Tuesday, December 1, 2015

'Tis the season..

'Tis the season to give thanks

“Gratitude is a grand thing. It puts you back in your place,
prevents you from complaining too much and redirects your focus from looking down and frowning
to looking up, with a wry grin. We need to remind ourselves and the people we love, that life is wonderful'

#relax, #reflect, #renew, #regroup, #reconnect, #regain, #enjoy!
www.thecapeclub.com for all future 
Glam Girls Lux Travels 

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Rules of Style | Inès de la Fressange on Dressing for Yourself

Rules of Style | Inès de la Fressange on Dressing for Yourself and Why Bad Fashion Is a Good Thing

Photo
CreditNicholas Calcott
While many might consider Inès de la Fressange a style icon, she insists, “I’m like every woman on earth when I wake up in the morning. I have the feeling that I don’t have the right things and I don’t know what to wear. And I feel terrible in everything I try!” Still, the French model, author and onetime muse to Karl Lagerfeld emerges most days with an effortless chic-meets-street look, which is one reason she is so uniquely suited for such varied roles as the brand ambassador for the French accessories house Roger Vivier and a collaborator with the Japanese fast-fashion brand Uniqlo (her collection of charming prints and easy knits arrived in stores last week).
Dressed in a fitted navy blazer, cashmere sweater, silky trousers and satin slippers, the lithe 57-year-old sat down for an interview recently in Vivier’s uptown boutique, one incredible long leg tucked underneath the other, to talk about her personal style philosophy. The first lesson: don’t take yourself too seriously. “I’m not a muse,” she said with a laugh. “Amusing, but not a muse!”
Wear trends, selectively. 
“It’s the only trendy thing that I have,” de la Fressange said about the oversize white shirt she was wearing. “It’s a Céline shirt but it’s the most boring thing at Céline! But I like the fact that it’s long like this. And in the shop, it was calling to me, saying ‘Inès, if you don’t buy me, who are on earth will?’”
If you love it, buy more than one.
“These slippers,” she said, admiring her buckled Roger Vivier pair, shown in the above photo. “I like them so much, I took other slippers in velvet, and navy blue and violet and black.”
Be a kid again.
“I bought my navy blue blazer in a children’s shop called Soeur. It’s like a size 16. But I’m quite tall and it fits me, and it can fit everybody. It’s just a question of proportion.” Consider this option an alternative to adult-size blazers, which can often be too boxy or “boyish” for those with a tall frame.
Borrow from the boys.
“Go to the men’s department for cashmere socks. They’re long, which is nice. Usually for women, they don’t sell them really nice and long.” But don’t go too crazy with the colors. “I buy them in navy blue and brown, or sometimes pink, mustard, pale gray. I don’t like socks with flowers, sushis or monkeys.”
Take cues from those you admire.
De la Fressange cited Jane Birkin as someone who influenced her style. “I remember in the ’70s, she was fantastic. In the ’80s, she was fantastic. And today, she is still fantastic. Why? She’s still rock ‘n’ roll, modern, never ridiculous. She feels comfortable in her clothes. It’s not like she dresses up. It’s quite the opposite. It feels like she dresses for herself.”
Instagram your way out of a fashion rut.
“Many of the pictures you see on Instagram, they’re not from professional photographers. It’s much easier to identify with a nice look from a blogger or street-style person, because you think, ‘Hmm, that denim shirt, I have one. I should wear it with this kind of sweater. I can redo the look.’”
Travel to buy the things you desire.
“Converse shoes, for instance, you can’t buy them in France in off-beige. They only exist in white.” Which is exactly why she snatches them up when she travels here. “The idea that you can only find them in New York, oh!”
Brush up.
“I’m French, but I brush my teeth. Because I’ve noticed that after a while when ladies are not that young, the worst thing they think is their hands or their neck, but it’s not that all. It’s their teeth. My toothbrush is my first mascara!”
Nothing beats a clean face. And good cream.
“After you do a facial, you’re all red, and you feel terrible. Why would your skin be happy doing this treatment?” Instead, de la Fressange uses only facial towelettes followed by a favorite face-cream. “There is one called Revitalift from L’Oréal that doesn’t stink, it’s not sticky and it dries very quickly. It’s easy.”
Spend on quality makeup.
In her younger days, de la Fressange wore red lipstick, but she now relies on nude gloss paired with smoky eyes. “I prefer to take care of my eyes because if not, I look like a dead fish.” She’s loyal to L’Oréal (and would be even if she didn’t model for them) and likes fuss-free formulas. Her eyeliner goes on “quickly, you can do it in your car, the Métro, at the office. There’s no excuse not to put on makeup. I didn’t have time? No, no.”
When in doubt, customize.
Flipping open her antique watch, de la Fressange revealed: “This I designed myself. It’s an old watch from the ’30s, but I thought it was very conventional.” So she had a thick red leather strap added, for an imaginative touch: “It was boring the way they were showing it.” When she travels to India, she buys stacks of bespoke shirts, which she has embroidered with her initials. “It’s my name on the shirt, but in Hindi. It’s really gorgeous. But nobody understands except Indian people and me!”
Take the good with the bad.
“Fashion and good taste are made with a little bit of bad taste. It’s like perfume. To make a fantastic, mythical perfume, you need the most incredible flowers, the best quality of products. But you need another product that really smells terrible to make the whole thing work. Fashion is like this. Somebody who looks totally perfect would be a little bit boring.”

Monday, July 13, 2015

19 – 25 Feb 2016 - Discover Saigon in style, with your personal stylist Emma Mc Dermott

 Sofitel Plaza Saigon for six nights - Club Level 

For further info or to add your name to this list of special shoppers
contact

Jean Wethmar
jeanw@thecapeclub.com 

US$1957 includes services of Personal stylist for a week! 
Plus accommodation, breakfast daily, plus many extra's. 

oh la la! 

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Beautiful Bhutan on your bucket list?..

There's just one space left on our Beautiful Bhutan tour 15 - 25 October 2015
Don't wait.. this tour is guaranteed to depart!  
Women's only Tour to Beautiful Bhutan will change you!  
 October is the best month to travel to Bhutan weather wise!

Yahoo.. We have a tour to Bhutan 15– 25 October’15.
 So.. now I hear you saying.. what’s it going to cost me Jean? This tour is guaranteed to depart!
 Land arrangement as per itinerary.. $2818US.. wahoo! (Au$3,650 +-) Can you believe that!???
  • Flight from Bangkok to Para (this we can do on line yourself, or if you’d like me to book for you.. 
    • This flight costs US$719 ea from Bangkok to Para .. (Au$915.50)
    • International flights from Au to Bangkok on 15 returning 25th .. with Thai airlines Au$ 1027  -
      • The example flight departs Brisbane 14h00 on 15 October. (or other States in Australia)..
      • When making enquirers re your flights home..  make sure you allow 8 hrs connecting time from Para to Bangkok to home.. in case of weather changes etc, I chose 23.59pm on 25th October
      • One night share accommodation airport Bangkok $217 .. so Au $109ea.
What’s included?
  • All flights, International and domestic return
  • All meals, B L D, for duration of 9 nights plus evening tea
  • Transfers in new Toyota mini bus
  • Comfortable clean local hotels/farm house accommodation –  twin share
  • Last night in a fabulous local 5* hotel.. splashing out!
  • English speaking guide
  • Visa fee
  • Sightseeing
  • Bottled drinking water in the bus and in the restaurants
  • Royalty fee for Government
  • Tourism Development Fee
  • Government compulsory laid down % Tax
Not included
  • Tips $5.00 per day x 9days= $45 plus driver $30 = total Au$80/$100..
  • Drinks/laundry/telephone calls/ etc
  • Excess baggage
  • Travel insurance
  • Spending money

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Hats off.. its Monday

Do you wear hats?
Black Bear Hat today.. 
 1 - black bear is needed to make one hat for a guardsman

 600,000 - Black bears currently live in North America – a number thought to have fallen from two million

 1815 - was the year that bearskin hats were first worn by the Grenadier Guards following the Duke of Wellington's victory at the battle of Waterloo

 Of course, when its windy, they are a pain
 But oh gosh, how very elegant is this look?
 
 The madame of hats was Coco of course
Have a fabulously stylish week.. hats off to you all..

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Glamorous Women Tour Shanghai 5 – 11 Aug’ 2016

Gosh.. that's only August, 2016.. such a long time away Jean?
Time management is good.. it provides us with opportunity to get all those ducks in a row,
save and savoir the thought.. 

Day 1 – Friday 5th August (Dinner) – Arrival into Shanghai  
On arrival into Shanghai (TBA), the group will be met as they exit from Customs by their local Eastern Journeys Guide and privately transferred to The Puli Hotel (Deluxe Twin Rooms) (6 nights). The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, we'll have our Welcoming Dinner at M on Bund
Day 2 – Saturday 6th August (Breakfast & Lunch) – Shanghai
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the city’s Bund, flanked by the magnificent colonial-era buildings previously owned by the great trading houses and banks of the early 1900′s. You will also visit the beautiful Yu Gardens and from here, we include a traditional tea ceremony at the Pagoda. Today, After a lunch of traditional Shanghai food at Din Tai Fung Restaurant and this afternoon, you will have an opportunity to visit the Jewish Quarter.
Day 3 – Sunday 7th August (Breakfast & Lunch) – Shanghai
This morning, you have time to explore the famous South Bund Fabric Market which is great for fabric shopping and you can place your order for evening wear, suiting and casual wear to be made for you.
After lunch, you will then have the opportunity to visit the historical French Concession district which has some beautiful European style architecture. We will also offer some shopping options at Tianzifang for art galleries and boutiques. You will also visit the modern Xintiandi Area which has become one of the chic and trendy districts of Shanghai.
Day 4 – Monday 8th August (Breakfast & Lunch) – Shanghai
This morning, we visit the attractive water village of ZhuJiaJiao where you will have the opportunity to see a former trading village which rose to glory as a result of the Grand Canal system which exported China’s wares overseas. Whilst here we include a short cruise on the canal and a very simple lunch. Afterwards, transfer back to Shanghai and to your hotel with the balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an excellent performance of Chinese Acrobatics.
After the show, let’s end the evening with a fabulous cocktail somewhere?
Day 5 – Tuesday 9th August (Breakfast & Lunch) – Shanghai
This morning, revisit the Fabric Market for fitting/ adjusting/ picking up your clothes. A lunch is offer at the wonderfully traditionalJesse Restaurant (note this is casual, noisy and local) and this afternoon, enjoy fantastic value shopping at the Cashmere Mill and Hongqiao New World Pearl Market.
the puli entrance hall
Day 6 – Wednesday 10th August (Breakfast & Lunch) – Shanghai
This morning, enjoy a fun Cooking Class learning some Chinese traditional dishes. The class also includes a visit to the local wet market where you will be explained the choice of ingredients. After a Dim Sum Lunch at Ye Shanghai  Restaurant and this afternoon, you will have an opportunity to visit the Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market which is one of few remaining traditional markets in town. Your guide/vehicle remain available for the balance of the afternoon for shopping, your guide is full of shopping ideas for suggestion.
Day 7 – Thursday 11th August (Breakfast) - Departure from Shanghai
Today, your Guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time for your transfer to the Airport and assist with check-in for your departure flight (TBA).
Note: Individual departure transfers can be offered at a supplement.
 BASED ON a minimum of 10 PAYING GUESTS
US$ 2,790 per person – based on a twin share basis
 Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals and sightseeing with all admissions as shown in the itinerary, the services of an English speaking private guide and of private vehicle with driver, gratuities to guide/driver.
 Exclusions: Flights, Beverages at included meals, personal expenses, travel and cancelation insurance cover (strongly recommended), Chinese visas.
 What to do next?
Indicate your interest to join this tour with an email to
Yu Yuan gardens pinterest ii
Deposits due February - US$500. The second deposit of 30% (US$687) is due 3 months before arrival (5 May) whilst the final payment (US$1603) is due at least 45 days (30 June) before arrival.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Peeps.. do you wear the ideal sunnies for your shape face?

Do you battle to find the ideal sunnies to suit your face?
I do.. I try on a hundred pairs and get so confused and in the end pick the first ones I picked up! 
How about you..?
I found this great article..hope it helps you solve that dilemma in your life! 
How to find sunnies that best suit your face?

ashley and mary kate olsen

These would suit a round face

Prada - Baroque 54mm - Nordstrom 
Angelina Jolie proves why aviators are a chic choice for those with heart-shaped faces.
Heart shaped face
KBL - Silver City Aviator - Kirna Zabete

The latest cat-eye designs are a decidedly modern accessory for those with oval faces, like Olivia Palermo.
Oval shaped face
Miu Miu - Net A Porter

Retro circular frames, favored by Beyoncé, complement angular features in an ultra-stylish way.
Angular shaped face
ILLESTEVA - Leonard 2 Round Frame 
Net A Porter

Friday, June 5, 2015

#Relax, #renew, #reflect, #recover, #regroup, #regain time.. its weekend.. and in Au.. long one.. thanks Queen E for birthday

 Take time to smell the roses this weekend.. or the rose petals.. 
 Find a good comfy couch, curl up and relax with a good book and a cuppa chai
 
or take time out at a gorgeous cafe.. 
Either way, renew yourself.. listen to that inner voice, 
regain insight.. reflect on the past week,
recover from any stresses or strains,
Have a great weekend.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Do you have a spot to call your own?.. a 'she' cave.. a glam spot.. reserved just for you?

In most houses, there's a 'man cave'..  what about a 'she cave'.. ? 
Do you have a special glam spot?
A spot that you can display your collections? As much or as little as you'd like.. 
A spot with a table in it so that you host your book club lunches or birthday lunches?

A spot that you feel you like to dress up  to sit in, but then a spot that you can relax totally in?
With a big comfy couch and enough cushions 
Cushion that don't get creased, or land on the floor! 
Your 'she cave' can even have a cocktail trolley in it.. 
just waiting for that ideal impromptu 
celebration moment when a special friend join you in your cave.. 
Of course.. your 'she cave' would house all  your beautiful books.. 
 and on the walls,  some of  your favorite art.. sigh.. 
  
 This 'she cave' of your's would also allow you to fly off to never-land often! 
To escape the mundane life, the dreary, and the chores.. 
Oh dear 'She cave'.. yes.. let me add you on my 'to do' list! 
But right now.. it's dinner time.. I'd better bring the laundry in! 
But.... 
It's a brilliant idea.. for 'one day'..! 
8198a693a9421583a2fbf22101eb232d
 In the meanwhile.. I'm making notes..and gathering ideas.. 
Do you have a 'she cave'?
A spot that is a reflection of your personality, ?
A spot that smells just like you, like that favorite jumper?

Do tell?.. I'd love to hear.. 












Sunday, May 31, 2015

Yogurt bliss .. Glamorous Women take note

Yogurt, the unsweetened, not thickened, natural kind eaten every day will help with weight loss!
This according to Mireille Guiliano - ' French Women don't get face-lifts'
She promises if you don't change anything else in your life at all, add good yogurt to your diet, for one year, plain yogurt, made from just milk and culture - just one yogurt a day will help you loose weight because yogurt has fat-burning properties! 
Wowoie.. 

Are you up for that challenge?
Sounds too simple and too easy, but I'm doing it! 

From today..
1st June 2015.. 
I promise to eat just one small jar/bowl +- 125ml plain yogurt - no additives, no sugars, no honeys every day.. either for breakfast, or for dessert at night instead of that piece of chocolate! 


My current weight is 
66.7

Are you going to join me in this challenge?

The simple joys of an uncluttered life - this is true glamour to me

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Passion?.. what makes your heart happy?


 This collection is from Bottcheli house in Brisbane.. just stunning.. ticks all my boxes! 

 
I could think of nothing nicer this weekend, than to set the table and enjoy dinner party with good friends. aah! This ticks my boxes too.. do you like entertaining?

 Books, books, and more books.. lounge, study, bedroom, kitchen.. books seem to overtake my life, and its good.. they are my passion.. I must find more time to read them all though! 
Fridays.. I love  a Friday.. house is cleaned thoroughly, there's an air of ' ok, this week is done! .. '.
What will next week bring?.. on that note.. 
Be passionate about all things.. even if its just cleaning your house on a Friday. 
Cheers 
And remember..
be very happy!