A crash course in the bloggers' designer faves.

Opening my mom’s wardrobe as a kid, was like opening a secret doorway to the magazine section in Exclusive Books. Piled high in dated order was every issue of Glamour and Cleo she’d ever bought. It was like the Narnia of magazines. I would page through the articles, mesmerized by the dating dilemmas and fashion faux pas that lay ahead of me. I wanted hair like Claudia’s and long legs like Linda. I knew my Lagerfeld from my Lacroix and one day I’d wear safety pin dresses like Liz Hurley. I accumulated a vast knowledge of dating do’s and don’ts and beauty how-to’s, all by the age of thirteen. Then I started highschool. I looked nothing like Claudia and rather, Courtney Love became my idol. I swapped Glamour for Kerrang and Cleo for Total Guitar. Grunge was in and I lost touch with fashion completely until I moved to London for a year in May 09. There I discovered a zillion different styles, both on the street and the web.

When I returned to South Africa, I realised just how much harder it is for us local girls to feel plugged in to the fashion world at large. While the trends roll out from the runway to the high street in London, New York and Paris, it can take us up to a year to catch up. By the time a designer piece has been shipped to our shores, it costs a small fortune to the average twenty something. In London, I could probably save three months of my temp’s salary and afford a designer bag. In South Africa, it would probably take me three years. Just the other day, I was flicking through one of our local glossies when I spotted a Louis Vuitton bangle advertised for something like R4000. I wander what it must be like to swipe a cool four g's on a bangle? Super awesome, I'm sure. After a wander around Sandton City, it seemed to me that when it comes to labels, South Africans prefer their Guess, Diesel and Ed Hardy above all others. I saw lots of short, tight and blinging combos teetering between the LA inspired boho babes in sandals. As for me, I find I’m gravitating more towards European looks although I do love that layered Olsen look.

So what's this about a crash course? Well, if like me, you’re also playing fashion catch up, you may have noticed that certain designers often pop up in the wish-lists of many a fashion blogger. I had a little dig around to find out more about these designers so I won't feel so erm, clueless anymore. If you'd like to join me on this little fashion tour, please take your seat in the front row sweetie, darling!

Miu Miu
We all know Prada, don't we? Something about a movie with Meryl Streep? Well, Miu Miu is a line of daily-wear for younger woman by the Prada fashion house. It opened in 1992 and is headed by Miuccia Prada - Miu Miu is her nickname! Signature Look Colourful and edgy with bold prints that often look like high-end vintage.



Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer who is currently the Creative Director of the French design house, Louis Vuitton. The Marc by Marc Jacobs collection is a more affordable line that’s been adored by fashionistas’ since it hit the runway for the first time in 2001. Signature Look Vintage lines, girly details like puff sleeves and quirky oversized buttons. Retro chic accessories include bags, shoes and off-beat timepieces.



Chloé
Chloé is a Parisian fashion house who were the first to create a Prêt-à-Porter (Ready-To-Wear) line. Previously, luxury fashion houses only ever produced Haute Couture (made-to-measure) clothing and most people had to make do with knock off’s sewn by the local seamstress.  Signature Look Romantic, flirty and feminine. Long flowing skirts and statement bags.



Luella
Luella Barley is a British fashion designer, loved by the likes of Lily and Alexa for her quirky, punk inspired and often distinctly English style. Sadly, she had to shut up shop last year after an investor pulled funding. Signature Look Floral frocks, biker boots, boyfriend blazers and tiered skirts.



House of Holland
Henry Holland is a hot, young British designer who's besties with Agyness Deyn. He found fashion fame in in 2006 with his irreverent tees emblazoned with slogans like 'I'll Tell You Who's Boss Kate Moss.' Signature Look Cheeky tees, bandanas, chains and grungy tartain.



And there you go! Please remember, I'm a total fashion rookie so if you're a seasoned stylista, please feel free to correct me on any of the above. Merci!