Meggings (man-leggings); the ultimate metrosexual must-have!

This has most definitely been a great year for menswear. Men have actually stepped out of their comfort zones and the masses have - and still do - accepted the fact that guys are more confidently bold with regard to their respective dress senses... South African fashion has really come a long way; people are more experimental, open-minded, and the general consensus about what's hot/what's not is gradually being dictated by the underground fashionistas that practice international fashion trend-forecasting. This is too good for the South African fashion sense, menswear in particular more especially...

While the world perceives this new trend as ridicule, Steven Tyler has been rocking these "tight" bottoms, and has been picked up by couture designers and "tastemakers" in Europe in the process. Tights aren’t just for super heroes and glam rockers anymore! Over the past few years, influential designers like Calvin Klein, Marni, Givency, John Galliano, Bernhard Willhelm, and Alexander McQueen have all sent male models down the runway in meggings. Fashionistas are already calling it a full-on trend as comedian Russell Brand, Marc Jacobs, and British GQ senior editor Jonathan Heath have been spotted in the skinniest of pants. But is this new twist on the tight pant going to sit well with every Tom, Dick, and Harry? When Marc Jacobs sent Kanye West a pair of the Louis Vuitton graffiti print leggings he’d been wearing, Kanye sported them as a scarf.  Apparently even couture courageous Kanye is afraid to rock meggings... But like I always say; everything goes with confidence, you either have it or you don't.

As a matter of fact, men have been wearing pantyhose for as long as they have been around. In the middle ages only men wore tights as women primarily wore long dresses. This was the rule through the Renaissance, and the early years of America.

Meggings have blown up in Tokyo (and have been spotted in Paris, London, and New York), with men sporting them under shorts and with boots. My question though, is when will this kick-ass trend hit local soil? International designer labels such as Diesel (below) - including other leading designer labels - have raised the bar for the menswear fashion scene, which admittingly did need a little snug in that direction.

Irrespective of all the ignorant comments the general public has to pass regarding this historic style of dress, eventually the masses will adapt as they always do. In essence, fashion is sadly dictated by what the general public depicts as "socially acceptable" and this is powered by the trend at hand becoming an everyday norm. But until that day comes, I suggest everyone do their own fair share of research, if not, brace yourself and get schooled!

Slim-fit Chronicles #1; Shirting chinos...

Slim fit shirts are generally designed to be flattering and tailored for a smart and sophisticated silhouette. Intended to boost up your style, the fitted shirt fits a variety of body types and suits up the least stylish bloke in arrogant confidence... Many people rock the fitted shirt look to show off their trim physique and confidently-bold dress-sense. Hence this particular fit is a popular favourite with trend-setting men. The slim fit shirt takes the classic fit and gives it a contemporary tailored cut. The fitted finnish is created with additional contoured panels on either side. Inspired by a well-fitted jacket, slim fit shirts look great and are comfortable to wear. Various ways of styling yourself up either include rocking the shirt with a tie or open-necked, tucking it in or letting it all hang out... The perfect Summer essential as well are the slim fit chinos... Roll these slim fit chinos up and team with a plain white tee for easy style. In this instance, a fitted shirt is ideal for the outspokenly-trendy fashion statement.

Fully understanding the maxi dress concept...

If there's any garment that universally fits the female silhouette - big or small - is the maxi dress... Whether you're short, tall, skinny or fat, you can always look fab in a maxi. The key pointer here being the ability to rock it so it specifically suits your body type. Ever heard the phrase; "it's not what you do, it's how you do it"? Well same applies to this scenario here... Women need to understand the fact that anyone can look attractive and fashionably-informed in maxi dresses simultaneously, therefore your height and weight does not matter at all. The only contributing factor that might affect your overall look though, is how you wear it and the varieties you choose from.

Most maxi dress designs have prints and patterns on them (flowers, birds, bubbles, etc. - girly stuff) for a more chilled out and casual look. Perfect for the "girl next door" feel. A general consensus every lady should keep in mind is that the maxi dress is always - and will always be - on trend... Maxi's come in a wide variety and appropriate maxi's that suit all shapes, sizes and ages, do exist.

With regard to our current season (Spring/Summer), the following pointers suggest exactly how one can chic up their look and rock this multi-seasonal garment, and still look awesome. Go for an ankle-length during the day. Most ladies tend to think of long dresses as a night look, so there’s something unexpected about wearing a bright, patterned, long frock while the sun shines... Since there's lots of fabric to work with, the suggestion here would be selecting a smaller print. The bigger and bolder ones should be rather reserved for mini skirts. If bra straps are going to show, always make sure they're pretty... Opt for a style that gives you a defined waistline, and character! Use a belt to tuck things in or add a jacket to give you a more defined silhouette. Complete the look with any flat shoes or wedges...

Hotties like Eva Longoria (above), Kirsten Dunst and Halle Berry biblically follow these steps - staying on point and executing one the most by far easiest looks to pull off. With that said ladies, there is no reason why the maxi should not supposedly be rocked, and most importantly why disastrous fashion-flops should be schooled...

Trench Coat Mafia

So let's do a little recap on Joburg's high-fashion look this past winter... The Military look had an outrageous following and somewhat quick understanding by the general public and was soon a basic form and structure of dress. Elongated overgarments, tapered bottoms and high-top shoes were staple-like, to say the least...

All of these were hot, without a doubt, but the one garment that's stood the test of time and sure made flames on the SA fashion scene this past winter, was the Trench Coat. This year has had an insane variety of trench coats available in every length, colour, style and pattern - meaning you’ll have no problem finding one that fits into your very own personal wardrobe. Despite the fact that it's become unisex-wear, it goes without saying that it is an essential in any woman’s wardrobe, and if you buy the right one it will last you for a lifetime. A trench-coat will not only get you through those gross, rainy days you'll encounter this season, but it will get you through them looking chic, cute and well-put together, which is exactly why every single woman on earth absolutely needs a trench...

Burberry Porsum's by far THE best trench-coat producer on the face of the Earth... World renowned designer Chris Bailey took - and has been taking - Burberry to new heights with the classical garment and has reinvented the look multiple times, keeping the effect and trendy-outlook of the trench coat itself... Victoria Beckham, Mary-Kate Olsen and Kim Kardashian rock Burberry Porsum's Fall/Winter 2011 trenches effortlessly... This style is unorthodox people! Just goes to show that this look is an all-rounder for any season...

Jodhpurs... The fore-front of high-fashion bottoms this season, or not?

Jodhpurs in their modern form are tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horse riding. The term is also used incorrectly as slang for a type of short riding boot, also called a paddock boot or a jodhpur boot, because they are worn with jodhpurs. Originally, jodhpurs were snug-fitting only from just below the knee to the ankle and were flared at the hip; modern stretch fabrics have allowed jodhpurs to remove the flare and yet remain supportive and flexible.

Jodhpurs are sometimes worn as fashion clothing, not only for riding. In popular culture, jodhpur-style breeches worn with tall boots became particularly associated with military staff officers who wore uniforms based on riding apparel, often derived from the cavalry tradition from which many nations historically drew their corps of top commanders. The style thus came to be associated with authority figures in general and was copied by certain Hollywood movie directors. Flared-hip breeches formed part of the military uniform of staff officers in Nazi Germany and many Soviet Bloc countries, including the former USSR and East Germany, although the motor-car had by then long replaced the officer's horse. They also were adopted as the uniform for some forces of motorcycle police. Early 20th century African big game hunters are also associated with the look, due in part to early traditions of riding on horseback in search of quarry.

With said, everyone should take this home; no other description lives up to Giorgio Armani's "The difference between fashion and style, is quality" quote... Beg to differ?

Love, Peace and Style! The nitty-gritty's of Fashion and Hippies...

"We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep on watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it. "
John Lennon

Hippie fashions and values had a major effect on culture, influencing popular music, television, film, literature, and the arts. Since the movement in the 1960s, hippie culture have been assimilated by mainstream society. The religious and cultural diversity espoused by the hippies has gained acceptance, and Eastern philosophy and spiritual concepts have reached a larger audience. The hippie legacy can be observed in contemporary culture in myriad forms—from health food, to music festivals, to contemporary sexual mores, and even to the cyberspace revolution.

Intuition explored, investigated and proven...