Fashion

Hello Man Giveaway! King & Queen tshirt set by SimplyPrintedbyAneen [ CLOSED ]

It's giveaway number 6 of 8 in our celebration of Hello Man's launch. Dang

At the end of this giveaway, we'll be giving someone a King & Queen tshirt set by SimplyPrintedbyAneen. A tshirt for you, a tshirt for your queen.

Or keep them both for yourself - you're the boss of you and we don't judge.

To enter, we'll need you on our Facebook page:
1) Like the Facebook post below. For an extra entry, comment and tag the king / queen you'd share your prize with
2) Like Hello Man on Facebook.
3) Follow @hellomansa on Instagram
4) Have a look through SimplyPrintedbyAneen's Hello Pretty store too, so you can see her things for the ladies.

You can also find SimplyPrintedbyAneen on her Facebook page.

Some stuff to know:
1) This giveaway is open to South Africans.
2) Entries close at 11pm on Tuesday 22nd of May.
3) Standard competition Ts and Cs apply.
4) Winner will be notified by Facebook.

Falke Autumn/Winter Inspiration

It may have been one of the hottest days in Cape Town for the launch of the FALKE Autumn/Winter 2018 collection, but we were too occupied by the thought of blankets, rain, hot chocolate and tweed, yes lots of tweed, to even notice.

I have always known the FALKE brand and one year I was lucky enough to get a hand-me-down pair of FALKE sports socks from my brother who was the sportsman in the family - you know, the ones that are conveniently labelled with an L and R to tell you which foot to put them on. I think I cherished those socks for years and made myself believe that I too was an up and coming sportsperson like my brother was – I wasn’t, believe me!

But it was that something special about those socks that makes me remember them still to this day. They are not just socks, they are a labour of love. Every stitch counts and every product is engineered with heart. This is the ethos that the Falke, German knitting family brought with them to South Africa and that has remained within their company for 123 years.

The AW18 women’s outdoor collection was my personal favourite. Inspired by the countryside and colours of autumn afternoons, the colours and textures of these socks transformed me to cold winter days lounging around at home with hot chocolate in hand and a good movie on. I can’t wait to pair the FALKE sneaker socks with my classic brogues and trouser duo this autumn.

The menswear range of socks draws the inspiration from the elegance and minimalism of the 1920’s. This era was not called the Roaring 20’s for nothing. Think Louis Armstrong, the foxtrot and Gatsby. It’s the classic patterns and fabrics used by FALKE that take you back in time to an era of bowties and pocket squares.

With that said, bring on Autumn and all the socks and tights that FALKE has to offer. You can browse the collection and shop online to get yourself ready for those cold Autumn days.

Below are some ideas of things you could team up with your FALKES this Autumn/Winter.

1. Zahra by Dear Makena Apparel
2. Flaming Orange by Village Secrets Shoes
3. Rose Embroidered Scarf by HS Collection SA
4. Stack Rings by VEERS Handmade Jewellery
5. Red Pocket Square by All Things ShweShwe
6. Boa Tie by Bamboau
7. The African Brogues by Rumoh Luxury Store
8. Wooden Cufflinks by House of Kallie

Falke's sexy new tights and other pretty things which you absolutely must have.

Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to attend a Falke launch at the Peter Falke Wine Estate for their new range, which now includes some mighty fine tights. You can buy them directly from their online shop too - https://shop.falke.co.za.

Yes, that Falke - the company who makes the awesome socks that everyone who's ever done even a spot of sport has a pair of, because they are awesome.

My favourites in the new range are the stay-ups that to me channel the 1930s / 1940s. They come in black and beige. While Falke's version is a stay-up with a pretty sexy lace detailing, stockings at that time came up just above the knee and were held up with utility garters (it was considered taboo at the time to be baring any leg - what a waste!).

The stitch print at the back of Falke's tights actually has a bit of history to it: fabrics in the 30s to 40s era were obviously not as fancy and magical as they are today. The "tubes" we now have to put our legs into weren't a thing except for in rare and expensive knitted versions, and stockings were mostly seamed and stitched up the back.

A little bit of tangentially related trivia about America's Great Depression. There was no shortage of things to be bleak about at the time. According to this historical account, women were asked to give up their stockings as donations because the materials that they were made from (nylon and silk) were needed to make parachutes for use in the war. As a result, women panicked and stockpiled. Obviously.

And so the law stepped in to regulate pricing and availability. So, if you laid a hole into your stockings, you did not throw them out: you mended them. Fortunately today we can own many pairs in many styles and colours! But anyway, you should have a read through Vintage Dancer's awesome blog post with more interesting information and some pretty great photos. Here are a couple that I've found on the internet in general, just to give you an idea:

Anyway! Back to Falke. We adore their new range (and how cute is that detail at the ankle!). They have many gorgeous things in this range - both tights and socks, so be sure to have a look on their website.

Below are some ideas of things you could team up with your Falkes (regular tights stay-ups, the lace-detailed socks, and their staple fashion socks). Enjoy!

01. Shangri-La Bra by WaeWest
02. Mooii Winter Babydoll Dress by Mooi Mooii
03. Mooii Highwaisted Shorts by Mooi Mooii
04. Lace Lingerie Bodysuit by Gabrielle Swimwear

05. Dreamer Dress by Mieke Ola
06. Leaf-Pearl Bracelet by VEERS Handmade Jewellery
07. Pearl Ring by Shani D Jewellery Design
08. Whipped Cream by Mieks Knickers
09. Ray Earrings by Edel Designer Jewellery

10. Blackcurrent Macaroons by LanziLove
11. Heart Print Flare Skirt by ASW Designs
12. Lady Red Dress by Toni Khumalo
13. Black and Gold Statement Necklace by Saiyaara Creations

Dress your Love Story

A few posts back I introduced a new blog series that we're doing focused around fashion / decor & frangrance pairing. For this week's post I'm going to build a few outfit possibilities that match a beautiful new Chloe perfume called Love Story.

If you're familiar with the brand you'll probably have noticed that Chloe fragrances are unique and quite identifiable. I'm no expert at articulately describing fragrance notes, so I will just say that this is floral and light. It has that classic Chloe thing going on, but it's a youthful, whimsical, girl-next-door take. And can I describe a fragrance as romantic? I'd say this one is. The packaging is really pretty too. I'm not a "Save the box!" kind of girl, but I saved the box (it's stashed in my cupboard next to my iPhone box, which I also couldn't bear to part with).

We have no shortage of feminine, floral, whimsical things on Hello Pretty, all made by South African hands. It's kind of our thing ? Here are some that will complement your Love Story.

First up, House of Kallie's Rose Gold & Morganite Solitaire Ring. BE STILL MY HEART.

This magnificent thing is new on the site. I mean though... a pink gemstone in rose gold? What could go better with something called "Love Story"?

And some more of the plenty I mentioned earlier:

1. Mandarin Collar Blouse from Every Mooi Nooi
2. Sterling Silver Stacking Rings from The Daisychain
3. Small Protea Leaf Earrings from Reverie Designs
4. Sterling Silver Wire Ring from The Daisychain
5. Sterling Silver Kitty Playing with Wool Pendant from Jessica Jane Jewellery
6. Afternoon Light Necklace from A Bird Named Frank

1. The Sam Wrap Dress from Samsama Designs
2. Coeur de Rose Peep Toes from LanziLove
3. FRUITSALAD Pineapple Earrings from Miss H Jewellery Design
4. XOXO Bracelet from Jewellery by Jessica
5. Black Diamond and Rose Gold Ring from Chongo & Wells
6. Misu Dress from Cinnamon
7. Peach Blush Flat Pumps from LanziLove

This pretty little flower crown in the photo below is the Pastel Dream, from Sunkissked Handmade. She has loads of them ande they're all pretty. There is also a bunny-ears option, and a unicorn option.

Dress up your Signorina

Last week Jen (who handles some of our marketing) and I had the privilege of attending the launch of Salvatore Ferragamo's latest fragrances. It was a magnificent event, organised by VelvetLuxe and hosted at the Steenberg Wine Estate. Thank you Rose and Mbali for having us as guests to your event.

Anyone who appreciates some of the finer things in life will most likely have crossed paths with an Italian-made fragrance or two. The great nation of Italy has produced some of the most beautiful fragrances you can get. Ferragamo has now launched three versions of Signorina, their brand new piece of olfactory art. At the same time he's also launched Uomo for the fellas.

I'm going to tell you a teeny bit about each one, and show you what South African beauties you'll wear it with. Each fragrance was launched with a mini movie and I'll link to those too. They're beautifully done and you should definitely watch them.

Signorina - the original version

I found this to be a light and very unique fragrance. It's really gentle and feminine, and was my personal favourite of the three. The original fragrance's colour palette is a soft pink.

A sassy and chic fragrance celebrating cheeky young ladies with a hint of irony and Italian glamour.

Pictured:

Signorina Eleganza

Are you a seductress? Because then this one's for you. Eleganza is the "gold" fragrance in the range.

A rich and velvety olfactive creation that celebrates feminine grace and seduction.

Pictured:

Watch the movie

Signorina Misteriosa

DRAMA! Misteriosa's colour palette is black, which suits it well. It is the boldest of the three fragrances: this is what you'll want when you want to really make a statement.

A daring fragrance that frees the secrets of a young woman who dictates the rules of her life.

Pictured:

Watch the movie

Visiting the Steenberg Estate was fantastic. It's in Tokai, fairly close to Cape Town, and I couldn't more strongly recommend that you pay them a visit (after you turn off from the M5 do not make the mistake we made by heading up Ou Kaapse Weg - keep on straight). The scenery is lush, manicured and expansive. The dining area is intimate, bright and airy, with double doors opening onto a small outdoor area. You can actually even see the ocean from it. We'll for sure be returning here for a tasting and a meal.

The Last Resort

Are you guys still spinning as much from the Christmas shopping carnage as we are? Besides the obvious need to get gifts for our loved ones (and the office Secret Santa), let's all be honest with ourselves here: we all like to sneak in a little "Treat Yo'. Self" gift here and there. Because we deserve it.

We love attending pop-ups and markets, and discovering new designers and hanging out with the ones we know. Last year, Joanna Hedley, the designer & entrepreneur behind a luxury swimwear brand called BeachCult put on a designer showcase & pop-up before the Christmas season and we found loads of talent we hadn't known about.

There was art, fashion, swimwear, jewellery, accessories... a little bit of everything. It was a gorgeous curation of designers and a product range that would almost certainly make your heart skip. I really should have taken that gorgeous Kerbholz watch home with me.

Go on and check out this talent. The designers represented were: BeachCult, Granadilla, Taibo Bacar, Michael Maven, Twins for Peace, Lisp, Ross & Brown, Ayagoods, Summah, Soul Design Jewellery, Yellow Jewellery, Khukutsi, Bagmee, Iloni Jewellery, SMITH Jewellery, Gabriela Fraser, Le Short, Diva Jeans, 35 Degrees, Kerbholz Watches, Wholistic Bodycare, and MASH Boutique.

Here's some pop-up eye candy for you:

The event was hosted at 91 Loop Hotel and The Honey Badger Restaurant (which is a really cute little spot - if you're in Cape Town, pop in).

We’re All About Stripes

Stripes are very much in fashion this winter and I thought why not extend this to other products as well? Stripes are fun and what’s great is the many different colour combinations you can put together. If you’re feeling a little festive there are products with all the colours of the rainbow in their stripes too.

I love this plain black and white striped toiletry bag from the Simply House store. Even your toiletries will be in fashion this winter.

This long digital tapestry from the Left Collective store would look amazing in any bedroom or I could even see it in a dining room. I like the uneven stripes in simple black and white.

These days there are many different interpretations of stripes, they don’t just have to be the same old traditional pattern we first think of. The large striped journal from Landi Khun is filled with unique stripes, I love how they are all over the place.

How cute are these blue and white chambray shoes from Luna Moon for a little boy? Your little one will be walking in style all day long.

Why not have a little party with these pink and white striped straws from Teelee? I love the light pink and white together and they could be the starting point of a great themed party. I must say I’m getting a few ideas for my birthday coming up!

Image One: striped toiletry bag
Image Two: long digital tapestry
Image Three: large striped journal
Image Four: chambray shoes
Image Five: striped straws

Summer with Poetry.

Hello pretties! I recently attended the Poetry stores SS16 collection preview at the beautiful CAAM gallery. The collection of homeware and clothes were displayed over the three levels of the building, with each level showcasing a different look from the collection.

This collection caters to the lifestyle of the Poetry customer with the capsule consisting of work, lifestyle and evening wear. What makes this collection so great is that each garment can be crosspolinated, making it so much more versatile for all those busy summer events.

All the fabrics looked and felt so luxurious. Some of my favourite colours were seen in this collection and I am so excited about that! Tangerine and olive green stood out for me, with whites and greys dominating the evening wear range.

The shoe collection is stuning, ranging from simple summer sandals with delicate leather straps to beautiful beige espadrilles.

You are definitely in for a treat this summer with this beautiful collection. I most certainly am excited and cannot wait to see more of the range in store.