trends, or just do your own thing? Inevitably, trends get so overused that you end up looking like just another person in the street. I mean, I personally love a minimalist, classic and confident style. My favourite styles are that of James Dean, Tom Ford, Johnny Depp…again, the confidence factor makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel of an outfit.

I like to get on them early. By the time I’ve worn it enough the trend is in and I can’t safely say I wore them before the craze. Right now I have Desert boots, or for the local “Veldskoen” and you’ll see it from next year a lot. Wear a trend but try not to make it your “look”. Watching what the International scene are wearing on Street style blogs are great because it’s usually months before South Africa catches on.

One of the things I can’t stand for is wearing fake garments and I always say I’d rather wear a real Fossil watch than a fake Rolex, because in the end you’re only fooling yourself. What do you have to say to people buying fakes?

I wear an aviator Fossil that everyone comments on. My brothers own a lot of Tag’s and Breitling watches, one of them owns a Rolex. It doesn’t appeal to me. Not now anyway. No 25 year old earns enough to warrant one. Unless you’re some celebrity. But it’s a status thing sometimes too. I don’t condone the production of fakes at all. Rather wear a simpler design until you can buy a better watch.

How individualistic is the local market when it comes to trends, or are we largely at the mercy of what’s happening overseas and what international designers are making?

Womenswear is clever because the buyers bring over samples from London and New York and produce modern styles for Woolworths and other similar brands. Menswear is a sad throw-back to the Nineties of ill-fitting fuddy duddy styles. They play it safe. But Country Road is awesome.

Favourite local designers?

I really like what Stiaan Louw is doing. I think he’s worth watching. Stiaan is doing a very minimalistic thing and it can only get better from there. Even his campaigns are basic like Marc Jacobs has been doing with Juergen Teller. And he gives his brand a lot of thought.

One of my very worst things in the world is baggy suits! I think Cape Town’s estate agents, and possibly estate agents everywhere are guilty of this. What are your recommendation to anyone buying a suit in Cape Town, are there really good places or even tailors who will make up suits?

Paul Smith and Hugo Boss (Red). Go in, try it on and see what you like. Let the stylist assist you. thats why they’re there. Tell them what you are in the market for and they can get you there. But bespoke suits are available in London and other big cities. Not here yet Im afraid. I know of a few great tailors in Cape Town that can size down garments and it makes a difference! A fitted suit is an amazing contrast to an ill-fitting one.

Does the quality of local garments match up to that of overseas manufacturers? Supporting local is cool, but to be honest the stuff from overseas just happens to be way more awesome. You can walk into Diesel or DSquared and grab pretty much anything and it will be great.

I agree. The quality and the neck finishes are vastly different. I do however love the plain Organic tee’s from Woolworths! JayJays is cheap and are great conceptually like TopShop but the quality is nowhere near it. But we really have to understand that fabric is not as accessible as it is in Europe. A lot of brands get slack for it but it’s not their fault.

Sometimes magazines like GQ feature items at ridiculous prices, like socks for R1500, where do we draw the line where you have to say “Ok, now we’re just being ridiculous”?

At R1500 socks.

I’ve seen photos from your blog and you’re always impeccably dressed, where do you get your fashion sense from?

Thank You, I basically just studied people and men.style.com for two years and immitated as best I could by keeping the details in mind. I really used to be more high-fashion obsessed but now I consider how to compliment my body type and keep to quality and classic style mixed in with newer styles.

Your most outrageous/expensive recent fashion buy?

My Diesel Aviator jacket…. and a pair of Olive green Brogues from Paul Smith.

Men are starting to wear more jewelry and accessories now, what are your essential pieces for guys, without looking too over the top and ridiculous?

A good watch. And simple and clean as possible if you can’t afford more. Plus a quality wallet. You’re too old for velcro.

Denim is always popular, from slightly distressed to destroyed, and then the clean cut look of raw denim. What are the essential denims every guy should own, and are there any particular brands you recommend?

1 pair of slim raw denims with enough length for a turn up. And a distressed pair of medium to light washed denims.

If there is one item of clothing that we should always shell out good cash for, what’s that going to be?

I would say a beautifully constructed and slightly distressed leather jacket, but even a a great blazer would be a good idea.

So there are some wise words of advice there, but to keep up to date I seriously suggest you bookmark Man Of The Cloth because it’s awesome. It’s an easy way to keep updated in the fashion world and it’s local with a whole load of local content.

So thanks to Marco for taking the time out to answer our questions, and be sure to visit Man Of The Cloth by clicking that link. You’ll also see the link in the right column, scroll down to ‘Reading’

BOOM!

Don’t you hate it when some trend comes along and then you buy into it, and 6 months later no one is wearing it anymore? It’s a bit of a bitch!

Like a couple of years ago when everyone was buying Dior sunglasses the size of frying pans, and then those hugely oversize sunglasses just died. Look, wrap around will always be cool, but within reason. Wearing ski goggles or a space suit mask are just over the top (OTT) and are liable to receive a kick from me. Although I did once see a dude walking around in gold Adidas ski goggles, which in a way is cool or he was just on drugs. Yeah, probably that.

Anyway, one way to beat wasting money on trends is to only go for classic clothing that never out dates, something Country Road seem to be punishing at the moment. If I only wore Country Road clothing for the rest of my life, I’d be extremely content. They’re all about v-neck t-shirts, simple print t-shirts in earth tones and muted colours, leather boots and boat shoes, straight leg denim, linen, cardigans, light knit sweaters and anything that never ever goes out of style. And there is no polyester, it’s all quality cotton and soft leathers, the stuff that is comfortable to wear without turning you into a static electricity atomic bomb.

And I love it.

So you’ll probably notice that not much new stuff has arrived at Country Road lately, but fear not, because I’ve been browsing their online catalogue and it’s looking good. Sexual. Check out some of the stuff that should be arriving here soon (I’m guessing)

Black Cropped Peacoat R1,099.00 MOW181W136
Mid Charcoal Collared Cardigan R899.00 MKN397U082
Safari Dust Marle Henley R349.00 MTS818C290
Raw Denim Coated Jean R599.00 MPA394I028
Chocolate Belstone Lace Up Boot R1,299.00 MOE00395

Grey Marle V-Neck Cardigan R699.00 MKN390H612
Safari Dust Marle Henley R349.00 MTS818C290
Greystone Window Pane Check Scarf R299.00 MSC00153
Vintage Denim Vintage Wash Jean R499.00 MPA482I036
Deep Ginger Leather Stud & Eyelet Belt R299.00 MBE00275
Chocolate Belstone Lace Up Boot R1,299.00 MOE00395

Grey Marle Urban Cotton Knit R449.00 MKN393H612
Vintage White Scoop Self Stripe Tee R249.00 MTS819C417
Black Carbon Union Houndstooth Pant R699.00 MPA477AA21
Chocolate Northwood Oxford Toe-Cap R999.00 MOE00392

Dark Indigo Shawl Neck Cardigan R799.00 MKN396N123
French Navy Scoop Self Stripe Tee R249.00 MTS819C417
Washed Charcoal Slim Leg Utility Pant R649.00 MPA481C401
Chocolate Belstone Lace Up Boot R1,299.00 MOE00395

How awesome will you look wearing that stuff?  And the best thing is, it’s not even expensive. If there were to be a clothing line to sum up my lifestyle, Country Road would have to be it. It’s laid back, easy going clothing that you can wear anywhere and anytime and you are going to look good. Or God like.

I’m particularly excited about the cardigans, leather boots and raw denim coated jeans. And if you drop the ‘o’, it’s Country Rad.

Check out the Country Road stand alone store at the V&A Waterfront and also check out the Country Road range at Woolworths stores.

Click here for the Country Road website.

I think I read this in GQ possibly, but I can’t quite remember anymore. But it’s simple, when using a hair product such as wax or paste, you are going for a natural look and so you want the product to shape your style, but you don’t want the product to dominate. So, you simply rub the wax/paste into your hands and run it through your hair from the back, so the front has the least amount of product and looks the most natural. In this way you also have less chance of the front style collapsing (The front is generally, in guys, spiked up)

Now I’ll be honest, I have been referred to as a “Hair Whore” which is only natural, considering the outrageous number of hair products that I own.

Some of the collection…OMG

Products I highly recommend are:

VO5 Extreme Style Matt Clay

Paul Mitchell Dry Wax

American Crew Fiber

My whole thing at the moment, is to combine three products, awesome!

By the way, DO NOT use a product called ‘Dominate: Toffee’ from Clicks(Pictured above). I thought it was going to be like Fudge Hair Shaper but it’s not. Once it’s on your hands it turns into glue which is cool, but then it flakes in your hair and makes it look like snow is falling down…from your head. NOT what chicks dig.

Because my hair tends to be fine and flat, I dry my hair after showering (Don’t bother washing your hair too often) and then apply a small amount of VO5 Matt Clay to give it some texture. I apply it from the back, then just pull my hair back and forth so the product gets right in! Then after that I use a small amount of Paul Mitchell Dry Wax which gives your hair an awesome lived in look and I mess my hair up, pulling it back and forth again.

Finally, to make sure it doesn’t collapse, I finish it off with Tresemme Hair Spray. Even your chick doesn’t have this many hair products! But when getting stuck into a serious hair product addiction, the tendency is to push the limits as far as you can. Plus, let’s be honest, when your hair looks awesome, you feel awesome.

And I pay for awesome with a massive collection of waxes, sprays, pastes and God knows what else.

YEAH!

I just received a message alerting me to the G-Star sale in Cape Town at those select stores! Look, even at half price it might be expensive (Plebb) but G-Star is awesome and that is a fact. I kick it in G-Star’s:

G-Star’s, Chuck’s…aint no thang!

Read up on that post over HERE.

Sale starts today, get some proper denim in your life!

One of the things I’ve never quite understood is people who buy cheap sunglasses from the side of the road, or ‘fashion’ sunglasses. Firstly, these trendy, cheap and plastic sunglasses create massive amounts of waste each season, as people basically just throw them out because ‘they were only R80′ Then there is the small matter of having these sunglasses imported from China which is quite far away. On top of this their lenses are of poor quality, which can lead to some serious damage of your eyes.

Good quality sunglasses will essentially last forever (Obviously barring scratches etc) and should not be seen as expensive, but they should be seen as an investment. I’m a fan of classic styles that never date. In clothing it’s my white v-neck t-shirts, All Star’s, G-Star raw denims, cardigans and anything casual that never dates or goes out of style. It’s eternally cool.

For sunglasses, I’m a huge fan of Ray Ban, because they have so many classic styles. Young people tend to go for Oakleys, in their crazy designs, but I’m a fan of the classic and timeless Aviators and Wayfarers. If you bought them 30 years ago, they were awesome, they’re awesome today and they will be awesome forever. And the Ray Ban G-15 lens is a classic, because what they do is emphasizes the colours that our eyes see most easily, and de-emphasize the less useful colours which the eyes can’t as easily see. So green and yellow are highlighted, while red and blue aren’t so much.

It’s very easy to justify spending R2000 on a pair of sunglasses when they are going to last a lifetime. Even if they only lasted 5 years (Let’s say you lose them after a bit of time), it would only cost R400 a year for proper eye protection.

If your lenses have poor UV protection, the darkness of the lens means your pupils dilate, letting more light in. Without UV protection, inferior quality sunglasses do major amounts of damage to your eyes. Cheaper sunglasses may also only block certain UV rays. Furthermore, the UV protection may be a light coating on the lenses, and if they get scratched, you’ll get a UV leak which will damage your eyes.

I’ve only ever worn two brands of eyewear because of their superior lens quality, and that is Oakley and Ray Ban. I use Ray Bans for my casual style, and I’ll use Oakley for sport because they are simply the best sport performance sunglasses available. Let’s take a look at what I’d choose from the Ray Ban catalogue for casual wear:

Ray Ban Aviators

Brad Pitt KILLING a pair of Ray Ban Aviators! This is how you wear them…with a kick ass pilot attitude

One of the many reasons you’ll buy these is going to be due to Top Gun! I mean, who didn’t want to put on a pair of Ray Ban Aviators, walk up to a chick and tell her that you’re a ‘naval aviator’? I tried this once at Tin Roof but at the last minute got a bit excited and said I have a torpedo that needs a cave to explode in…mmmm…not ideal. Needless to say I didn’t come right that night! Well actually I did, I think drinking the ice cream dip at the Steers that used to be oppossite Tin Roof, while NONE of the staff noticed me, classifies as ‘coming right’

That was around the time I passed out on the bar counter at Conti’s while sharing a fish bowl with my mate Jools. He didn’t wake me up, but just kept drinking my share! Ahhhh…good times. My spent youth!

Anyway, legends have worn Aviators, and Ray Ban sunglasses continue to be worn by film stars and those with an innate knowledge of what it means to really be stylish. It’s not about following seasonal trends, but about wearing timeless and classic pieces of fashion.

Megan Fox, looking GREAT in a pair of Ray Ban Aviators

There are also other styles from Ray Ban, offering a more squared Aviator style which are very, very cool.

Ray Ban Wayfarers

Another classic used by film stars, the Ray Ban Wayfarers go against all normal design!

Robert Pattinson wearing Ray Ban Wayfarers

They stick out and don’t wrap around your face, but somehow the package just comes together so well. You’ve seen Jack Nicholson wearing them, and he’s a cool guy. More importantly, he still pulls the hotties! Even while drinking beer and eating hot dogs on a boat with his stomach out. There is a whole article on Wayfarers over HERE on Wikipedia and it’s interesting to follow their rise and fall in popularity. But the people with real style have been wearing them all along. As their popularity has surged again recently, they have released some awesome new editions, like the Ray Ban Rare Prints:

But to be honest, you can’t go wrong with Ray Ban Wayfarers in any style. They are all good!

Oakley Radar, M-Frames and Jawbone

For sports sunglasses, and ones that you are going to use when sweating like a beast, Oakley simply offer the best sunglasses on the planet. Whether you go for The Oakley Radar, or the M Frames, or the Jawbone, you can’t go wrong. They stick to your face thanks to a unique rubber that gets stickier when you sweat. I’m a fan of the M-Frames as they have an insanely comfortable fit, although most stores are now stocking the Oakley Radar. But you can still ask them to place an order for some M-Frames.

Cedric Gracia in Oakley Radar

Lance Armstrong HURTING the competition and a pair of M-Frames (Actually, possibly Pro M-Frames)

And buying expensive sunglasses doesn’t guarantee great UV protection. Sometimes sunglasses from designers don’t have the best lenses, and you need to stick with the core sunglass brands who sell great designs with top of the range UV protection. Check this out from Wikipedia:

In addition, high prices cannot guarantee sufficient protection as no correlation between high prices and increased UV protection has been demonstrated. A 1995 study reported that “Expensive brands and polarizing sunglasses do not guarantee optimal UVA protection.” The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has also reported that “consumers cannot rely on price as an indicator of quality”. One survey even found that a $6.95 pair of generic glasses offered slightly better protection than did expensive Salvatore Ferragamo shades.

So PLEASE don’t buy those cheap shades! Get some proper eye protection that will last a lifetime, and will also ensure that your eyes last a lifetime.

It’s more of an investment than anything else really, and you’ll look really good.

I mean…real good…

Everybody…come and see how good I look!

These are the ones…sickie woo!

Just a quick one, I was scouting the Waterfront yesterday (Burberry — Simply TO DIE FOR!) and came across a pair of Ray Ban Aviators at 20% off. They are around R1600 normally I believe, so at 20% off they’re rolling in at around R1300 give or take a few rand. Not bad! They have a black frame and the sought after G-15 lenses, and I found them at the sunglasses store (In the aisle) just outside of Exclusive Books. So if you were looking for Aviators, that’s a pretty sweet deal. I’m not looking for the black frame, looking for the silver frame, with G-15 lenses with no mirror finish on them.

SICK! I’ll be a real cop then.

So my Gucci has run out, so has my Armani Code and both of my Hugo Boss fragrances which left me, last week, at nothing. Now if there is one thing that I battle to live without, it is a finely crafted fragrance. While I’ve bought my fair share of ‘commercial’ fragrances, I always like to try out something that no one else is using. Hugo Boss would classify as commercial in my books, while something more exclusive would maybe be Tom Ford, or just any fragrance that is not overly used by people. People my age tend to see something in a magazine, and they just buy it. I really take my time with fragrances, testing them on my skin, two per day because fragrances develop differently on different people and you don’t want to confuse your nose, which is already confused by that cheap coke you’re using!

I’m quite a fan of unisex fragrances as I believe blurring the line between male and female is something quite awesome. It’s so sexy!

My theory on wearing a unisex fragrance, or even a milder female fragrance, is that it touches something in a woman’s brain that gives you an advantage. On a subconscious level, it puts woman at ease because they feel like they are around another woman and are more comfortable, rather than being surrounded by a Joburg ‘oke’ who’s been pumping iron China and spraying on Axe…or the new Ed Hardy fragrance. But I really think it’s true, that the fragrance you wear has a major effect on how people perceive you. Wearing something overpowering is never great especially if it’s a cheap store bought deodorant. I mean come now, that is not on!

In your life you’ll meet people and they will wear a certain fragrance, and you will come to associate that fragrance with them. That fragrance might bring back images and emotions of love, fun, carelessness, holidays and the like. There are a few womens fragrances, that no matter who wears them, they only remind me of one person who I originally associated that scent with. The power of fragrance, really is more powerful than you think which is why you’ll come to associate certain fragrances with certain people. Which is why you really should take your time to choose a scent that works well with you, not against you. A scent should develop with you and accentuate you. It should never overpower, it needs to work with you.

I’ve worn ck one and I’m a fan of that, and now I’m onto D&G 10. As Tom Ford says, 30% of people who wear Tom Ford Black Orchid are male, and it’s a female fragrance. Our perceptions on fragrances are based on past experience and essentially on society saying “This is male and this is female” Luckily the market is opening up and guys are more open to interpretation and willing to challenge their perceptions of what fragrances should and shouldn’t be. Obviously as a guy you don’t want to be wearing a rose garden, but you also don’t particularly need to be smelling like the Marlboro man.

D&G 10 is so phenomenal that I wonder what the ladies of the Mayan culture would have thought of it all those thousands of years ago? I tell you one thing, they’d erect temples in its honour! They’d probably build a life size statue of anyone who wore it. They’d make a bronze statue of my piece, no doubt. But would they have enough bronze? Did they have bronze? Can you have bronze?

I am a little worried, I won’t lie, in wearing this fragrance. It almost seems illegal to bottle romance, teenage desire, sex, money, a Robbie Williams concert, Tom Jones and then sell it to anyone with a couple hundred bucks. I mean the chicks are going to absolutely lose their minds when I wear this at Karma this Sunday. Wearing this is like clubbing baby seals, or importing slaves to start your own GAP label, it’s just too easy.

My parents certainly would not approve of me wearing this, because in their day they had to use natural charm, go on dinner dates, meet parents and only then would they even get a hint of a kiss. Well by simply spraying on some D&G 10, you go from book nerd to full blown porn star in like 10 minutes. No jokes! I honestly nearly handed myself over to the police when I bought this because I felt quite naughty. It’s a weird feeling, scoring with the opposite sex when you know you did nothing to deserve it, let’s be honest. Not that I’d complain, but I do still feel guilty.

It’s funny that after choosing this fragrance, I checked it out on the official website and…ha ha ha! It says this particular fragrance is for ‘The Player’ This is the exact description:

Inspiration

Personality: The Player

Adventurous and creative — the epitome of surprise — La Roue de la Fortune is governed by the roll of the dice. Its wearers are intrepid, experimental, players of life’s game.

Notes

A lavish tuberose, gardenia, and jasmine heart set aloft a benzoin and patchouli base. The heart of this fragrance is as feminine as it is opulent: a lush expanse of blooms that inspire only awe. The womanliness of this core brilliantly juxtaposes with the virile wood at its roots.

Well I have never! Don’t call me that, you make me feel naw-teeeee! I wouldn’t classify myself as a player, I can love as well.

I love lamp.

I love me.

I love PS3. But I’m not this shallow. I’m really not. I’ll talk to you, if you’re a 10.

OHMYGOD. Were you at Karma on Sunday night? I certainly do remember a line to wait in the line. I also recall arriving very late, after the close of the guest list (After sweating my left tit off at Goldfish at La Med), and simply having Mark breeze us in, no queues, no worries! Crisis it was mad in there, hot as hell but purely sexual. I’ve never has such a Sunday night. I do remember arriving with the American and more of the crew (Bev making an appearance, nice) and just doing some nice Zohan ‘disco disco’ grind on anything not bolted to the ground. God, I really need to behave.

Rather, my crotch needs to behave. It’s like one of those things you put salt and pepper into — it WANTS to grind. You.

But yeah, choose your fragrances carefully, and check these ones out, I also like them:

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

Dolce & Gabbana The One

ck one summer

Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

Gucci Pour Homme II

But try out everything, and see what works with you. It makes life so much easier when people fall in love with you just because what you’re wearing, no personality needed!

But I can’t love just one, I have to generate huge amounts of love to love all of you.

XOXO

Click here for the D&G fragrances website.

Look, NOT to make a big deal over my trend spotting abilities, but I did write this post just on 2 years ago (11 January 2008), and have you seen Cape Town this summer? Wayfarer madness!

I’m still not wearing a pair because they don’t quite suit me. You’ve got to know when not to follow a trend and when you look like a tool. Mind you the white Wayfarers look quite hot. I’m sporting Ray Bans, but more of a wrap around pair which are quite cool (Crisis, how did I ever buy Oakley Monster Dogs? The frame at the bottom gets in the way and you can hardly see a thing! Not ideal) For the stalkers out there the model number is RB 3321. Put them in and around your mouth.

For that original post, click HERE.

Robert Pattinson wears them.

So did Bob Dylan. Kate Moss rocks them.

Oh and there is ABSOLUTELY no connection between this post, Wayfarers and the poster I have of Edward.

Wow Sean look at that muscular leg. PROTEIN! HGH! MUSCLE MILK!

Absolutely no connection whatsoever.

And no, that’s not me in the photo.

POW!!

Something that never goes out of style is a pair of boots teamed with jeans, and I’ve been rocking a pair of Caterpillars for many years now. Boots are awesome for winter because while everyone else avoids puddles, grass and anything else, I just trek through all of these hazards, because that’s what leather boots are for. But by far the coolest looking boot at the moment is the Timberland Earthkeepers boot. The sole on my Caterpillar boots is quite thick and they actually are not quite ideal for walking in. They’re not uncomfortable, but they could be better.

The Timberland Earthkeepers are made to be walked in, with a much thinner, more flexible sole than Caterpillars, as well as softer leather. Everything about the boot is awesome! While probably more of a winter item, boots can be worn with jeans anytime of the year and you can’t possibly go wrong with the Earhtkeepers. Another great thing is that they are part of Timberlands new practices, that focus on the environment by using recycled materials and trying to reduce their environmental footprint where possible. Let’s check what they have to say about them:

Timberland Earthkeepers

Description:

Our Earthkeepers range features tough, rugged footwear made with the environment in mind. Thanks to moisture-wicking linings made from recycled materials, organic cotton content, rugged outsoles made with Green Rubber material and the all-day softness of leather from a silver-rated tannery, they’re durable, lightweight and always a talking point. This is laid-back comfort – with a conscience. Imported.

Features

• Premium burnished full-grain leather uppers combined with lightweight textured goatskin leather from a Silver Rated Tannery

• Moisture-wicking textile linings made from 100% recycled PET

• Footbed is lined with leather from a Silver Rated Tannery

• 42% recycled Green Rubber outsole

• 100% organic cotton laces

• Smart Comfort Biorhythmic system is made on a contoured last for better comfort and no break-in period. It has a 5mm memory foam top layer for instant comfort on a dual-density EVA Smart Comfort insole. The insole includes innovative biorhythmic air channels to push air through a series of interconnected chambers to provide cushioning and deliver additional support where and when it’s needed most. Finally, the insole is leather lined for comfort and durability.
• Waterproof

Yeah, the waterproofing is a bonus! And Timberland have legendary status for the waterproofing on their boots. You would have seen a boot in a tank of water at their Cavendish store some time ago.

Timberland Earhtkeepers boots are available for R2000 at all Timberland stores (Try Cavendish and the V&A Waterfront) Try them on…one of the better boots around!

One of the cool looks for this summer is a classic really and not exactly something new. It is however awesome, and is basically the stuff that my folks used to wear! Boat shoes and check shirts will never go out of style, but I’ve seen check shirts make quite a big impression this summer as they’re so versatile. You can wear them during the day with shorts, either with or without a t-shirt underneath, and you can go out at night in them and look equally as smart. It’s best to go for the long sleeve check shirt, and roll the sleeves up — sorted. And Mark Wahlberg wore a check shirt in Shooter, a good testament to the durability and radness that the shirt holds.

The same goes for boat shoes, you can wear them with shorts during the day and with jeans at night, and you’re going to look smart. You can find mens boat shoes at many outlets including Markhams and ZOOM, but if you’re really looking for boat shoes, then you’re going to need to buy them at Timberland, Country Road or at a place like Yacht Squadron at the V&A Waterfront, because it’s there that you’ll find the real boating shoes, Sebago Docksides baby! I’ve only ever known Docksides as my dad has worn them ever since I was a little girl. That’s a long time ago!

Sebago Docksides — My one…my only…my love!

There are the classic Docksides in one colour, or the Spinnakers that come in two and three tone colours. You really can’t go wrong with the Spinnakers. The great thing is that they are all leather and are designed to be worn without socks, moulding to your feet and having no odour problems. The more you use and abuse them, the better they get. Scuffs add character and time forms them to your feet, making these a real treat. They haven’t gone out of style ever, but only a few people really know them. Some of the plebbs will mention that theirs were only R300 and look exactly the same as Docksides. Docksides are not only about price (They’re around R1300), they are about a history and a heritage. Have your brand of shoes ever been through a round the world yacht race? Have they ever been out on deck when the world is about to break on them? Have they been with their owners when their lives are at risk out on the open ocean? Probably not. And whilst this may not really matter, it actually really does. You’re buying a piece of legend in the form of Docksides. You’re paying homage to some of the toughest people on the planet. You might not be into boating yourself, but you’re respecting those who are into boating. You’ll EASILY be able to walk into Royal Cape Yacht Club in a pair of Docksides, without feeling like you’ve cheated!

I’m just saying…

Anyways, take a look at Docksides, I know I have been scoping the styles out this past weekend. Timberland also make a good shoe, but despite what I said back there, if you really do want a pair of cheaper ones, ZOOM and Markhams are stocking them.

For check shirts, obviously the likes of Diesel will be stocking, but for a more down to earth price, check out Country Road at Woolworths (There is also a stand alone store at the V&A Waterfront, but the men’s section is really small — On that note if you’re looking for a great pair of basic, indigo jeans, Country Road have them for R549. Perfect for pairing with a suit jacket for work or any smarter occasion. Everyone should own a pair of non faded blue denims, they go with everything.), Esprit at the V&A Waterfront and Cavendish (Looking at about R500), as well as Woolworths and Markhams (Looking at around R250/R300) Let’s pull this look together quick, with a quick look at this from Country Road…

Classic

So I think you can’t go too wrong with boat shoes and check shirts this summer. For basic white t-shirts (V-Neck included — perfect for wearing under a check shirt) Woolworths are selling them for R50. I don’t know about the fit, especially the length on bigger sizes, but for the small shirts they fit great and are the perfect length.

Great, now we’re one step closer to owning summer!