Stylist – Always Anne

Chic jewellery for a girl on a budget

May 8, 2022May 11, 2022Posted in FASHIONTagged Cape Town, Fashion Blogger, jewellery, Styled Shoot, StylistLeave a comment

Let’s be real, ladies – stylish and statement jewellery is often in either one of two camps: high-end luxury jewellery made from exquisite gemstones and fine metals, or cheaper costume jewellery made from all manner of materials.

Basically too expensive or too cheap. #thestruggleisreal

Finding something in that sweet middle spot that is affordable yet durable and made from quality materials can be tricky.

Until now.

Introducing James Jewellery.

The brand was born in December 2021 by Ika van Wyk in response to customer feedback, having already owned a jewellery business specialising in moissanite fine jewellery since 2020.

Customers want jewellery that is affordable, durable, long-wearing and beautiful with pieces that can easily be worn 24/7 at home or out and about. It’s also the perfect accessory for a busy new mom like myself.

James Jewellery proudly brings together both practicality and quality in their carefully curated lines of everyday jewellery. All pieces are made from extremely durable base metals (titanium and stainless steel) which are scratch and tarnish resistant and hypoallergenic.

Select pieces are plated in real gold using the latest plating technology for exceptional colour, shine and performance.

They also stock a limited range of sterling silver-based fine jewellery including tennis necklaces, opal earrings and more.

All pieces are couriered within 1-3 business days in a beautiful custom Dustproof Suspension Box to keep items safe during shipping and storing.

Follow them on Instagram: @jamespremiumjewellery

Always, Anne xx

20 dinge wat getroudes jou nie sê nie

March 3, 2020March 5, 2020Posted in FASHIONTagged Always Anne, Blogger, Cape Town, Couple Goals, Editorial, FASHION, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Photography, Inspiration, Photography, South Africa, Styled Shoot, Stylist3 Comments

Ek is hierdie jaar vyf jaar getroud. Dis hopeloos te lank as jy dink dat my langste verhouding voor ‘Instagram Husband’ maar vier maande was.

Maar ek kla nie, die getroude lewe is soos ‘n kult – die ring is jou lidmaatskap. Vir een of ander rede dink mense ook ek en Willie is ‘n power couple. Nou tensy dit iets met loadshedding te doen het, is ons so normaal soos koffie met twee suikers.

Ek voel wel dis my plig om met julle die volgende kult kaskenades te deel.

Maar voor ek verder gaan – ons klere is van Old Khaki. Om stylvol te lyk terwyl jy gemaklik voel, is alles. Hierdie mooi jumpsuit nommertjie kos jou R650 in winkels.

Hier is 20 dinge wat getroudes jou nie sê nie.

(disclaimer: gebaseer op die de Wet en de Wet huishouding)

1 Jy baklei nie regtig oor die remote nie.

2 Sy klere word jou klere. Daar is niks wat snoesiger slaap soos ‘n hemp wat pas soos ‘n een-man-tent nie. Goed vir die gemak… en die selfbeeld.

3 Die een dink altyd die ander een help minder in die huis. Ek het aanvaar hierdie is een wat jy nie gaan wen nie.

4 Cuddles op die bank is nie meer so lekker nie. Soos wat jy ouer word, begin jy rug probleme en rustelose bene kry en dan soek jy s-p-a-s-i-e.

5 Mens raak nie gewoond aan ‘morning breath’ nie, jy raak net slimmer. Een sluk koffie doen gewoonlik die ding.

6 Jy maak vrede dat hy jou salon sjampoe gebruik soos R30.00 winkel bottels wat op afslag was.

7 Jy word kwaad as die hond meer van hom hou. Hoekom lê sy nie oor my bene nie? Ek is seker sy het hoër gespring toe sy hom sien na werk. Hmmm…

8 Mens kry nie meer ‘n grilling as jy na die tyd besef ‘o, dit was eintlik sy tandeborsel’ nie.

9 Die blomme word minder, maar die grappe word meer. Soms neem ons videos om vir ander mense te wys hoe snaaks ons is, maar dan gee hulle daardie verpligte rinnike. Solank die ander een lag, bly klou ons aan die stand up comedy droom.

10 Jy word aangevat omdat jy nog nie ‘n begrafnis polis het nie. Jis, was ek boos. Hoekom wil hy nie vir my begrafnis betaal nie?Of erger, wat laat jou dink ek het een nou al nodig?

11 Hy wil nie meer jou Instagram foto’s neem nie, maar jy moet hom help met sy Twitter oor gistraand se 7de Laan. As jy ooit vervelig is met data wat nie wil opraak nie, soek vir Dik Willie op Twitter. Hy staan 57 followers sterk. Ek vat hom uit as hy 100 maak.

12 Julle begin van dieselfde TV-reekse hou. Hy was so kwaad vir Chuck Bass se pa toe hy die besigheid terugvat in Gossip Girl terwyl ek gehuil het toe Terminator dood gaan. Kom Arnie, probeer probeer!

13 As ‘n vriend/in jou kwaad aandoen, is die ander een reg vir wêreld-oorlog.

14 Dit raak normaal dat hy jou maandelikse ‘voorraad’ optel by die apteek en jou bel voor almal om te vra ”light of heavy flow?” Jip, ek het dit gesê en ek own dit.

15 Mens trek gereeld perongeluk dieselfde aan na sosiale geleenthede en ander mense kom dit gewoonlik agter voor julle doen!

16 Jy het iemand om al jou lelikste selfies voor te stuur en mees grusame stories van die dag te vertel. Niks is buite perke nie. Perongeluk ‘n trippel-ken foto geneem? Stuur dadelik aan vir manlief.

17 Jy wil hom iets aan doen, dalk so vier keer ‘n week. Dis normaal! Dit waai vinnig oor.

18 Wie koffie maak, is belangriker as om te vra wat vir aandete is. Moenie daar gaan nie! As hy nie maak nie, bly stil en aanvaar dis jou beurt.

19 Julle oordeel ander mense se babas en aanvaar dat julle eie baba net die beste skepsel ooit gaan wees. Wel goeie môre my sonskyn, die baba deel immers julle twee se gene. #windgat #eintlikmeergataswind

20 Dit raak nooit vervelig nie, dit raak net beter! Daar is niks so lekker soos om getroud te wees nie. As jy in ‘n suur huwelik is… gooi sout daarop en drink hom soos ‘n goedkoop tequila.

Oraait julle, dis dit. Volg my op Instagram by annette_dewet en laat weet my watter stories julle meer van wil Sien.

Always, Anne

XoXo

Klere: Old Khaki

Fotograaf: Ash Swartz Photography

Details | AFI Cape Town Fashion Week

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019Posted in EVENTS, FASHIONTagged AFI, AFI Cape Town Fashion WEek, Cape Town, FASHION, Fashion Bloggers, Fashion Week, StylistLeave a comment

Isn’t it the coolest fact that the African continent boasts the world’s largest millennial population and the fastest-growing middle class? #YAAAS

Creatives and fashion influencers from across Africa will turn up in Cape Town to experience a week-long of fashion festivities from 9 – 13 April.

The Mother City will be spoiled for choice as designers from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cameron and Morocco pair up with local favourites such as Maxhosa by Laduma, Imprint and Marianne Fassler.

“Africa has always been a source of inspiration for the rest of the world. Africa can definitely compete with the global brands given the support and an enabling ecosystem, that is what AFI seeks to facilitate.” AFI Founder and CEO, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe

International luxury brands have penetrated local markets but lack valid African narratives that speak to distinct sense of style. While the world is investing in appealing to African consumers, home-grown creatives have the responsibility to set the trends.

AFI Cape Town Fashion Week Programme Calendar

9 April Masterclass@ White Space

10 April Experience AFI @ White Space

11 April Gala Dinner

12-13 April Fashion Shows @CTICC

#IAMAFRICA

For more information and tickets sales visit www.africanfashioninternational.com.

Always, Anne

xoxo

*Press release issued by AFI. Follow them on INSTAGRAM for more updates.

Poetry Homeware launch too stylish for words

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019Posted in EVENTS, FASHIONTagged Cape Town, Fashinista, FASHION, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Bloggers, Fashion Diaries, Fashion Photography, Fashion Shoot, Style Blogger, StylistLeave a comment

I love how Poetry just gets women.

This year’s collection was inspired by the very essence of the Poetry woman – eclectic and timeless.

“She takes heed of trends but draws on her own well of life experiences and creativity to curate an effortless look that conveys her signature style in a contemporary way throughout her home. She weaves her own narrative and does so with a keen appreciation of the finer things in life.”

At the recent launch which took place at Botanical Bar in Longmarket Street CBD, we got the opportunity to express our creativity by hand painting coffee mugs while indulging in deliciously prepared dishes inspired by traditional South African dishes and botanicals.

What a stylish affair for such a stylish brand! Thank you Pressroom PR for inviting me.

See more photos of the event below:

The Poetry Homeware autumn/winter range for 2019 will be available in stores and online from April.

Always, Anne

xoxo

Photography by The Minimale Blogger.

Old Khaki AW19 is what we want

March 28, 2019March 29, 2019Posted in EVENTS, FASHIONTagged Blogger, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Bloggers, Fashion Photography, Inspiration, Photography, Style Blogger, StylistLeave a comment

Old Khaki WOWed me at their recent #OldKhakiAW19 launch channeling retro-sport and modern heritage.

The event took place place at Colourlab in Woodstock where media and influencers gathered together to enjoy Old Khaki’s new Autumn/ Winter collection first hand.

You can expect a fresh new take on urban-adapted wardrobe staples that can take you from inner-city vibes to exploring the Stellenbosch Winelands looking 100 percent Instagram-ready.

The AW19 ladieswear range mixes urban casual with contemporary interpretations of iconic 70s and 80s silhouettes. The season begins with a bold palette of cream, rust and emerald on the heritage front; moving onto navy, grey and ochre with a touch of red in the sporting arena.

Showstopper must-haves

Animal print knitwear
Furry jackets in bomber silhouettes
Branded sweat tops
Windowpane check jumpsuits
Colour-blocking roll necks

Screenshot 2019-03-28 at 16.01.35 — R650.00

old khaki annette de wet always Anne blog — R650.00

Shall we talk denim?

Alongside the core range of Old Khaki skinny and straight-leg styles, a new collection of silhouettes is ready to take centre stage. The standouts being a pinstripe mom jean and a skinny-fit black dungaree. Denim has gone slightly cleaner for winter, with elevated fabrications adding some lustre to the occasion.

Screenshot 2019-03-29 at 08.50.06 — R550.00

Screenshot 2019-03-29 at 08.49.36 — R550.00

Scarve it up

As always, the Old Khaki man and woman will have everything they need to round off their looks with daring detail.

Ladies’ scarves have been expanded into a beautiful selection of warm-handle versions in plains, checks and colour-blocking, as well as smaller (90 x 90cm) printed poly squares in everything from floral prints and dots, to plains, checks and stripes – ideal as neckerchiefs or for accessorising handbags or hair.

Pretty pompoms

Beanies are still a wintertime staple for both men and women, with peaks not far behind. The Old Khaki woman can look forward to a beautiful collection of beanies with plenty of pretty pompoms.

Black leather bags are back…

As for bags, there’s plenty to be excited about. On the ladies’ side, the collection builds on key silhouettes in new colours with touches of sizzle coming through in the round shape, whip-stitched details, as well as the introduction of fabrications such as corduroy and suede in navy, yellow and rust, in the smalls offering. Oh and did we mention the leather belt bag is back? I’m in love with the Lillie Leather Belt Bag, R699 (below).

The new Old Khaki autumn/winter range will be available in stores and online in April. See more photos from the launch event below.

Always, Anne

xoxo

Event Photography: Half and Halve Photography

Are you the friend or the ship?

December 16, 2018December 17, 2018Posted in FASHIONTagged Cape Town, Cape Town Restaurant, FASHION, Fashion Bloggers, Fashion Editorial, Fashion Shoot, Outfit of the day, Photography, Style Blogger, StylistLeave a comment

I don’t understand why friends still feel the need to compete with friends. Why do you have to be better, richer and skinnier? This is not the Olympics and you will definitely not be handed a golden medal if that’s your goal.

This year taught me more about friendship – are you the ‘friend’ or are you the ‘ship’ that sails away when things get tough? Do you check in with your girl when she’s going through a tough time even though it looks like she’s got everything together? Newsflash – she doesn’t.

So, it’s not a FBI secret that I got really sick this year and ended up in hospital in September. I got booked off for another three months and still have to take a little handful of medication to get better which I don’t like, because weight gain and stuff…

BUT I’ve realised over the last few months that it really doesn’t matter what you weigh or what you wear… health always come first and although I don’t feel 100% comfortable in my body just yet, I’ve never been healthier. Some days are still tough and I’m not embarrassed to admit that, but let’s be real… no one likes to share their struggles on Instagram so in general people think I’m living my best life right now. Debatable.

Anyways, while being at my weakest I’ve learned to open up more towards my closest friends and the response was the opposite I thought I would receive.

Support, support, support! I thought that they would see me as ‘failure’ in their eyes, but it was literally the opposite. Never have I received so many messages from friends, ex-colleagues and strangers on social media saying that they are proud of me for being just a ‘real person’ speaking about ‘very real issues’.

Why shouldn’t it be okay to not be okay? I feel that there’s a huge lack of mental health support on social media and that we NEED more influencers/ real people speaking up about it.

Unfortunately one or two people I really care(d) about didn’t really care to check in with me, but that’s okay too, because the only ship I will be sailing in 2019 is a 5-star yacht and it will be by invite only.

Always, Anne

xoxo

PS. I did a impromptu shoot with one of my best friends, Listelle, recently at one of my favourite local hangout spots in Sea Point -Strolla. Thank you Listellie for just being you, just having a way to always make me laugh and leaving my heart a little warmer.

PHOTOS: Rezaine Desai Photography

LOCATION: Sea Point

(Thank you, next.)

Be a ballerina bae with MRP

May 30, 2017May 30, 2017Posted in FASHION, UncategorizedTagged Ballerina, Ballet, FASHION, Fashion Blogger, Style Diaries, Stylist1 Comment

All that ballet jazz

I used to do ballet for 5 years when I was younger and I’ll never forget how upset I was when our ballet teacher moved out of town.

Just because I didn’t turn out to be a prima ballerina, doesn’t mean I can’t still look like one.

Meet MRP‘s new dance-inspired PROJECT collection.

“In this limited edition range, mixed fabrics and a muted palette take centre stage, while mesmerising silhouettes capture movement.”

It was hard to choose (because I’m such a ballet obsessed snob) but here is my top 5 picks from the #MRPXPROJECT.

6. Crushed Velour Bodysuit_R79.99 — R79.99

Boss babes have off days too

May 28, 2017June 12, 2017Posted in FASHIONTagged Always Anne, Blogger, Boss Babe, Cape Town, FASHION, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Diaries, Fashion Editor, Foodie, Outfit of the day, Photography, South Africa, Styled Shoot, StylistLeave a comment

Never be afraid to speak up if you are not okay.

Lately I have been working hard on chasing my goals – just a pity you don’t burn calories while at it….

Oh well, I managed to tick all of them off and I am beyond ready for the next exciting chapter on this roller coaster ride even though I won’t be able to spill all the beans just yet.

BUT

For a few months I wanted to give up… give up on the career I have chosen when I was only five years old and just move to a small town with a stress-free job working from 9-5 making someone else rich. Overall I just wanted to give up on life for so many personal reasons (yes, boss babes have off days too!)

The turning point was when I caught myself sitting on the pavement in Strand Street (Cape Town CBD) two weeks ago with no ambition left, no fight inside me and 100% not in the mood for living.

I remember phoning my mom and telling her I’m done. With fashion. With friends. With life.

I don’t know how she did it, but after an one hour or three of mommy talk she managed (from 1000 km away) to get my bum on the bus and making some important healthy appointments I won’t bore you with. It came as no surprise that I was suffering from some medical issues which resulted in me not having the usual go-getter attitude or energy to run a 10km looking like I woke up like this.

WHAT’S YOUR POINT, ANNE? (you might ask)

No matter what you are going through in life, it only takes the first step to get better. Just make the call, send that email, do that gym class, make a medical appointment, join a support group, opt for the fruit salad instead of the cheesecake – only one step to a happier and healthier you!

Since I’ve made a few changes, life’s been good – gosh, I even dropped 2 kilograms!

Whatever you’re going through in life right now, you are not alone and please don’t ever be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Don’t suffer in silence. That’s just not okay.

If you want to talk to someone, drop me an email any hour of the day.

You got this, boo!

Always, Anne

xoxo

OUTFIT: Woolworths, Dress R899.00

LOCATION: Strolla, Sea Point

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rezaine Desai