African Christmas inspiration by Elsje Designs

I have created this special Christmas range from recycled South African papers.  I always get slightly annoyed by Father Christmas in his red woollen suit, snowflakes and pine trees - while we are in the smouldering South African heat!  So this is why this idea was born!  I loved to design it and hope it will bring joy around your Christmas table.

If you want to order bigger quantities, we have a discounted prices: 

• Christmas nativity @ R210 for 7 images (2 trees, an angel, Jesus in the crib, the wise men and shepherds) - not all the images are featured in the photograph. 
• 3D African Christmas Card to fit a DL envelope
• Pop up placemats at R60 per pack of 6 different African Christmas and festive designs. 

Smaller orders will be slightly more expensive and postage isn't included.  We are here in the mornings to take your order:  info@elsje.co.za or you are welcome to phone me anytime on 083 253 5556.

Limited quantities available, so hurry to place your order if you don't want to be disappointed.

What's trending? Nearly Movember!

Paying lip service to a good cause. Movember is about bringing back the moustache for a serious reason and sees Mo Bros, supported by the Mo Sistas (us ladies) in their lives, effectively becoming walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their moustaches raising awareness by prompting private and public conversation with regards to prostrate and testicular cancers. The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."

How to wear white this summer

How to wear white this summer

It's officially the season to wear white, so as we all reach in our closets and pull out those white jeans and tops, it's time to reassess the rules of how to wear it successfully.

 

 

1. DO replace your blue ones with white jeans this summer
White jeans are a great alternative to your blue jeans, they're versatile enough to wear with just about anything!

 

2. DO wear white on white
Yes, you read that correctly. White on white is a DO. Pair white pants with a crisp white tank. Try white shorts with a sleek white blouse. Accessorize with white jewelry!

3. DO nude pumps

In my humble opinion only Mini Mouse is allowed to wear white shoes.  Nude pumps and heels look great year-round with any white outfit.  Two on Toast stock a great variety in their brand new shoe range www.twoontoast.co.za.

Kate Middleton is often seen in a white outfit with nude shoes.

4. DO mix textures
Various textures work brilliantly when wearing white on white. Mixing textures adds a sophisticated twist to your basic white on white.

5. DON'T wear white to a wedding
Unless you're the bride of course! You know the rules - you may have an adorable little white dress, but save that for date night, not for your friend's wedding.

 6. DO wear a LWD (Little White Dress) instead of a LBD.
Now is the time of year to trade out your LBD - put it away for a few months and swap in a LWD instead - after all, you have the rest of the year to wear that LBD, but only a few months to get away with a white one!

 

7.  DO wear lace 

Needless to point out that lace complements the all white attitude for spring and summer like no other fabric.

8.  DO the masculine look 

Playing upon delicate whites and a masculine inspired  tailored suit is another inspired way of approaching the trend. Seek for minimal-chic silhouettes, topped with daring cut-outs or bold appliques. To match a powerful and confident attitude come spring, build your outfits upon slightly oversized pants, boxy silhouettes and high heels.

9. DON'T shy away from sheer

Embrace the transparent side of fashion by rocking all-white see-through ensembles this season. Showcase just the amount of skin you are comfortable with and balance or complement your look accordingly. From the beach, all the way to an evening outfit, you can’t go wrong by emphasizing sheer fabrics this summer.

10.  DO accessorize

Perfect your white looks with the smart use of clear plastic accessories, metallic elements, neutral nudes or choose exquisite embellishments to draw more attention to your monochrome outfits.

 

 

 images:  www.polyvore.com; http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2014/ready-to-wear/elie-saab/full-length-photos/gallery/1057421; www.wcloth.com 


Trend series:  White space

I'm currently doing a weekly trend series on Facebook  if you missed out on the previous posts.  I've also started a weekly online pop up shop on Facebook - so pop in regularly to view the bargain buy of the week!  (https://www.facebook.com/ElsjeDesigns)

 

 

Feathers, Flappers and Fitzgerald

The Swinging Twenties are indeed making a comeback in everything from fashion to design to event planning. It is easy to see why this era of glitz and glamour is currently a huge trend.  The fashion (loose but sexy flapper dresses, cloche hats, feather fans and glittering headbands), architecture and decor of the 1920's are filled with punchy graphic geometric detail that immediately catches your eye.

 Inspired by the recent film adaptation of  F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby, this romantic and ornamental era celebrates the decadently lavish parties of  1920s. I can see in my imagination shiny Roadsters zipping past, glamorous women with flapper headbands dancing the Charleston with men in their most dapper tuxedoes.  

Herewith some stationery guidelines to make this trend your own:

1. Go classic1920

An easy way to show off vintage and glamour is to add an Art Deco style border with font to match. Try to keep it simple as the border will be intricate enough.  Adorn with a feather.  Dress code would be flapper attire with bejewelled dresses and top hats.

2. Play with colourful Deco patterns & colours

Bringing in unexpected colour combinations to a Gatsby-inspired invitation, gives it a slightly more contemporary feel.  I have uploaded a few Deco patterns on my Pinterest board,  Trend: Great Gatsby

3. Metallic razzle-dazzle

For a truly Gatsby-glam look, add gold detail - either gold foiling or dip the tip of a feather in gold glitter.  Rose gold is a stunning on trend alternative to gold and leans itself to numerous fresh colour combinations.  If you want to create something truly luxurious, have gold paper lasercut in an Art deco pattern and line your envelopes with gold tissue paper.

 

Glam Table Seating Idea

 

I'm always a sucker for something new and trying out something different.  This would work well for any glamorous event especially something with a 1920's bling theme.  It is really easy to make too.

 

You'll need:

Big gold sequence, A wooden press hanger and Double sided tape.

So easy...  just follow the steps below.

 

 

 

 

 

credit and for more information:  www.akissofcolour.com