FASHION: Velvet Crush

A firm favourite on the red carpet and on every runway; velvet is having a moment this winter. I did have a flashback to wearing my velvet jacket and Dr. Martens back in the day, but if you pair velvet with modern, luxe pieces you can avoid the full-on Morticia Addams goth look this season (BTW it's a trend that continues through spring and summer so if you haven't got an old velvet piece lurking in the back of your cupboard definitely invest in some new items because you know it's going to be good for another season or two). There are however a few rules and tips when introducing velvet into your wardrobe:

1 Velvet doesn't have to be restricted to night time. Paired with a crisp white shirt and boyfriend jeans is a cool way to wearing a velvet blazer during the day. Victoria Beckham nails this trend with a pleated mint velvet skirt, white shirt and heels:

2 Mix up textures to make your outfit interesting. Chiffon, wool and silk all work well with velvet.

3 If velvet seems too overbearing, introduce it on a small-scale with accessories: clutches, backpacks, scarves, chokers and even velvet baseball caps.

4 Velvet pants can give off that just-popped-out-of-the-house-in-my-PJs-to-get-some-milk look, so pair them with sneakers to keep your outfit looking relevant!

5 Velvet is a rich fabric with a shine to it already, so keep the rest of your outfit free from sparkle. A velvet coat thrown over a skirt or dress completes an outfit to take you from office to drinks - just add a dash of lipstick and voila!

Cathi Trevor wearing a velvet blazer by HABITS

I'm wearing a gorgeous velvet blazer by HABITS with a white shirt and boyfriend jeans

I love these outfits:

Preggie Blake Lively looking gorgeous in a golden Valentino dress at Cannes Film Festival

Keira Knightley wearing a Valentino Couture gown at the opening of Sofia Coppola's debut opera la Traviate in Rome.

Kendall Jenner looking rather hot in her gold dress//jacket and boots.

Cara Delevigne in a cool and sexy Balmain jumpsuit.

Alexa Chung rocking an animal print velvet suit by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli.

Eleanor Tomlinson, the Poldark star, wears a burgundy jumpsuit by Ong-Oaj Pairan.

Have you noticed a lot of velour currently in store? I call this fabric the 'little sister' of velvet; a lighter more fluid fabric which allows for more movement and is actually way easier to wear. Did you know that velour started as carseat coverings? Fancy, huh! Choose velour if you want the rich look of velvet without the cost.

Paired with sneakers, a white Tee and a bomber jacket would look good with these grey joggers

Relaxed jogger by H&M R320

Keep accessories to a minimum as they'll get lost among the detail of this dress

Tribal Gysey Dress by Woolworths R899

A midi skirt paired with boots looks modern and street savvy.

Daily Friday @ Superbalist R349

For a modern feel wear your quilted velvet clutch across your body OR belted around your middle for a different version of the surprisingly-back-in-style moonbag!

Cross over clutch Woolworths R250