Shoes to die for

Ever noticed how unbelievably hard it is to look chic when it’s freezing outside? Last night I resisted the temptation to bundle up in an unflattering tracksuit and threw on a blazer and scarf to attend The Shoe Affair at the Edgars in Melrose Arch. A for effort.

As it happened, I needn’t have worried about the cold as the massive flagship store was hub of excitement and energy that warmed up the place faster than an incinerator. Why? Because all of the fashionable people came out to celebrate international shoe brands like bebe, Nina Roche, Aldo, Badgley Mischka and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani to name a few, becoming available at that Edgars.
Sure, a pair of some of the adored shoes costs about as much as my rent, which is where an Edgars card comes in handy. (I’ve resisted thus far but eyeing out a pair of shearling-trimmed ankle boots from Gwen’s line has me reconsidering).

Edgars has however sweetened the deal for those customers who purchase shoes from the designer labels in the form of giveaways and vouchers as well as luxury foot treatments from the likes of Molton Brown, Crabtree & Evelyn, Clarins and more over the next five weeks.
What I loved, even more than the shoes (may Carrie Bradshaw strike me down), were the dramatic photos taken by 10 local photographers who worked with stylists to illustrate the concept of a shoe affair. This is the part where I boast that many of the talented snappers have shot for CLEO and deserve a shout out. Congrats to Pieter Vosloo, Warren van Rensburg, Fiona Royds and Ross Garrett for capturing some of the beautiful images that were auctioned off last night to benefit the SOS Children’s Villages.

Many of the guests also donated their ‘pre-owned’ heels to Jo-Ann Strauss’s The Princess Project which helps girls who can’t afford to drop loads of cash on their Matric dance outfits, feel like Cinderella for a night. The collection point lingers on so be sure to drop off any evening shoes you no longer wear. I think that’s what they call fashion with feeling …

Hello Cape Town, gimme some sugar

This time last week I was enjoying the surprisingly warm Cape Town weather, wearing far too many layers and feeling incredibly insecure about reeking of Jo’burg. Nevertheless, I embraced the fact that I was out of the office and getting to spend time with colleagues I’ve only spoken to over the phone. There to do ‘business’, I soon realised the flaw in my plan.

Friday meetings are always touch and go, even more so in Cape Town when the sun is shining. With one no show and one cancellation I still made two meetings, one of which was at a hip bistro in town called Hemelhuijs (meaning ‘house of joy’ in Dutch).

Despite the black walls, the small space was light and airy thanks to lots of glass and clever lighting. The brainchild of ‘food artist’ Jacques Erasmus, it manages to be cosy and cool at the same time. Even the reindeer mounted on the wall seemed happy to be there. Lunch was potato wedges and slow cooked lamb pie with coriander yoghurt served in a bowl – tricky to eat but delicious all the same. Then jasmine tea, served in a charcoal tea pot, designed by Jacques himself and on sale for a small fortune as part of his crockery collection.

If you haven’t already, book yourself a table on 021 418 2042 or find Hemelhuijs at 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town.

Later that afternoon I was dropped at the Protea Fire & Ice! Hotel and given the keys to the executive suite. Bigger than my flat, it had an open plan kitchenette/dining room/lounge with stairs leading up to the bedroom a.k.a. my idea of heaven. A large inviting bed faced a flat screen TV with a spacious shower off to the left which, I later learnt had a great view of the television so the only time I missed a moment of the several flicks I watched on the M-Net Movie channels was when I got shampoo in my eyes.

Figuring I should be at least pretend to be social, I got dressed, dried my hair and dug around my bag for a smack of lipgloss and bravely made my way to the hotel bar for one of their famous milkshakes. Sitting alone with the newspaper I ordered the peppermint crisp variety and pretended to be foreign and worldly. The slurping probably gave me away but the shake was so delicious I didn’t care.

Check in at the corner of New Church & Victoria Street, Tamboerskloof or call them at 021 488 2555.

Saturday I stumbled across what has to be my new favourite store The Wellness Warehouse on Kloof Street. It’s probably a good thing they don’t have any branches in Jozi because two hours later I was still there, filling my basket with all kinds of detoxing teas, eco-friendly kitchen wipes, essential oils and incense. They sell everything from natural and organic beauty products and candles to wheat free food stuffs and vegan dog treats. They also house the WellCafè where you can order all kinds of healthy treats.

Check out Wellnesswarehouse.com to get a better idea of what I’m going on about.

 

After spending the rest of the day at the V&A Waterfront it was time to investigate the Bombay Bicycle Club – the restaurant, not the band. It sits at the top of Kloof Street and is hard to miss. A big twinking ‘SKLOLLYWOOD’ sign adorns the roof while a colourful little caravan sits outside, selling mad accessories and props. The offspring of Madam Zingara, the restaurant appears to be an old house with kooky kitsch décor that immediately made my heart burst with happiness. After the charming hostess Jo, who came with a British accent, angel wings and long furry tail, led us to a table upstairs, our waitress – a beautiful girl with translucent skin and a red pout named Amy, suddenly appeared and the rest if the evening followed in similarly magical vein. We dined on Kataifi Prawns served with an apricot sweet chili dressing, beef fillet medallions drenched in a rich chili chocolate sauce and a decadent Malva pudding. Afterwards Jo conjured up two flutes of Patrón − the perfect end to a perfect evening.

Check out TheBombay.co.za , call them on 021 423 6805 or pop by 158 Kloof Street, Gardens.

 
Thanks for having me Cape Town. Let’s do it again sometime.
xoxo