BEST OF THE WEEK

Boyfriend blazer fashion trend: how to wear it

The boyfriend blazer has yet to reach the same levels of popularity as the two fashion trends which influenced it: boyfriend jeaand the boyfriend shirt. Which, for it, is a good thing. While the boyfriend shirt and denim trends have reached commonality and, thus, aren't considered trends anymore, the boyfriend blazer has found new sophistication and will be with us as a part of 2010 fashion trends. In particular, we'll see it amongst Spring 2010 fashion trends.

Who has designed them?

While you're best off trawling vintage stores for a truly unique boyfriend blazer, the look has featured among several of the Spring 2010 catwalks. These include Araks, Charlotte Ronson, Cynthia Rowley, Boy by Band of Outsiders (one look is pictured above), and Elie Tahari.

For picture inspiration, follow that link.

How to wear a boyfriend blazer

There are two, simple rules for wearing the boyfriend blazer.

Make it oversized

Any boyfriend fashion trend is about wearing clothing that looks a size too big for you, hence, as if you've borrowed it from your boyfriend. It's no different with the boyfriend blazer fashion trend here. The key is to only go up one size; it shouldn't swallow you. Look to have the jacket's shoulders coming no more than an inch and a half away from your own, perfect for accented shoulders.

Roll up your sleeves

No, this isn't a recommendation to get to work but rather the crucial element of the boyfriend blazer trend. Rolling or pushing up the sleeves on the blazer goes to balance out the look by implying that the sleeves would otherwise be too long for your arms; also exposing the wrists to make the look more feminine.

Trend Updates

Miranda Kerr in a boyfriend blazer

Rihanna in a boyfriend blazer

The good food guide

We all know regular visits to the golden arches or the colonel are not conducive to optimal health, and most of us try to eat a balanced diet, but it's not easy. First, it's hard to know what is actually healthy and, second, how on earth do you find it?

Well, for those living in Cape Town it's just become a whole lot easier.

Freelance writer Michelle Matthews recently published a book called the 'Whole Food Almanac' — a guide to finding organic, artisanal and whole food in and around Cape Town.

When asked the motivation behind the book, she listed a host of good reasons to rethink the way we eat and live.

"Obviously the whole food side is very important from a health perspective," she says.

"Part of the reason this book was commissioned is that the editor and publisher, who was Jeremy Boraine at the time, were concerned about all their friends with cancer. Just seeing more and more people getting cancer at a younger age. I've got friends of friends who have to help single dads look after kids because the mom has died of cancer and she's not even 40.

"That's linked to additives in our food. What do we know about the things in our food? The preservatives in so-called cured meats in the shops are the worst.

"Artisanal or traditional meat curing is done with salt, spices and/or sugar, and then put into a dry storage area and kept cool. And it hangs there for months and months until it becomes a ham or salami. Salami should have natural penicillin. And the penicillin keeps other fungus off.

"Mass-produced salami usually has a covering of rice flour to make it look like penicillin. The salami in the shops is one of the most disgusting things you can ever eat. They are full of chemicals, especially nitrites and nitrates."

Not just about healthy eating

But the book is not only about healthy eating. It's not a bogeyman book telling you if you buy salami from a supermarket you will die. It's actually about the joy of food, the joy of cooking and the joy of shopping. Yes, shopping can be a pleasure.

"I love food, and I love cooking," says Matthews, "I'm also interested in food heritage. Traditional foods and traditional ways of making food will get lost if people stop making them. It's tied in with slow food, which started in Italy.

"What it really comes down to is that people don't know how to cook anymore. That's why people are warming things up in microwaves. They think it's hard. In UK schools they have compulsory cooking lessons where you learn to do basic stuff. If you fall out of the habit of cooking, it feels difficult and painful. You can make it quick and healthy.

"You perhaps grew up with your mom working and all these things on the supermarket shelf, and you didn't see your mom cooking. Or all the cooking stuff out there is so fancy with Thai bamboo shoots, and you think cooking is hard or for fancy people, then you don’t cook. You're intimidated.

"But just learning, for example, stuff like couscous — or make a tomato sauce and pasta. For people to learn to cook basic nutritious stuff that tastes good. You lose interest in food if you don't cook. It all tastes the same, and then you make bad choices. It's hard to wean yourself off processed food, and to learn to taste real whole food as nice tasting. People have to train themselves to enjoy the taste of real food.

"That's where artisanal food comes in. It's minimally processed, and made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Conscious living

"That's why I've included producers and shops in the books. Some of the producers you can find in the chain stores, so you can get to know the products. I've included shops, but they have to have an organic, natural or artisanal focus.

"And the reason there are producers is so that people can know the people who make their food. So you can meet and talk to the people who've grown the food, or made the cheese. It's really great, you go to — say — Dalewood, and these people have got up in the morning, milked the cows and handmade the cheese. They're giving you this gift."

It's all tied in with living more consciously, and taking responsibility for your actions. People are more concerned about what they're eating, where it's from, and what chemicals it contains. People are starting to realise the connection between planet health and their own health.

People are also becoming more self-sufficient. They're growing a certain amount of their own food, even if it is only in a couple of pots on the veranda of a fourth-floor apartment.

"There is a trend happening internationally," says Matthews. "Pickling. It's the new hot thing to do, it's quite trendy. All this home economics stuff is coming very much into vogue with the recession and worries about the environment.

"And of course the locavore concept, getting things locally, supporting local producers, knowing your food is fresh and in season, and reducing your carbon footprint.

What's in season

"That’s why I've included a section on when things are in season. People don't know you can't get apples all year round. They're pretty much in season most of the year but they're so easy to store that you can get them all year round. They're kept in suspended animation, and then put on the shelves when there’s a demand.

"I've also put it in so people don't fall into weird traps like planning fancy dinner parties with artichokes in April when they're only in season in October, November. Of course, this is a rough guide. It depends on rainfall and temperature."

The book lists and describes about 250 producers, shops, restaurants, markets and other resources such as recycling and urban food growing.

"It covers the Western cape within a radius of about 250 kilometres from Cape Town — about two hour's drive," Matthews says. "Or, even better — about seven or eight hours by bicycle," she adds.

The initial print run was 3000, of which 1000 have been sold in the first three months. Matthews is happy with the sales figures so far, and attributes the popularity of the book to various factors.

"This whole conscious living, organic thing," she says, "is becoming more mainstream. Some people are sick of it and some are interested.

"It's a good introduction. It's got lots of info for people who just starting out, and even for people who are already into stuff like this, they find new outlets."

The book is available through the main booksellers, but Matthews has also done her own marketing, selling the books at places such as producers' markets. The single place where she had the most sales was at a gas metering conference company, of all things.

"They organise international conferences about gas metering," she says. "My brother works there, and he sold a bunch of them. These are people who are interested in stuff like this but don't know where to find it."

Her future plans include doing a part-time masters degree at the Sustainability Institute at Spier, and — possibly — doing a similar guide for other cities in South Africa.

Patched jeans: denim fashion trend

Here's a conundrum for you: what does a fashioniser do to keep up with denim trends given that ripped jeans may leave them chilly throughout Autumn 2009 / Fall 2009 and shan't again be practical until Spring 2010? Simple. Patch them. Or, even simpler, follow the lead of the fashion forwards and invest in a pair of pre-patched jeans.

Definitely a trend that is still in the phase of being a 'micro-trend' I expect that the popularity of patched denim will grow on the streets (see more below) long before it becomes a commonality in retail stores. Indeed the look was in sparse supply on the Spring 2010 catwalks though, courtesy of Karl Largerfeld, Chanel patched jeans were to be seen.

Chanel patched jeans from Chanel Spring 2010

Off the streets, however, it's been a different story: from the subtlest of detailing to all-over patchwork we've collated many of the patched denim street style looks below. Click on the pictures below for full gallery of patched jeans inspiration.

Ripped Denim: fashion trend 2009, 2010

Ripped denim hasn't really been big since the grunge days of the 90s... so it may come as a surprise that it is back as a fashion trend for women in Spring-Summer 2008. Kate Moss wore ripped denim shorts in a shoot for April 2008's Vogue Paris, and then we spotted these shots of Gisele Bundchen on set with Mario Testino in a rather revealing torn denim outfit.

On the runways, Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2008 collection brought faded and torn skinny jeans back onto the agenda. Maison Martin Margiela's collection was also littered with shredded up denim pieces (below, right) that took ripped denim to the extreme.

From jeans to skirts to shorts, torn denim is also being embraced by certain members of the celebrity world, including Lily Allen and Lindsay Lohan, below.

So how does the 2008 take on ripped jeans differ from its past incarnations? The short answer is, it doesn't really. Well not much anyway - it's more about how it's worn than the pieces themselves. Unlike from the rebellious heavy metal torn denim of the 80s, or the loose grungy jeans of the 90s, the 08-09 ripped denim trend is all about being sexy and revealing. So will you be wearing ripped denim this year?

BEST OF THE WEEK

Basics of Vintage Shopping

Buying Vintage as a Fashion Statement

Vintage clothing is an investment that should be considered by anyone who appreciates fashion statements and time-defying trends.

Many shoppers new to vintage cannot tell the difference between antique and retro, and they raise their eyebrows at the price tag and wonder why something used should cost more than the latest trend. Understanding what vintage clothing is, appreciating how timelessly its appeal will last and learning how to properly seek out genuine vintage pieces are essential to shopping for vintage.

Definition of Vintage Clothing
The term "vintage" refers to any clothing – high-end, designer label or otherwise – made between the 1920s and the 1980s. Vintage clothing is not to be confused with retro clothing or antiques, as the former usually denotes items from the '60s to the '70s, while the latter alludes to collectibles that shouldn't be worn but rather kept for one's pleasure.

Wearing Vintage Today
Vintage items add an instant glam factor to any outfit. Be it a tunic from the '70s or a cloche from the '20s, vintage pieces catch the eye by epitomizing style. Many feel deterred by the high price tag on what might be considered second-hand clothing, but understanding that vintage is an investment like art may help budget-conscious shoppers to make the choice. While shopping for vintage is often just as costly as shopping for contemporary fashion, the value of the items lies in quality that's passed the tests of time and trends.

Amateur Vintage Shopping
There are hundreds of details to watch out for, little things like initials on the zipper, the length of the sleeve or even the care labeling. Novice shoppers may benefit by learning about the types of cut, materials, labelling and stitching used between the '20s and the '80s, as this can help narrow down the time period in which the clothing was made.

Putting Together an Outfit with a Vintage Accent
Vintage pieces are fashion statements on their own that shouldn't overwhelm the ensemble. It is best to pick out one or two items and mix them with more contemporary clothing. Vintage accessories are best left to stand out by themselves; likewise, vintage shoes are best paired with subtle outfits that allow the shoes to attract all the attention.

Ten top 'Superfoods'

Every now and then we hear the term 'Superfood' used to describe the latest health-promoting food. For example, the Goji berry — which has been popping up everywhere lately — seems to be the ultimate superfood of the season. Get it in your smoothie, your cereal, your salad...

But what is a 'Superfood' and how beneficial are they really? 'Superfood' is a term used to describe food with very high nutritional content and potential health-promoting properties, however, some of these 'super' claims remain disputed as health benefits cannot be proven.

All fruit and vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals and phytochemicals that are good for health. But generally, fruits and vegetables that are given a 'Superfood' tag are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, as well as other healthy nutrients, and so are considered especially beneficial.

Just eating a handful of berries isn't going to make you super healthy or give you a gummy-berry-juice kick-start. You should incorporate a range of fruit and vegetables into your diet, but of course some foods are more beneficial than others.

We've come up with a list of our own tasty top 10 'Superfoods' to add to your diet!

Blueberries

Blueberries are often considered a superfood because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre.

Health benefits include:

• Improves eyesight
• Allows for stronger blood vessels
• Is an immune booster
• Helps with memory performance
• Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections
• Helps prevent cancer
• Has anti-aging properties

Blackcurrants

Blackcurrants are extraordinarily high in Vitamin C, and contain more potassium than bananas! Blackcurrant seed oil is also rich in many nutrients, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.

Health benefits

• Possesses the potential to inhibit inflammation mechanisms, which may lower the risk of developing various types of degenerative diseases (heart disease, cancer).
• Protects against degrading neurological functions, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Broccoli

These little trees are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. This low-fat and low-cholesterol superfood is also a great source of protein and dietary fibre as well.

Health benefits:

• Contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties.
• A high intake of broccoli has been found to reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
• Broccoli leaf is also edible and contains loads of betacarotene, good for the eyes.

Soy

Soy is a vitamin and nutrient rich superfood which hosts many disease-fighting nutrients. Soy beans contain high amounts of protein, including all essential amino acids (the only such vegetable source). Soy beans are also a rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B-vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and fibre.

Health benefits

• Soy may also reduce the risk of many ailments found later in a female's life such as osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms.
• Promotes heart health
• Promotes healthy bones
• Prevents cancer
• May reduce your risk of osteoporosis and kidney disease.

Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants like chlorophyll, carotenoids and vitamin E.

Substituting olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, for saturated fats or polyunsaturated fats can:

Health benefits:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Inhibit the growth of some cancers
• Benefit people at risk for or with diabetes
• Lessen the severity of asthma and arthritis
• Actually help your body maintain a lower weight

Spinach

Spinach, is low in calories, but high in many vitamins and minerals. Spinach is packed with heart healthy minerals such as folate, potassium, and co-enzyme Q10 which is essential in cardiovascular health.

Health benefits:

• Benefits vision and eye health
• Has anti-cancer and anti-aging properties
• The calcium content in spinach strengthens bones
• Prohibits age-related memory loss

Oats

This superfood is known for it high-fibre content. Oatmeal, oat bran and whole oat products are some of the best sources of soluble fibre, which help reduce total cholesterol.

Health benefits:

• Lowers cholesterol
• Levels blood sugar
• Prevents cancer
• Whole oats can reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure, and so reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication.
• Keeps bowel movements regular
• Helps with athletic performance

Beans

A serving size of a half cup of beans contain large amounts of iron, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, calcium, zinc and fibre.

Health benefits:

• Reduces the risk of colon cancer
• Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease
• reduces cholesterol

Barley

Not only is barley a low-glycemic grain, it is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps the body metabolise fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre— commonly called "roughage" —promotes a healthy digestive tract and reduces the risk of cancers affecting it.

Health benefits:

• Lowers blood cholesterol levels
• Protects against cancer
• A good source of niacin, the B vitamin that is cardio-protective
• Slows starch digestion, which may help keep blood sugar levels stable

Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains probiotics which are said to promote optimal health.

Health benefits:

• Helps with vaginal (bacterial and yeast), urinary tract and bladder infections
• Helps with inflammatory intestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease
• Helps alleviate allergic conditions like asthma and eczema
• Reduces several risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• Reduces several risk factors for intestinal cancers
• Reduces the rate of childhood respiratory infections
• Helps prevent tooth decay

Sex And The City 2

Filming for the Sex And The City 2 film has seen our four favourite Manhattanites back on the streets of the Big Apple giving die-hard fans and keen style-watchers plenty of fresh fashion action.

Patricia Field is back on board, making sure that the clothes play almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen in pieces from the new Halston Heritage collection, Chanel (of course), Manolo Blahnik shoes (naturally), some über-glamorous shades from MYKITA - and we hear a chunk of Holly Fulton's new collection has been requested for the film.

So far we've seen hilariously-costumed Eighties flashbacks, a Moroccan location shoot and - something we thought we'd never see - Kim Cattrall as Samantha in a wedding dress. And, with news this week that SJP - along with Anna Wintour - is to be appointed toBarack Obama's arts and humanities committee, there's never been more reason to keep a close eye on what she's wearing on - and off - set.

Here, we spotlight what's happening, style-wise, on the Sex And The City 2 set.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SET HERE

Click to see full gallery

Sarah Jessica Parker ©PA Photos

RELATED FEATURES Filming for the Sex And The City 2 film has seen our four favourite Manhattanites back on the streets of the Big Apple giving die-hard fans and keen style-watchers plenty of fresh fashion action. Patricia Field is back on board, making sure that the clothes play almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen in pieces from the new Halston Heritage collection, Chanel (of course), Manolo Blahnik shoes (naturally), some über-glamorous shades from MYKITA - and we hear a chunk of Holly Fulton's new collection has been requested for the film. So far we've seen hilariously-costumed Eighties flashbacks, a Moroccan location shoot and - something we thought we'd never see - Kim Cattrall as Samantha in a wedding dress. And, with news this week that SJP - along with Anna Wintour - is to be appointed toBarack Obama's arts and humanities committee, there's never been more reason to keep a close eye on what she's wearing on - and off -SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SET HERE

BEST OF THE WEEK

Horrigic Fashion Mistakes

The Tent Dress

For a a few hundred years, dresses were designed to flatter the body until someone decided to screw it all up with something called a “Tent Dress.” This dress only works if you’re a cute three-year-old toddler—or Angelina Jolie.

Scarry Furry boots

I mean do I actually need to say anything about these?

These were actually on the catwalk at some point!

They do absolutely nothing for you, you look like something out of Monster Munch I surely even if they were nice just get ruined when you wear them. I guess the only positive I can think of right now is that they keep your feet warm but then what were slippers or Uggs invented for

Inappropriate Clothes

This woman is normal weight, but her tight jeans are creating a major “muffin top”. The guy doesn’t look too hot either, with his cropped pants and socks.

Common Fashion Mistakes

1. Your clothes don't fit correctly.

Wearing loose clothes will add weight to anyone. Clothes that are too small accentuate bulges and will make you look comical. Never buy anything thinking that it will be "just right" if you lose weight. Buy for the present and in relation to your clothes size today.

2. Fashion trends that don't suit you.

Don't try to follow trends that don't suit you. Don't forget about your age and figure and only wear what looks good on you.There is nothing worse than seeing someone follow fashion for the sake of it. Face reality, if short skirts are in and you haven't got the legs for it then don't do it!There are plenty of fashionable looks out there and all you need to do is to find the ones that are best for you

3. Showing bra & panty lines.

Wear proper fitting underclothes under your clothing. If they do fit you correctly and you can still see lines, then your clothing is too tight. Keep your bra straps properly adjusted so they're not hanging out. If your jeans and trousers are low-rise, your panties should be too. I know some times it cant be helped but showing your thong just looks cheap

4. Wearing skirts that are to short.

Avoid this mistake at any cost! Make sure you can sit, walk and dance without exposing underclothes.

5. Wearing wrinkled clothes.

I know it can be a very dull job but trust me the results are worth it. Creased clothes look cheap and will devalue any outfit - no matter how much it cost!

Urban Fashion for Ladies

Urban fashion for ladies, like that of haute couture, changes with the seasons. However, there are some mainstays that one can count on in order to look fashionable, no matter the date on the calendar!

Urban Fashion for Ladies Explained

So what makes urban fashion for ladies so different from the fashion we see paraded up and down the catwalks in Paris and Milan? Well, what truly makes "urban" fashion different is that this style of dress tends to reflect the melting pot of ethnicities thatmake up the urban landscape.

For example, the spring season of a Milan fashion show may showcase a particular fabric like toile, or feature a particular print, like florals, that the grand dames of Vogue declare, well, in vogue! And while we may see a trickle-down effect of this particular trend in fabric, more often than not, fashion works the "other way around. That is, urban culture influences the fashion houses of France and Italy.

Embracing the Urban Fashion Lifestyle

In order to correctly embrace the urban fashion look, one needs to understand what exactly makes a look "urban". Consider the following guidelines:

• The look should be "edgy".
• It should be slightly ethnic.
• The look should be bold, but functional.
• Make the Look Edgy

If urban fashion is a style of dress that appeals to you, but you are unsure how to wear it, adhere to the following. Let’s say that a women’s business suit is your normal style of dress, and while you are very comfortable with the look, you fear that it’s become boring.

Spice this look up by pairing the suit with high heeled boots, a large, eye-catching belt, or by ditching the jacket of the suit and wearing a sweater (or a sweater set) with it instead. Any kind of hardware, or anything that makes the look stand out, will make it more urban-looking.

Make It Ethnic

The second ingredient in urban fashion for ladies is adding an "ethnic" element. That’s because urban areas usually have a healthy size immigrant and/or ethnic population, and these different cultures, and their respective styles of dress, slowly but surely weave themselves into the overall fashion palette.

There are a few different ways to incorporate this element into your everyday dress. One way that this can be done is by wearing several necklaces, of varying length, at the same time. Large earrings are also considered very urban. Other ethnic pieces to consider are peasant style blouses or clothes done in an "ethnic print."

Bold But Functional Looks

A bold look means wearing a piece of clothing, or an accessory, that is as eye-catching as it is functional. This is where knee high black boots and large colorful totes come in handy. The boots can be low-heeled, and not only do they look fantastic with just about any outfit, but they also keep you warm during the colder months. Large totes or purses work in much the same way; they can hold everything from water bottles to paperwork, but they look fashionable while doing it!

Wardrobe Mainstays

Some urban fashion looks are here to stay. Filling your wardrobe with any and all of these key pieces can keep you looking fashion forward for years to come. They’ll also look great no matter the urban setting:

• A fashionable wool coat
• Boots (either ankle length or knee length)
• Skinny Jeans
• Ballet Flats
• A black cardigan
• A fiercely designed belt
• Pencil-thin skirts
• A tweed or corduroy blazer
• Eye-catching jewelry
• Pumps or stilettos in a look-at-me color