{Beautiful Thing No. 1}

Last year was a bit slow; this whole economic recession really got the best of a lot of designers, and to a lot of consumers. We spent less, because in reality we were forced to exercise a certain amount of caution as well as to reassess our level as well as reasons for expenditure on lifestyle products.  I have always been one person to mix & match, and I really buy when necessary. I have always tried to explain the concept to my friend, who contrary to popular belief, think I shop every day. That is not true! I know how to put my clothes together, new and old. So this year’s first beautiful thing that I think every woman should own is the latest edition of InStyle’s bestselling classic style book, “The New Secrets of Style; The complete guide to dressing your best everyday”. This book gives you much needed tips on how to put together anything and everything in your closet in lots of different ways. It will save you lots of money on buying “new trends” because you can create looks with everything you have in your wardrobe.  It shows you how to make anything work for your body shape, your style, and your personality. This is a must buy!

{ The new bestselling book by InStyle Magazine }

{Beautiful Thing No. 2}

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.  And so are gemstones. The beautiful thing about Gems is that anyone can afford them because of their diverse range. You don’t always need to have on precious or rare gems, but you can rock semi precious gems and look stunning in them.  The idea here is COLOR & Size. Try one of this seasons over-sized cocktail Gemstone Rings to compliment your outfit. Some of them are fairly expensive if you go for high end designers such as Chanel, Bulgari or Kara Ross.  Some designer jewelry is also in accessible if you live in South Africa, so you can shop around. And a cheaper alternative, is shop for the best you can find in your local department stores.  One thing I can suggest is that if you find a matching necklace or earrings then buy them too. The two will look good together.

{ One of this season's notable Jewelry designers, Hassan Bounkit }

{Beautiful Thing No. 3}

Patterns Patterns Patterns. The more the merrier. Fabric collections are getting a lot more in demand. Adding a bit of patterned color to your wardrobe is a must this year. Floral or patterned skirts, tops and dresses are in for a while. The trick is not to overdo. Dress Fabrics that are too colorful can be overwhelming to the person standing in front of you. Fabric type is very important. Sheer fabrics like chiffon should have a lot of cream, white or black as an undertone. The theme is VIBRANT! Color is good for mood, so go for colors that inspire and are attractive.

{ This is a favorite picks of the season }

{Beautiful Thing No. 4}

Remember the brooches your mum or grandmother used to wear? Remember how it makes you feel every time you see something that resembles them? The older you get, such things actually hold some sentimental value. Vintage clothing and jewelry are now my best friend. Whenever I see something that innately reminds me of growing up, I buy it. Today, vintage jewelry is called Estate Jewelry. One of the things that I love about brooches in particular, and why I have been wearing them for 5 years now, is that you can do so much with them. They can be worn as buckles on fabric belts; it can sit in the V of any v-live cocktail dress and can perk up an old jacket. You do not have to go out of your way looking for a vintage brooch; you can simply wear the ‘style’.  I will not stop wearing vintage-style brooches; I’ve come to the conclusion that they are one of the things that never go out of style.

{ An Edwardian Style beauty }

{Beautiful Thing No. 5}

Off the Fashion tip for a moment.  For a few years, actually most of my life, I have been so in love with wallpapers. I have always loved textured walls; I felt they offered some sort of dimension to homes. I don’t believe the whole house or space should be wallpapered, but having some walls with patterns and color does transform your space into something more elegant and refined. I have been designing wallpapers for a year now mainly because of my fascination with patterns, and this year will be launching my official Fabric and Paper Collections. There are other designers however who I admire and love, as well as manufacturers that have existed for years. Cole & Son is one of the Wallpaper designer & manufacturers that inspired me to say “It’s time”.   This year, walls will be looking absolutely pretty!

{ Wallpapers make any room a lot cozier }

{Beautiful Thing No. 6}

Why does anyone need to buy wallpaper? Because you need to have a sacred work space. That’s what I call it. Everyone needs a place that inspires them here nobody else is allowed to touch or move anything. This can come in the form of a think tank or a home office. A place that makes you want to reach for the stars. This is the room that has all the sketches you have been drawing to create the next best designer collection, where you can put up paintings that remind you of something you wanted to do when you were younger. The space doesn’t need to be any bigger than 40sqm. Just needs to be cozy, comfortable and elegant.

{ There are many vibrant ways you can create your space }

{Beautiful Thing No. 7}

Kitchen Diva! I know so many people who want to learn how to cook. This is really the year to do it, and learn how to entertain small groups of people for intimate dinners, lunches or even tea. Have a small ladies tea party at home, with cupcakes that you have made yourself.  A little more of Nigella, Barefoot Contessa or Gordon Ramsay this year is a must. One person that I really know I have to meet and would love to spend time with this year is internationally renowned Indian food specialist Alexis Kriel. If you live in Johannesburg, you can take a course that will favor you with friends and family. My plan is to take the course this year and also to travel to India. For more info go to http://www.alexiskriel.co.za. In the meantime, learn how to make creative cupcakes and call your friends over for some tea.

{ Be a domestic diva every now & then }

{Beautiful Thing No. 8}

Traveling is the operative word, but Boutique Hotel is the word I’m going for. If you are thinking of traveling any time soon, try staying at a boutique hotel. They are becoming more fashionable, and they cater for people who love serene, cozy and extremely elegant settings. Firstly, there’s just a sense of serenity or even exclusivity that comes from spending a  night or two in a boutique hotel, and also a lot of inspiration. Color, and serenity can do a lot for one’s soul, and I think this is the year to explore luxury, just for the sake of soothing your soul and bringing back your dreams.  You can always save just to spend one magic night at a boutique hotel in your area. Its something you can write down at the end of this year in your journal as an achievement.

{ Enjoy a Luxury getaway }

{Beautiful Thing No. 9}

French Mirrors and Décor…for the past few years we have been seeing a more minimalist, Zen like décor and interiors. In many ways I also think we needed that feeling of space and de-clutter because we have been consuming way too much.  French Décor in particular is very welcoming and mature, but yet new waves of designers are creating more cutting edge type of style that is very glamorous and modish. Color is also a very huge contributing factor; therefore we will be seeing more pastel colors emerging in interior trends this year, mixed with chunks of bold to give a balanced contemporary French-Zen feel.

{ Enjoy a soft and feminine touch to your decor }

{Beautiful Thing No. 10}

The last and most amazing find for me yet, is nothing new. It’s actually something that every woman should own. A beautiful jewelry Box. Since this year we have decided we are going to invest a bit more in Jewelry, then why not buy the Box that keeps all that jewelry safe? Here are so many amazing styles, but for me, my favorite is still the standing box, with 4 little legs. It’s an antique French style box, and looks perfect for the next however many years because it has never gone out of fashion.

{ 19th Century Style 4-legged standing jewelry box }

I hope you are looking to much more more! This year has way too much to offer.

With Love,

Lepang

This year, we give you the very best of the lifestyle industry. I wish you all the glamour, passion and grace that life can afford you in 2010. Stay tuned this week for {10 Beautiful things for 2010}…

With Love

Lepang

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One of my Random Beautiful Things, a really beautiful and bold symbol.  This beautiful Candlestick is by Cape Town founded designers, Yolo Design. This beaded gunmetal object is authentic and remarkably locale.

http://www.yolodesign.co.za

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