The ManicaPost
Ann Ruthenburg
MANICA STYLE MAKE-OVER with the FASHION DIVA!
Yes, right here, starting this March under the Fashion & Beauty Column, we will be showcasing our very own residents having make-overs. If you or someone you know has had tragedy or a terrible misfortune in their life, and they/you need a fashion change, send their or your picture and the story/reason why you think they /you qualify for a makeover to Email: [email protected], Attention: Fashion Diva, Manyika style. Make sure to put a contact number, preferably WhatsApp so that we can contact you if successful. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
I am asked all the time how much do I spend on clothing because I look like I have a room full of clothes. When I tell people that I spend less than $100 a year on my basic wardrobe (excluding shoes and evening wear of course), they struggle to believe me. In fact, they do not believe me…why? Well, it is because I am always looking different. But that is where the secret is! Part from knowing where to get the lowest cost quality clothing, I have key/favourite pieces that I wear throughout the year, each season. Hard to believe, I know. But it is so easy. The most stylish people out there know how to mix their basic wardrobe to get the best out of their style. All you have to learn to do is to remix the same pieces in a fashionable way! So let’s start..
All round dress like a little black dress, with a small sleeve.
In winter time — I wear my little black dress with a cream turtle neck jersey on top of it. This way it looks like I am wearing a jersey with a black skirt. I wear black sheer stockings or tights and high boots.
In Summer time — I ditch the tights and show my shaved smooth legs off. I paint my toe nails a bright colour and wear sandals. I wear a fashionable necklace, belt and some bangles. One dress, two different looks.
Ankle Boots
Wear It All Fall— Lace-up booties are the perfect shoes to get you through the cold and slush. They look cosy with tights or scrunched socks, a comfy denim jacket, and a beanie.
Make Them Look New For
Spring— Ditch the jacket and wool socks or tights. With bare legs and short sleeves, boots are totally wearable into the warmer months. Pink lipstick just ups the spring-y vibe.
Army / Cargo Jacket
Dressing casually in summer or winter can’t get easier when you have a cargo jacket. Winter – a cargo jacket is not warm at all, but with the tight fitting jersey underneath it is wonderful. I have a matching cargo pair of trousers too.
Winter — I look stunningly casual with my matching jacket and cargo pants. If the weather is not so cold, a shirt hanging out underneath the cargo jacket is perfect. It looks so casual, but stylish. Add to this takkies or flats or ankle boots. . .nice!
Summer — I wear exactly the same look, with a jacket and pants. Except I add dark glasses and I change the jersey to a vest or a crop top or some other girlie top. I let my feel breath by wearing pumps, slippers or sandals. Cargo pants or jackets do not need jewellery of big bags. Keep it simple.
Leather Jacket: “What are you talking about!”
Any woman can rock a leather jacket. You just need to get the right style and right fit.
Summer — A leather jacket whether plastic leather or real leather, is a must. Leather jackets are not so much about being warm, but about looking cool and stylish. So wearing it in summer is not foolish, it is fashionable. I will wear my leather jacket with a short dress or skirt with jeans or with fitted trousers. To dress down, wear ballet pumps. To dress up, wear boots or heels.
Winter — the leather jacket looks awesome with a turtle neck jersey inside and a fitted pair of trousers, with leather boots of course.
A shirt
Every woman needs to own at least one shirt in her wardrobe. Shirts are versatile and can serve many different purposes.
Summer — I wear my shirt over a fitted skirt making me look so feminine. I can wear it to the office or to an office evening event.
The shirt speaks for itself, so I will not wear too much else. If I need to, I will wear a small necklace and maybe a watch or a bangle. If for work, I will wear smart shoes with a heel. Flats do not work well with shirts.
Winter — I will change the fitted skirt to a slim fit pair of trousers or a fair bottomed pair of trousers if on someone with a voluptuous figure.
Dress Top
I do not know if dress tops will ever go out of fashion, they might become dress shirts, but the look will certainly still be there. In winter – I wear my knee-high boots again with stocking or thighs inside. Depending on the design of your dress top and the material type, it is wise for you to cover up as much as you can below the dress top. Dress tops are meant to be shown off, so I wear a jacket or an open jersey instead of a cardigan. A big bag makes and awesome accessory. A winter hat finishes the look.
Summer — I ditch the stockings and the boots. However, because dress tops can leave you looking naked if you wear them on their own, I will then wear thigh length tights and sandals.
Big jewellery around the neck draws the attention away from your dress length or the neck section of the dress. Instead of a big back, I will carry around a money purse or a slip purse (something small and convenient).
Floral Dress
Floral Dress: You know a floral dress is perfect for spring and summer, but it can totally look amazing in winter too.
In winter, I wear a stylish long sweater and put a belt around it. I wear knee high socks if I want to be naughty, otherwise, simply wear knee or thigh high boots. A head scarf or woollen hat finishes off the look.
Summer – I ditch the socks, the thigh high boots and the woollen hat. I swap the thigh highs for ankle boots until it gets really hot, then I will be back to sandals or other flats.
Denim Skirt / Trousers Denim skirt or Denim trousers
It is casual, but can be changed upwards by adding a jacket. In summer, I wear my denim with a pretty summer top, a stylish hat, eye glasses and pumps or sandals or fancy takkies.
Winter – I put on a waist length jacket for a smart look with a scarf. I wear high heel boots, big earrings and a big bag to go. The point I am trying to make here folks is that find a few pieces in your wardrobe that you can built your wardrobe around and work with those throughout the year. Well, that is it from me folks, I hope you got some good ideas. Until next week, God Bless!
Fashion Diva can be found at Kutz n’ Kurlz Hair Salon in Meikles Department Store or messaged (not called) on 0772933845.
