Follow the renovations on Facebook

Curious to see what we've planned for our new address?  Follow our home and studio renovations on Facebook.  Loving the renovation process and have met some really amazing creative and clever people.  I have started a Facebook page dedicated to my experience with loads of interior décor tips, DIY ideas and much more!  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Louis-Elsje/525443030886944

A brilliant and bright new year to you!

Wishing all my loyal and fab followers a bright new year!! 

Sorry for being so quiet. One might think I’m just sitting around here twiddling my thumbs with absolutely not a project in sight, not the case! We are busy renovating our dream home in Stellenbosch and hoping to move in a few weeks.  I might publish a few home renovation tips and tricks - so just bear with me...  Good things in store for the new year!

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)