Haute Couture...Tattoos????

You read right Fein Girls!! From the House of Deréon (ICK!) to Chanel (YAY!), design houses are trying to tell us that temporary tattoos are a must-have this fall, but is this a trend? I figured temporary tattoos were only found in 25 cent gumball machines and in malls around Halloween... little to say that we are all surprised with this move....but hey, if its Chanel I'm all about it! If it's House of Deréon...not so much sorry Beyonce!

What do you think Fein Girls?

Think Ink?
or
This Stinks?

Les Trompe L'Oeil de Chanel

Available at Chanel.com



House of Deréon



Available at Sephora and online at temptu.com and dereon.com

Burberry Prorsum Spring-Summer 2011 Collection

The Spring Summer 2011 collection from Burberry’s  it is very urban, young and quite simple.This  collection remains faithful to the traditionally Burberry. Leather pants, and leggings, and short dresses, are just some of the many Fall trends that will continue into Spring and Summer.

UCT Vice Chancellor's Music Concert

I am sorry this post is so long and that the photos are so orange...

First of all let me start this post by saying, I am having a very, very bad day. It’s been bad enough to make me cry. But I will not allow myself to wallow in some murky pond of self-pity and batter-egos; I will, like a phoenix (without being all fiery and a mythological bird) will rise from this slump of unhappiness and tell you about my lovely and inspirational visit to the Baxter last night. Phew.

The Marja works at UCT and so was lucky enough to scrounge together some tickets to the annual Vice Chancellor’s Music Concert. For want of something better to do I agreed to join her and her two lady-friends (thankfully the one’s daughter came too so I had some young blood to hang out with).

Wow. I was totally blown away. The brass instruments, the larger-than-at-least-5-of-me organ, the conductors, flutes, trumpets. They all made me realise there is a whole other world that I’m completely oblivious to. The way these students and lecturers make music, respect music, devour music is incredible.

I sat there, transfixed as the various acts proffered the audience little and large bits of their souls and the souls of the dead composers coming back to life every time their pieces are played.

Most importantly is two things.

Number one, the Traditional African Music made me feel like I was truly a part of Africa. The beats and rhythm warmed my body and the vibrancy onstage endeared me to want to visit Africa. I want to see the tribes dancing and living in the dust. I want to hear their drums and chorused-voices in the jungle. I want to see and feel Africa as much as my having been born here makes me a part of it.

Number two, Cape Town, right now is a beautiful time to be. When the Vice Chancellor of UCT, Max Price, can get up onstage and play his saxophone (skillfully) for two glorious swing songs, you know that right here; right now it’s a wonderful time to be in Cape Town. There are so many things that are not great, granted, but I think we’re failing to see the beautiful things too often.

I love this country, and this city.

Movie Fun for the Month of October!

September is swiftly coming to an end. As the weather gets colder, the days are becoming shorter and the nights, longer. Going to the movies as an indoor activity will be welcoming! October promises to be a good month of movie releases starting this coming Friday, October 1st.

The Social Network (Oct 1) - Already stirring up Oscar buzz, this movie has generated positive reviews from critics - making it a must see movie of our generation. ‘The Social Network’ looks into the Facebook phenomenon that started in 2003. It follows the creator, Mark Zuckerberg (portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg), in his journey to get Facebook to where it is now. From legal disputes, to relationships with friends eager to see him fail, to Sean Parker (founder of Napster; played by Justin Timberlake) spreading the word of Facebook to venture capitalists in Silicon Valley, there is certainly no lack of drama here. Based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich.

Photo: Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "The Social Network." Credit: Merrick Morton/MCT

Life As We Know It (Oct 8) - Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel co-star in this romantic comedy about working together to take care of their godchild whose parents died in a tragic accident. Heigl plays a caterer with a growing business and Duhamel is a television sports director. The pair cannot stand each other after their first date together, but along the way the couple finds a way to become a real family while juggling their careers and learning how to take care of a baby.

Photo: 2010 Peter Iovino / Warner Bros.

Wild Target (Oct 8) - Ever since ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ Emily Blunt has been one of our favorite actresses. In ‘Wild Target,’ Blunt plays a con artist that sells a fake copy of a Rembrandt that leads to her being targeted by world’s top assassin played by Bill Nighy. After falling for Blunt’s character, a chain of comedic events start that leads to her hiring Blunt to hire Nighy as her bodyguard while they are pursued by the world’s second best hitman. Rupert Grint (Ron of the Harry Potter series) plays a young man turned savior into apprentice who gets dragged along in the adventure. If you like British humor, this is worth checking out!

Photo: Wild Target movie poster

Red (Oct 15) - Based on the DC comics novel, ‘Red’ is an action-comedy about a group of former retired top CIA agents being targeted because they know too many agency secrets. Now framed for assassination, the group now has to band together to stay alive and clear themselves. With a stellar cast of actors - Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, and Mary-Louise Parker - this movie looks promising as a smart, funny, kick butt good time.

Photo: 2010 Summit Entertainment.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest (Oct 15) - Based on Stieg Larsson’s “Millenium Trilogy,” the movie follows the books heroine, Lisbeth Salander, in her fight to clear herself of being accused of committing multiple murders. If you loved the book, you’ll love going to see the movie!

Photo: Movie poster for ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’

Paranormal Activity 2 (Oct 22) - It’s back! Following the first movie’s success, ‘Paranormal Activity’ will get you feeling spooked out just in time for Halloween!

Photo: Movie poster for ‘Paranormal Activity 2’

Saw 3D (Oct 29) - The seventh and final movie in the ‘Saw’ franchise, this new story follows a group surviving Jigsaw victims as they visit self-help guru (also a fellow Jigsaw survivor) Bobby Dagen. The ‘games’ continue on in 3D.

Photo: Movie poster for ‘Saw VII 3D’

Don’t forget the popcorn!

xoxo,

The Fein Girls

Jasmine, remarkable dog

Ok, i'll straight up admit it. i'm the biggest sap alive for soppy animal stories so i just have to, have to, have to share this one with you.

Jasmine is a gorgeous looking Greyhound dog who was discovered by the police in Warwickshire, England. She had been abandoned and abused, so they took her to the Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary and thankfully they helped her recover. That's when they started looking for a home for her.

Little lovely Jasmine instead made herself quite at home at the sanctuary and took up the role of welcomer. Every single animal, EVERY SINGLE animal, that was subsequently brought to the sanctuary was taken under lil Jas' proverbial wing as she gave each and every one a welcoming lick.

She has since helped the sanctuary destress the animals by making them feel safe and warm. She does this with puppies, foxes and even bunnies! She lets birds perch on her nose and licks the guinea pigs.

I think she is just amazing and love her and want her for myself (yes, i know that is incredibly selfish). Here she is with some of her furry friends.

You can read more about this perfectly gorgeous creature here.

Ooh là là! Paris fashion week begins today!

Spring/Summer 2011 fashion week is now at its last stop in the city of Paris, France! One of the grandest fashion capitals of the world, this year is no exception. With 91 catwalk shows planned and a brand new location, this year marks new beginnings for the Parisian fashion industry.

Paris fashion week’s new home is a giant tent at the foot of the Grand Palais - an exhibition hall near the Seine River. For two decades, the original venue was the Louvre Museum, but as a result of the fashion events growth and the taste of designers’ venue preferences changing, fashion week started to outgrow the Louvre. Though we’re happy to see the industry expanding, what we’re most excited to see are the unveiling of the latest designer collections!

By tradition, the opening day events are focused on young designers. This year, Aganovich from London, Anthony Vaccarello, and Fatima Lopes are some of the names expected to send down gorgeous collections on models on the runway. Anthony Vaccarello, as some may know, has already caught Vogue magazine’s eye.

Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes puts the final touches to her collection ready for the start of Paris Fashion Week. Reuters

From the “new” faces to the “old” faces, the remaining week will have classic powerhouses like Balenciaga, Balmain, Celine, Givenchy, Hermès, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton showcasing their spring/summer looks. This year, Pierre Cardin makes a welcomed return to the catwalk after a long absence. At 88-years-old, the designer is showing the world that he still has it.

New head designers, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and Giles Deacon of Ungaro, will be debuting their first collections for each of their respective brands. With the passing of Alexander McQueen, we hope Sarah will uphold the legacy of McQueen and we are more than confident that she will.

Paris fashion week wraps up on October 6th. Grab a croissant (or two!) and let’s enjoy the shows!

Vive la fashion!

xoxo,

The Fein Girls

10 things to tell me

Hello lovely people. Happy Tuesday.

I subscribe to the Women24.com newsletter, and the other day the editor (I think?) Sam sent a message to all us Women24-ers that really struck me. She told us about 10 things that she would say to her 17-year old self if they were to meet today.

Now I know that 22 (that's me!) is not that far from 17, but when I sat back and thought about it there were a few things that I would want to tell my younger me, so I decided to share it with her and all of you,

10 Things I would tell my younger me:

1. Not everything is your fault, certain things (a lot of them) are completely out of your control
2. Don't try fit in to find friends, find friends who fit into you and your world (it matters and makes a difference)
3. Just because he isn't around much (the father) doesn't mean he doesn't love you
4. The way you dance, so uninhibited and freely, is so beautiful (you have no idea how beautiful).
5. Never lose your easiness to talk to and meet new people.
6. If you love it, don't be too scared or shy to embrace it and go after it.
7. This is the most free you'll ever be, just enjoy it.
8. Your love of animals is NEVER going to leave you, maybe think about doing something with them as a career.
9. Mixing your foods (ie letting your rice touch your cauliflower, heaven forbid) is NOT the end of the world.
10. You're going to find him, and he is going to love you and make you feel like the most important and amazing person on the planet (thank you lovely drummer boy) sooner than you think.

What things would you tell your younger, beautiful and sometimes timid self?

We Love Fall Beauty Products!

Now that fall fashion is out in full force in stores, thereʼs no better way to complement all the fabulous finds and outfits than incorporating some fresh new beauty products!

Purple and berries are still going strong this year. From eyes, to lips, to nails, purple shades are still ruling supreme.

From left to right: Laura Mercier Lapis eyeshadow, Chanel Paradoxal Nail color, Yves Saint Laurent Mesmerizing Purple lipstick

Face Care - Just because summerʼs over, it doesnʼt mean you can skip the SPF! As the days get colder, switching to creams will help fight off dry, thirsty skin!

From left to right: Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30, Clarin Hydraquench SPF15, Dior Hydralife SPF 15

Body Care - Fall scents are making their way onto counters and shelves. Check these out for a yummy head to toe experience!

From left to right: Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin and Caramel Apple gels, Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia

Enjoy!

xoxo,

The Fein Girls

The Weekend That Was

So we’ve just had a lovely long weekend here in Cape Town. On Thursday afternoon the lovely drummer arrived at my work with 2 puppies. He and a girl from his college had bought them for R100 off a homeless man who apparently was not treating them very well (he had them stuffed in his rucksack!).

Of course I was ecstatic! And so the weekend began amidst a flurry of fur, messy feeding and lots of cooing. This weekend I…

+ Spent 4 almost-sleepless nights coaxing puppies to eat Cerelac, pee and poop

+ Went to a braai to celebrate Heritage Day

+ Got the lovely drummer to watch Bambi with me

+ Had too much wine and loved it

+ Knew someone who got mugged

+ Went to the birthday party of someone I didn’t (and still don’t) know

+ Felt exhausted a lot of the time

+ Realised what it must be like to be a mom

+ Got to laze for an hour with the lovely drummer while the little ones slept

+ Sobbed unceremoniously when we had to give the pupps up to TEARS

+ Needed more sleep than I got

What did you do this weekend?

Happy your and mine and everyone's Heritage Day

When I was a kid (and I’m not too far away from still being a kid in my heart) things were so cool. I believed I could talk to animals

My mom was a single parent so a lot of the time it was just me and her, going about business, taking on the world.

I was confident as a little girl, enough to walk up to a stranger and hold his hand, enough to climb on stage with a performing busker and copy his moves. The world was mine to explore.

I remember so many little and large things. I was the best mistake my mom ever made at 18. She used to dress me in all sorts of outfits; a sailor dress with matching navy shoes (I used to climb trees and pretend they were my ship), some kind of 80s inspired black, white & neon orange and green outfit complete with backwards cap. But mostly I spent my childhood in my blue polyotter or nude. I was a big water baby.

When I was quite young we spent two years in Zimbabwe and those have proven to be the best years of my life so far! We swam in crocodile-waters, camped next to hippos and spent hours in the sun. My favourite toy there was a colourful cassette player that I carried around with me everywhere! I could record myself too as it had a plug-in microphone, I’ve still got one of the tapes of me singing my little heart out.

I also had a Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle, one of those soft plastic ones. I think it was the purple guy? I loved the way he smelt.

I remember watching Disney’s Robin Hood every single day and just absolutely wishing I could be Maid Marion. My first taste of any kind of thievery was when some guys broke into my grandparents house and stole my Robin Hood VHS! I was heartbroken and really couldn't understand why they would take it.

I (sadly) haven't had time to upload some pics but promise I will soon! I feel happy to be me and have had the past I've had so far. I look forward to new things, but will always walk hand-in-hand with my four-year old self. In many ways she was much braver than I am and she saw life in a way I'd love to. I'm glad I get to know her.

Happy Heritage Day! Please check out the other awesome blog posts on this theme on the other following great blogs:

Fable Fairy: http://fablefairy.blogspot.com/
Glossary :http://glossaryzine.blogspot.com/
Bobbylicious http://www.bobbylicious.co.za/
Gorilla is my friend http://gorillamefriend.blogspot.com/

Lucky Pony www.superduper/lucky

Embracing Style www.embracingstyle.co.za

Cookie Jar http://cookiejarramblings.blogspot.com

Farm Girl http://plaasjapie-farmgirl.blogspot.com/

Ps, thanks to Fable Fairy for such a wonderful idea, glad I got to be a part of something that so many kooky, beautiful and just plain lovely bloggers are a part of.

Biker Babes

Rev up your engines ladies, Burberry’s Spring 2011 collection has just roared into town! Showing on their London Fashion Week runway was lots of leather, aviator jackets, and military-style coats.

For Spring 2011, designer Christopher Bailey took us on a wild ride with an evolution of his Fall 2010 collection by keeping the short gauzy dresses but topping them with motorcycle jackets. We also saw funky animal prints make their way down the runway on everything from dresses to belts, and silver tones were incorporated into jackets and pants to give the biker chic look a futuristic style this season.

The signature trench also got a makeover for Spring, with some added padding and leather straps. The coats came in colors like classic black and tan but were revved up for next season with some patent leather fabrics.

In case you were thinking of putting away those studded accessories, you may not want to do it just yet, it looks like spikes and chains aren’t going anywhere for Spring 2011. The new collection boasted jackets with stud-lined shoulders and sleeves, as well as, leather belts with hanging chains.

Finally, Bailey finished off the new collections look with a splash of bright color! Take a look at these patent leather bags and belts in neon green and turquoise.

If you liked the look as much is we did, chances are you’re itching to race to the stores to get it as soon as possible, and with Burberry you can get the celebrity treatment! If you order before September 28th on Burberry.com you might get photographed with the hottest, hardest to get bag for Spring as soon as November!

Xoxo

The Fein Girls