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Need a little style advise? #Trending fashion writer Rhodé Marshall is here to help you navigate your way through your wardrobe.
I want to buy clothes online but I’m not sure about it. Which shops do you buy from to get good deals? Is it safe to buy from Instagram shops? - Sikelela, Randburg
I do most of my shopping online because it’s organised and I’m able to find everything I need seamlessly without having to deal with parking and mall crowds.
I stick to the well-established brands that have a good reputation and are tried and tested such as Superbalist, Zando, MRP, Hello Pretty, JimnoJean and takealot.
Instagram stores have had a bad reputation because before the platform officially launched its “boutiques” option, scammers would pose as independent retailers.
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They would get you to send an EFT, and in the end a lot of people would receive neither their goods nor their money back.
But there are some great smaller brands that have improved the safety and payment options on their platforms.
With Instagram’s shoppable posts and in-app shopping options – if the boutique has a website – brands can tag products within their organic posts with information such as product details, pricing and links to their websites where users can complete their purchases.
Although Instagram’s shoppable posts do not allow users to directly buy from the app, the feature has drastically increased e-commerce traffic and online orders.
My advice would be to do some research to see reviews of the Instagram boutiques without an online store.
Can I wear print on print? - Zama, Pretoria
“Don’t mix your prints” is an outdated fashion rule. In fact, the countless seasons of pattern-clashing street-style we’ve seen are quite inspirational.
Looking like an uncoordinated mess is an absolute must. Stripes and leopard print, polka dot and leopard print are safe prints to wear together.
Leopard print is really a neutral in the print-mixing world – and it’s currently high on the trends list. But don’t shy away from prints in the same family.
You can take ditzy little florals and gigantic ones and toss them together.
Or mix similar artworks, for example, pair a few different paisley colours and patterns, and put them all together as a look.
My advice is to have fun – 90% of pulling off a look is about confidence.
I love how Kim Kardashian wears neon colours. How can I wear this myself? - Pearl, Soweto
There’s no better way to turn heads than a blinding dose of raver neon.
And yes, the highlighter trend has hit the streets thanks to Kim Kardashian and runway shows by fashion houses such as Prada’s Linea Rossa relaunch. There are two key ways to pull off this challenging style, depending on how brave you are.
If you’re still experimenting, try out neon accessories – the perfect electric green clutch or a classic fisherman’s beanie, which will pop against a basic black dress or striped suit.
Or you can just go for broke – in head-to-toe highlighter hues such as magenta, electric blue or acid green.
Can you be too tall to wear heels? - Kitsi, Morningside
I’m going to assume that you’re asking this question because of the assumption that when a tall woman wears heels she’s dominating a room and making everyone around her uncomfortable.
There is also the problem that many think short women wear heels to be taller.
Some wear heels to look thinner or more feminine.
They believe some clothes only look good with high heels or the shows make their legs look longer or help them have a more seductive walk, look more confident.
My point is that you can wear whatever you like as long as you’re comfortable. Own it and everyone else must adapt. I’m short and my tall friends with their sneakers still tower over me when I wear heels.
That doesn’t mean I’m never going to wear sneakers around them because of our height difference.
I’m comfortable with my height whether it’s the joke of the night or my neck hurts at the end of the day from having to tilt my head back all the time.
TALK TO US
Do you need fashion advice? SMS the keywords FASHION NEXUS and your question to 35697. You can also email Rhodé at rhode.marshall@citypress.co.za. SMSes cost R1.50. Please include your name and province.
