Archive | November, 2013

Yuppiechef and other online Retailers

Sometimes I mention Yuppiechef to someone and they have no idea what I’m talking about. After gasping in disbelief, holding my head in despair and generally contemplating the rock they’ve been living under, I usually go on to tell them how it’s only the greatest online kitchen shop in South Africa, and (in my opinion) the world.

A few years ago, South Africa was in seriously short supply when it came to online retail spaces. I used to sit and reminisce about the good times, when I lived in England, and everything was a few clicks and less than 24hrs away. Not so much any more, these days it’s a tough choice deciding which companies to buy from. I figured I’d put a list or my favourites together for you, starting of course with Yuppiechef.

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Yuppiechef
www.yuppiechef.co.za

Since their humble beginnings back in 2006, Yuppiechef has only continued to grow. They are currently SA’s leading e-commerce store and have quite a few awards under their belts. As mentioned they sell kitchen tools, but they have recently expanded to include selected perishables as well.

They have a serious commitment to quality and service, the products they stock are among the best brands in the world and their dedication to their customers is incredible. I can guarantee that if you buy something from them you’ll very rarely experience any problems. In the event that you do, a quick tweet, email or facebook message and they will do everything possible to make it right.

Delivery usually takes around 24 hours to major city centres and it’s completely FREE no matter how small the product. If you’re already a fan you’ll understand why I’m gushing. If you’re not, well it won’t be long until you sound like me. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

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Superbalist (formerly CityMob)
www.superbalist.com

In their own words: “Superbalist.com expertly curates the world’s finest art, design and style. Members have access to daily features, pop-up shops and seasonal lines, offering a dynamic blend of international and local brands across various categories. The common theme for Superbalist’s product selection is always, good design.”

I can’t lie, when they first started out as CityMob I’ve never had to wait so long for anything in my life. I think it took around 3 months to get some postcards and a cell phone cover. However, I’m happy to say that they did a quick 180 and their service is now among the best in the country. They also have an epically large range of some of the best products available around world, plus they’re always finding new stuff to add to their growing collection. If you like great design – whether it’s for your house, your office or some threads to adorn your body – take a look, I’m pretty darn sure you won’t be disappointed.

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Nevada Furniture
www.nevadafurniture.co.za

If you’ve been hankering after your very own Ikea furniture then look no further. Nevada Furniture imports brand new Ikea products directly to South Africa. They do this by collecting orders from customers, after which they import the products directly to South Africa once a month by the container load.

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Macnificent
www.macnificent.co.za

This one pretty much does what it says on the tin. If you’re looking for anything to do with a Apple or anything that works in conjunction with your Apple then this is the place for you. I’ve only bought a few things from them – because let’s be honest, Apple products ain’t cheap – but I’ve found their delivery times pretty respectable and their products have never given me any issues. All in all not a bad place to buy from if you’re lazy like me and want things delivered to your door instead of having to venture out to buy them.

I haven’t tried any of the places listed below personally, but I’ve only heard good things so I figured they were worth sharing too.

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The Lot
www.ilovethelot.com

THE LOT is a contemporary SA fashion retailer that scours the globe to bring you the coolest fresh & vintage fashion, accessories & lifestyle products. They also have some actual stores scattered around Cape Town for those of you in the Western Cape, aren’t you lucky?

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Stylemologyza.stylemology.com

 

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Spree
www.spree.co.za

Spree is an online shop where you can buy designer fashion selected and styled by your favourite magazines. They have Free Delivery to all major city centres within SA.

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Hello Pretty / Hello Man
www.hellopretty.co.za / www.helloman.co.za

Hello Pretty and Hello Man offer up all sorts of goodies for both women and men, from clothing to décor items and everything in between. Everything is made in South Africa by a vast collection of designers, so go on and get shopping, your country thanks you.

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Jane Sews Pop-Up Shop

Last night was the Jane Sews pop-up shop at The Factory Café.  After snapping a few pics of Amy and Zak at the October I Heart, Amy asked me if I wouldn’t mind taking the pics at the photobooth last night. I was a little sneaky though, as I left Roy to take the snaps and then wandered around taking pics of people on my phone instead. What can I say, I clearly like to move around when I’m photographing people.

There is always and awesome vibe at the Café and last night was no different. What more can you ask for when you have gorgeous clothing, yummy food and coffee, Ice Tea by Tea Hunters as well as live music. I’ve seen Tyler from Big Red Photography around but I had no idea he could sing like that.

If you missed out last night, or you can’t make it to any of the I Hearts, then you can always buy directly via the Jane Sews online shop.

Social Stuff
Twitter – @Jane_Sews / @TheFactoryCafe
Facebook – janesews / thefactorycafe

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I Heart Market – November 2013

Wow, how windy was it on Saturday? The poor outside marketeers and food stalls had an awful time trying to keep their merchandise from blowing away. I’m pretty sure the Flatbread stall lost a whole lot of rocket during the course of the day and Jane Sews nearly had instant distribution of all their clothing.

Having said that the market was packed. I’m not sure if it was because the tents had sides this month, leaving people feeling claustrophobic or if there really were more  of you there but you could hardly see the grass for people. Not too many pics of it though as hair was blowing all over the place and nobody looks good with a screwed up face.  Due to my personal belief that nobody should have bad photos of them uploaded to the internet I have only chosen a select few.

Last pic is of me drinking my Gin and Lemonade with a dash of moustache. Happy Movember and good luck to anyone growing a lip sweater this month.

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Forever New: High Society

I went along to the Forever New, High Society launch at Gateway yesterday. There’s nothing quite like Champagne and delicious nibbles first thing in the morning, to wake you up. I’ve had my eye on the Kylie Printed Box Pleat Dress for a little while now so I was stoked to finally be able to buy it. It fits like a dream which is even better.

While the entire collection is not entirely to my taste, I can say that everything is beautiful and there are a lot of pieces that will work perfectly for an entire Bridal Party. A lot of the colours are similar, if not exactly the same, and will work great together if you have a few fussy bridesmaids who don’t like one dress, but may prefer another.

There is also a definite move towards complete dresses as opposed to tops and skirts, and there are some beauties for your next cocktail party or formal event.

Here is some of what Forever New has to say about their High Society collection:

Forever New Press Release

Soiree season is fun and ladylike in High Society, the pretty spring party collection from Forever New.

This candy-hued story is a sweet selection of feminine and refined looks perfectly suited for afternoon High-Tea, a day out or a spring party.

A playful mood reminiscent of a retro-era Palm Springs shows 1950’s & 1960’s silhouettes with modern updates. Sorbet pink, spring lilac and powder blue form a fun and fresh colour palette worked into feminine prints and textures.

Florals bloom in sweetly coloured silks and are seen in spliced digital patterns for new season interest.  Statement neckpiece style adornment is a key trend in party wear, decorating classic shift dresses in sugary colours. Shell tops, skirts and sundresses in powder hues are textured with crochet, broderie anglais and lace overlays. Tailored separates complete the feminine look, with full skirts and formal tailored shorts to pair with pastel knits and sleeveless crochet tops.

Chic finishing touches complete this girly collection, with pastel stone jewels and feminine strappy heels to give outfits a new season update. Handbags continue to be covetable in modern shaped totes with new hardware perfect for day, while jewelled and pearl embellished clutches are set to complete race day and spring party looks.

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