We take a glimpse into the life of Joburg based fashion trends guru Sarah Blanckenberg. We just love Sarah's blog, creative, informative and always on trend.

Tell us about your work?

Don’t hate me but I have that dream job all girls want.  I speak trends all day, present the next season’s fashion to customers and travel to fuel my inspiration and knowledge of trends.  Sounds average right? :)  

What do you love most about it?

The travelling.  It is such a privilege and no matter how exhausting it is, I will never grow tired of it.  There is nothing better then stepping into new cities and soaking up what the girls are wearing on the streets and what the fashion attitude is in different places.  I am also so lucky to work with an amazing team.  Something I will never take for granted.  They make every day a pleasure! 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Happiness 

What attracts you to a person?

The sparkle in their eyes.  My dad always says you can tell a lot about a person by the sparkle in their eyes.  Sounds corny but it’s true. 

What’s your best quality?

My eccentricity.   Or perhaps it’s my worst! 

How would you describe your dressing  style?

Individualistic.  Since I was little my mum taught me the value of dressing up.  I think if you know confidently what you like, the rest is simple.  Know first who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.  I still make a lot of my clothes and am a sucker for vintage pieces.  So really anything goes.  I’m not a jeans and tee girl though. 

Favourite accessory for this season?

Oooo anything with a bit of colour!  I am loving popping a coloured garment with a contrasting coloured accessory. 

Do you always follow fashion trends?

Yes and no.  I am always aware of them and influenced by them but I don’t really stick to the rules.  Sometimes I think I leave my digsmates with raised eyebrows when I leave the house!  I have an originality policy though.  I hate being in something everyone’s got.  Brat right!?  

Favourite colour?

Do I have to choose? 

Mini or maxi?

Mini.  I’m all of 5 ft 3 so maxis tend to wear me rather than the reverse 

Platforms or pumps?

Platforms.  5 ft 3 like I said.  I’m loving colour-blocked platforms right now.  That being said, I’m pretty happy barefoot – I’m a Durban girl at heart.

Are there any designers you are influenced by?

Of course!  Till the day I die I will love Elie Saab.  He just gets femininity right every time.  I will continue to pursue the grunge look but I inevitably end up leaning towards pretty items.  But I love a wide range of designers, the biggies and obvious ones: Vuitton, Stella, Derek Lam.  I love Matthew Williamson and Kane’s use of colour and prints and I find Jason Wu just gets better and better every season.  I’m also loving what the Olsen girls are doing with The Row.  Really fresh. 

Who is your favourite local fashion designer?

Terrence Bray.  I will always be a fan. 

Celebrity that has the most fashion sense?

Alexa Chung.  I want her wardrobe! 

Favourite destination?

Plettenberg Bay.  It’s my home away from home and a place where I am truly restful. 

What can’t you do without?

A decent cappuccino in the morning 

Best in Joburg for:

Freezochino: Vida e cafe

Shoes: Zara

Bags: Second hand winners at Arts on Main

Dinner: I love the salmon at Bottega Veneta. I really try not to order it every time, poor success rate though! 

What’s in your bag?

Do you really want to know?  My boyfriend will tell you the entire Southern Hemisphere. 

If you had to choose laptop or phone?

Ipad! 

Sweet or savoury?

Sweet can’t you tell? :)

View Sarah's page on neofundi