HOW TO PLAN FOR A KICK-ASS PARTY

Parties! We love making them, crashing them and showing up at them. But we’re not so sure how we feel about throwing them… there’s a long list of boxes to tick to make sure it’s as kick ass as you are… that’s a lot of pressure. But don’t stress, we’ve called in reinforcements. We got the best in the business to give us some top tips.

And because it’s one of South Africa’s biggest parties happening right here in Durban this weekend, we thought we’d challenge them to tell us how to incorporate the theme: Stars of Africa.

MEET THE EXPERTS 

CALEY ROSENBERG, PARTY PLANNING EXTRAORDINAIRE

@cjrosenberg

A few years back, we decided we would host our very own VDJ party at our home, and make it an annual thing, inviting our closest friends, getting dressed to the theme and enjoy our own #RacesattheRosies.

The key to a successful party at home, is toBring The Fun!  It’s important to keep guests entertained and we do that by adding a bit of  “something extra” to the party mix. One year we hired a juke box for our music, another year we laughed our way through a silent disco and last year, we dressed up and giggled in front of a sequin photo booth. We don’t have many opportunities to dress up to the nines these days anymore, so an annual VDJ party is a great excuse, and it’s all part of the planning and just as important as orderig food and sorting the bar and décor. So don’t’ forget to book hair and nail appointments and get something special made for your show stopper outfits, and of course, getting yourself a fancy pair of shoes that make you feel like the hostess with the most… you totally got this!

 

KIM MATHIEU – MAKE-UP MAGICIAN

@kim_mathieu

I love this theme… and I would personally go with a sparkling of glitter. There are some amazing glitter eye shadows on the market at the moment that will really help your eyes pop and dazzle. And just a little sparkle goes a very long way.

To keep your look lasting all day and all night long, my go-to is a good primer paired with a  setting spray. I’m loving Mac’s Prep & Prime range and personally use the Natural Radiance Base Lumiere and the Fix +. Don’t forget to keep your lipstick close by for hourly touch ups, especially if it’s a bold lip. Which is should be! 

BIANCA WARREN, FABULOUS-IN-FASHION
@biancawarrensa

I love this year’s theme. For me it’s taking the theme and incorporating key classy elements. A Day at the Races is a chance for Durbanites to dress up, which doesn’t happen often for us. And most importantly… to have fun doing it!

This year I have personally incorporated beautiful metallic fabrics, bringing in the stars element and a touch of animal print on a timeless little black number is, in my opinion, total class. It’s all about not taking the theme too literally. Your leopard print jacket doesn’t need to match your leopard print bag and heels. Deep dark tulle colours are very on-trend and the sheerness is sexy too, for that red carpet moment. Just a touch of stardom. 

While comfort definitely is a factor… it’s a tough one to choose over the ultimate stylish outfit. There’s a limit … risking the typically cold Durban July weather for a beautiful dress. You’ll need a jacket for your outfit later on in the day, and I’d also choose a solid block heel for comfort if you’re going to be on my feet all day.

STACY SHEA, HAIR STYLING QUEEN

@crop_hair

The Durban July day is a day to glam it up in all forms of the word.
With your hair being your main accessory for the day, your hairstyle needs to complement and enhance your glamorous outfit.The days of upstyles are long gone and the latest trends are hair down but vamped up. Curls and waves are a strong trend where we add more hair in the form of clip-in extensions. More is more ! 

It’s a long day to be looking good, so make sure you use volumising products to prep the hair and the correct tools to tong & set it.A good dry shampoo on the roots helps the volume last all evening and a hairspray for the mid-lengths to ends will hold the movement. If you feel your style has collapsed after a few hours, make a quick adjustment into a glam ponytail. For this look you need to create a high pony based in the crown of your head. Loosen some pieces around your hair line and create a small poof or bubble to give it that glam edge but not too scraped back. 
If your night really gets carried away and you find yourself on the dance floor and working up a sweat you can always wind your ponytail into a top knot.

To bring the Stars of Africa theme to life, use typical African hair trends. Think braids, cornrows, beads of headbands. These can easily spruce up your look without altering your style too much. Or if you just want to sparkle like a shining star you can usef hair glitter spray instead of hair spray for an all-night shine.