Umswenko: Celebrating Spring Boho-Chic

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”- Coco Chanel 

Boho-Chic is back for Spring 2015. The style is inspired by Bohemianism and the Hippie movement that took charge in late 60’s and early 70’s. It brings out the flavour of the 60’s and 70’s unconventional ‘artiste’ lifestyle.

The style is infused with bell sleeves, embroidered detailing, fringe, all shades of brown, tunics and wooden jewellery.

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Lubabalo Qoboshiyana, left, is wearing a cut-out sleeve tunic patterned dress and black strap sandals. She has complemented her outfit with a trendy classic washed out denim jacket and a brown fringe statement bag. Qoboshiyana says spring is her favourite season, “I love colour and I try to infuse that with my love for vintage style”. She completed her outfit with big curls and cat-eye glasses to bring out the chic.

 

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Sampa Nakamba, rightis rocking the chic flower-crown trend and a floral print skater skirt. “I just threw it on. I buy my clothes at the thrift shop and sometimes I get them made like this skirt.”

 

Umswenko: Celebrating Parisian chic

By Litaletu Zidepa and Queenin Masuabi 

“Elegance is elimination.” – Cristóbal Balenciaga

Parisian Chic style or “chic Parisiennes” originated in France, a wardrobe filled with not-so-basic statement pieces, perfectly tailored blazers and classic coloured crisp pants is the way forward for this style. The style encompasses very simple but polished combinations, elegantly down-to-earth neutrals tailored with stripes or statement patterns. This style is not about fitting into clothes, it is about the clothes fitting you.

Same Mdluli: PhD History of Art

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Art historian Same Mdluli is wearing a crisp white shirt, complemented with classic timeless pearl necklace and a black Barret, a statement piece for the outfit. She describes her style as ‘Parisian classic’.  Mdluli added a beige pressed straight leg pants with brown brogues. Her statement piece for this outfit is her structured brown bag, a complement for her stylish chic brogues.

Umswenko: Vintage Wear

“Fashion changes, but style endures” –  Coco Chanel

Vintage clothing is one of the most popular trends in Braamfontein. This look is bold and is definitely not for the not for the faint-hearted because it involves taking fashion risks.

Mary Scholes

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Mary is wearing a classic shirt and high waist black pants. She pairs her look with black court shoes and adds colour to her look with a red leather jacket which she bought in Namibia. She loves the jacket because it is “soft and feels good on the skin”.

She describes her style as “old-fashioned but smart”. This look suits the Wits director of postgraduate studies as it keeps a good balance of power and femininity.

 

Joshua Heim

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Joshua is wearing a white shirt and blue, fitted blazer. He pairs this with skinny jeans which flatter his tall stature. His brown formal shoes and spectacles give him a classic look. This gamer describes his style as “stylish, free and earthy”. This look will definitely be a hit with the ladies this Women’s Month.

Umswenko: Celebrating women in fashion

by Queenin Masuabi and Litaletu Zidepa

This week we are celebrating women and how they express themselves through their different styles. Women like pop star Rihanna, television personality Bonang Matheba and former ELLE magazine editor Jackie Burger have continued to influence for young women.

“Give a girl shoes and she can conquer the world”- Marilyn Monroe

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Nandipha Patience Mangisana

Nandipha is wearing a black crop top, leggings and a kimono to keep her warm from the nippy Autumn breeze. Her main accessory is her black hat which has been a popular trend for both men and women. To add some colour she is wearing red and black platform shoes.

She explains her style as “sexy with a click of vintage”. When asked about going bra-less, she says that she is “embracing her nipples”

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Takalani Mawela

Takalani is sporting a grey woollen dress paired with a black corduroy jacket. Her olive Nike Roshe sneakers compliment her colourful socks perfectly. She accessorises with a light brown scarf and a yellow bag. Although purple braids are in trend, in her case it was simply an honest mistake (she bought the wrong colour).

This second-year BA student describes her style as “street, punky and easy-going.”

Umswenko: Vuvu Style Diaries

By: Litaletu Zidepa and Queenin Masuabi 

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself”- Oscar de la Renta

The Style Diaries is about spotting the latest trends on campus. It is dedicated to students who are fashionable, trendy and daring. Each week #TeamVuvu will feature students who define style.  

HEAD WRAPED: Fourth- year LLB student Lebo Shikwambani, sporting a vibrant head wrap to complete her 'all black' ensamble.

HEAD WRAPED: Fourth-year LLB student Lebo Shikwambani, sporting a vibrant head wrap to complete her ‘all black’ ensemble. Photo: Queenin Masuabi

Lebo is sporting the ‘all black’ trend, this is complemented with a denim waistcoat and black Chelsea boots. She tops it off with an Afro-centric turban, adding colour to the outfit. “Sometimes it’s political, and sometimes it’s cultural relativism. I chose the turban because I love statement pieces and piecing items together.” she said.

VINTAGE: First-year Chiraag Kathwaroo is wearing a vintage jersey, which he sported with the trendy 'man bun' and retro steampunk inspired thick plastic round sunglasses. Photo: Queenin Masuabi

VINTAGE: First-year student, Chiraag Kathwaroo is wearing a vintage jersey,  sported with the trendy ‘man bun’ and retro steampunk inspired thick plastic round sunglasses. Photo: Queenin Masuabi

First-year Actuarial Science student, Chiraag Kathwaroo, is wearing an oversized jersey, faded blue jeans and denim sneakers. He is sporting the trendy ‘man bun’ to complete his outfit. “Everyone goes to Cotton On and Top Shop to buy these jerseys and all end up looking the same. I literally just stole my dad’s clothes from the 80’s and the 90’s, and that’s where I get my fashion inspiration from.”

For more fashionistas, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: WitsVuvuzela. 

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