to tie-dye for
27 Oct 2009 Leave a Comment
in general Tags: craft, DIY, fashion, gwen stefani, tie dye
In the 90s we all wore tie-dyed t-shirts and recently I toyed with the idea of jazzing up some unworn items with the help of a few rubber bands and a bit of bleach. After all, fashion goes in cycles and with shoulder pads making a return at the moment, tie-dye is sure to follow, right?
Well I was still uhm-ing and ah-ing about tie-dying when – imagine my surprise – I spotted my favourite superstar sporting the trend. MY trend (even though at this stage it was still only in my head). Gwen Stefani looks great as usual rocking a cute little tie-dyed top (which I’m sure she didn’t do herself). Mind you, her gorgeous pink wedding dress designed by John Galliano was probably the most beautiful tie-dyed inspired creation ever. And then when I did my research I found tie-dye all over the catwalks in Paris. Subliminal messages anyone?
How to wear tie-dye in 2009
So here are some tips for wearing tie-dye and look hip and not too hippy (sorry Sienna, that ship has sailed… for now).
With tie-dying there is always the temptation to go crazy on the colours. My favourite 90s creation was a purple, orange and green skirt (which I often teamed with a yellow top with reddish dye splatters… psychedelic). Don’t fall into the trap; go for single or complementary colours only. Use bleach rather that dye and create patterns that are a lighter shade of the colour of the original garment. Similarly, if you’re tie-dying a white item of clothing, use only one colour for the dye.
Team up your tie-dye creation with clothes that aren’t boho/hippyish. Add a tie-dyed scarf to a classic white shirt/classic trousers combo, wear a tie-dyed vest top with a leather skirt or sling a tie-dyed bag over your shoulder on a night out while wearing your highest heels or shortest skirt.
Tie-dye something unexpected. A corsage brooch. Tights. A waistcoat. But don’t wear it with the rest of your tie-dye wardrobe.
Go for a fashionable colour to stand out when blending in. Monochrome works well, while hot pink is the new coral. Navy works a treat (bling it up with gold accessories) as do autumnal shades such as rich pumpkin or deep brown.
Here’s a how to guide to tie-dye if you want to follow in Gwen’s footsteps.
Incidentally, the fabulous Ms Stefani celebrated her 40th birthday earlier this month and I wrote an article for the Afrikaans website voelgoed about the lady who is described by her hubby as a “force of nature”. Happy birthday Gwen!
gwen rocks the lamb in ny
11 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in general Tags: gwen stefani, lamb, ny fashion week
Gwen Stefani, glamour goddess and all-time favourite of mine, has somehow found time to put together a full-on show for NY fashion week just minutes (practically) after wrapping up her No Doubt tour. How does she DO that?
And not only that, but the pictures from the show suggests it’s another brilliant LAMB collection.
I’m obsessed with the models’ hair (one criticism is that the one standing next to Gwen in the picture above is way too thin for my liking), but of course it’s the clothes that warrant a closer look. I adore the asymmetrical thing she’s got going with the tops and while I find the harem pants predictable (since she’s been sporting them for the last few months), I love them. The cropped, tailored blazers are super kawaii and then there are the shoes: massive platforms, killer heels and intricate straps that shout “wear me if you dare”.
Since I can’t afford the couture, I’ll wait for some of the LAMB inspirations to trickle down to Gwen’s Harajuku Lovers line and pass the time teasing my coiffe.
