My inner Durbanite is shouting “I told you so” at every opportunity it gets. My hometown has seen temperatures soaring into soul-warming thirties this week. Meanwhile, Cape Town Robyn is wearing three pairs of socks and two jerseys, all while watching the cold front drown my lawn.
I just can’t seem to warm up, writes Cape {town} Etc’s, Robyn Simpson. I admit I’ve even been using my cat for selfish reasons – she makes for a fabulous, chubby hot-water bottle. Now, I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I always struggle to find an incredible, warm jersey that’s also stylish.
Turns out I’ve been looking in all the wrong places. As always, local is the most lekker. There is a bounty of rad local brands that are delivering the heat in the trendiest ways. Here are just a handful of garments that I can’t wait to get warm in.
Studio Candor
Where slow fashion meets sustainability meets ethics meets style. Studio Candor embodies all that it means to do beautiful business, all while making beautiful garments. The brand believes in the importance of accountability and asking the all-important question: where do our clothes come from?
Everything about Studio Candor is personal – from the team of women employed and empowered, to the emphasis on up-cycling and sustainability. This is conscious fashion at it’s finest, and I want to robe myself in all its glory.
Find your fit online, where I came across the disco jersey of my dreams.
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Rosey & Vitorri
Made in Maitland, this brand was established in 2013 with the vision to develop modern high-street fashion designed and manufactured in South Africa. The homegrown apparel house works to create everyday urban classics, accented with a sense of the high street. Streetwear inspired by the South African lifestyle and diversified by the street culture of the world.
Purchase your poison at We Are Egg, The Lobby, or online.
If you ever catch me in this gorgeous unisex number, know that I’m a happy camper.
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Float Apparel
Created in early 2016, the name “Float” was agreed upon on the basis that both partners did not want to be labelled or categorised. This attitude, to float between the stereotypical societal labels, allows for individuals to balance their interests, surrounding themselves with different people, being forever intrigued and constantly fascinated.
The Float mission is to merge style and functionality into a lifestyle that transcends the norm, and I for one, am ready to get lost.
Find your float at the studio in Woodstock, The Watershed, The Strangers Club, The Old Biscuit Mill, The House Planner, or online.
The brand has just released a new collection which I stumbled upon at the V&A Watershed (after buying a sick raincoat from the boy’s section – classic Robyn rule breaker). I’m on a mission to get my hands on their baby blue sweatshirt with the sickest branding.
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Cosi Wear
Cosi is a female-founded company based in Cape Town, focusing on fully supporting our local industry, empowering black and coloured women of South Africa. The collection comes in a variety of items and colours, made to match or mix and match – a unisex lifestyle brand designed for effortless style, comfort and versatility.
Get Cosi at We Are Egg or online.
Blue, green and everything in between. My personal faves have to be the olive set and the classic grey.
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Burnt Studios
Don’t just get warm, get Burnt Studios. Athleisure is a trend that I’m here for every day of the week. The Oslo set has me sweating just looking at it – simply gorgeous, classy, comfortable. Locally crafted from deluxe cotton, designed with you in mind – meet your ultimate chill-out attire. Or, dress up for a stylish fashion-forward look.
Every girl needs a little black sweatshirt, and the high-neck classic is definitely on my wish list (along with every sports bra they have created). As for the Mykonos chill set? Cream has never been so whipped.
Act fast and hot by ordering your goodies online.
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Muse the Brand
Muse goes out of their way to support fair trade, sustainable practices as well as locally manufactured and sourced materials. All garments are handmade with love by their in-house seamstress. They strongly believe in slow fashion and less over-production. As most of their garments are made to order, you are directly lessening the impact that over-production has on the environment – sustainability has never been this sexy.
I’ve had my eye on the Camilla Wrap Dress for a minute – springtime, I’m coming for you. Googling over the summery dresses led me to the warmth of the brand’s latest winter launch and I can’t wait to get in line for a bright pink tracksuit set. Paired with the cutest seed bead rings and I’m in rainbow heaven.
Get your goods from the comfort and safety of your own home by ordering online.
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Pretty Casual
This sweater crew truly embodies all that it means to support local. From design to print to stitch, “local is lekker” is what the business lives by. Their vibrant, colourful creations are inspired by 90’s fashion, coupled with an emphasis on mother nature. I mean, could it get any groovier?
If a baby blue Turtle Golfer doesn’t get you excited, I’m not quite sure what will. Really, I’m a little obsessed.
Get your gear online.
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Now, more than ever, it’s so important to support our local legends – whether they be in clothing, restaurant, or fitness industries. Feel good, look good, and do good by getting warm in one of these locally crafted, extra stunning garments. Most of them are unisex, all of them have a strong business ethos, and all are worth every penny.
Happy shopping, Cape {town} Etc Family!
#RobynintheHood
Insta: @Robyn.inthe.Hood
Twitter: @Robynhoodcpt
Picture: @hanajayne_ via @float_apparel