Style on the Set: Gossip Girl

Star: Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf and Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen

In an upcoming episode of Gossip Girl, we will see frenemies B and S out and about in New York looking as stylish and elegant as ever.

Head of wardrobe Eric Daman has done a very good job this season.

Both Serena's and Blair's outfits reflect their characters very well.

Here, we have Leighton Meester dressed in a Diane von Furstenberg Sophie Loren dress, paired with a sea blue cardigan, a string of pearls and red stockings.

Very Jackie O.

Blake, on the other hand, is wearing a blue Jay Godfried maxi dress.

Quite Aphrodite-like. Very Serena.

Blair: 8/10

Serena: 8/10

Rock on.

Trend: Hyper-Heels

Collection: Fall 2009 RTW
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After going through some 80 collections for Fall 2009 RTW, I must say that there were a number of designers who came out with fantastic shoes.
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One trend that was very common in footwear was extremely exaggerated heels.
The type that no one besides Victoria Beckham can walk in (alright, I could, too).
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Amongst the best were; Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Fendi, John Galliano and YvesSaintLaurent.
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My favourite pair by far would, naturally, be the John Galliano's. They're just so ridiculously fabulous, they make me want to cry.
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If I wore those somewhere, I would a) be as tall as Naomi Campbell, b) look totally badass, and c) probably break both ankles, but I wouldn't care.

When it comes to practicality, I'm sure any of the others would be quite adequate.

Though the ones that were on display at Donna Karan aren't exactly hyper-heels, I still imagine them to be quite high.
I love how they look a little Gladiator-esque.

YSL had a very interesting shape - one that I would totally buy into, while Fendi had a more classic take on hyper-heels; ankle boots with HUGE heels.
LOVES IT.

Last, but certainly not least, we have those of Dolce & Gabbana.
Those that really remind me of Little Mermaid. Kind of looks under the sea-ish, with the pearl in the middle and the oyster looking sides, eh?
Genius.

I just can't believe these heels. SERIOUSLY.
They're all just way too amazing for me to handle.
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Dolce & Gabbana: 9.5/10
Donna Karan: 8.5/10
Fendi: 9/10
John Galliano: 11/10
YSL: 10/10


Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 4: Keira Knightley

Fashion Sense: Edgy English Rose

Even though Keira is a young celeb in Hollywood, she most certainly hasn't followed the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie - in partying or in her sense of style.

This particular Brit has translated her roots in to some elegant and quirky ensembles, both on and off the Red Carpet.

From cute cocktail dresses, to tuxedo suits, to casual frocks, Keira pretty much did it all.

Here are some of my favourite looks from her of the past year:

Chanel

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Keira wore this white Chanel jumpsuit to Edge of Love's premiere in Edunburgh.

Paired with a black sequined jacket, I just have to say: bravo.

It's utterly fantastic. Beyond fantastic. Just brilliant, really.

Keira is one of those rare starlets who is able to pull off a more masculine-look, and still be glamorous.

I love it.

Erdem

This pleated Erdem dress is très adorable et très chic.

The shade of purple is lovely on Keira.

I especially adore how low the dress is, so it looks like it's just about to slip off her boobs, but not quite.

Again, Keira makes it look slightly dishevelled and not typically sexy.

It's as if she's trying to say "I'm an actress and while I refuse to live up to the standards of Hollywierd, I still want to look good when I show you the finger."

How very Parisian of her.

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3.1 Phillip Lim

Arriving at The Late Show with David Letterman in a navy 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, paired with a matching sweater, Keira looks the epitome of classy-cool.

The reason why I love this look is because it's so downtown New York. It's like something you'd expect a smart and hip exchange student would wear to some old book store.

Very understated, but still sexy.

Rock on.

Awards: 81st Annual Academy Awards

Look: Jewelled Elegance

Ah, what a night.

I was slightly disappointed that no one showed up with very big or daring gowns - mostly everything was kept to simplistic sophistication.

Nevertheless, there were plenty of glamorous actresses looking fantastic and beautiful in their Oscar gowns, most notably; Freida Pinto channelling Bollywood glamour in her cobalt one-shoulder John Galliano, Natalie Portman looking lovely in lilac Rodarte, Vanessa Hudgens in strapless tulle Marchesa, Jessica Biel stunning in white satin Prada, and Jennifer Aniston goddess-like in sequined Valentino Haute Couture.

Yet, as at all Red Carpet events, there were the stars that stood up amongst the rest.

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Here are the Top Five Red Carpet Looks from the Academy Awards:

5: Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab

Angie has a way of always looking incredibly statuesque on the Red Carpet, and this strapless Elie Saab really helped her look radiant.
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The gown in itself is very simple, but still manages to look better than most.

The draping adds a nice effect too.

And look! You can see a hint of leg underneath the sheer fabric.

Uh-la-la, sexy!

4: Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain Couture

Please note, that this dress is like, more than 60 years old. VERY vintage.

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But it's still fantastic.

The sequins are beautiful.

I really don't know what else I have to say about this fantastic dress. It's very Grace Kelly, I think. Totally 'Old Hollywood', if you ask me, and that's just beyond brilliant.

Love it!

3: Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior Haute Couture

This is the only lady who dares to take the Red Carpet fashionising to the next level.

Last year, she wore a (fantastic) mermaid gown.

This year, she wore a type of gothic ballerina dress.

I must say, I applaude this. French women really do have a way with choosing ensembles.

There something very unique about it.

Honestly, the only daring gown at the Oscars this year!

2: Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott

If there's one thing that Nicole Kidman always manages to do, it would be looking flawless at the Oscars.

This feathered white strapless L'Wren Scott gown accentuates Nicole's fair skin and slender physique beautifully.

I especially love all the detailing on the bodice.

1: Anne Hathway in Armani Privé

Bless her fashion-minded heart.
Anne has been spotted wearing Armani Privé to more than one event this awards season, and with good reason!

This ivory pailette covered gown reminds me a little bit of Marion Cotillard's mermaid dress, but this is slightly more glamorous because of all the sparkles.

It's just.. Ah.
That's it, it's just AH!

Rock on.

Awards: What I Would Wear to the Oscars

Event: The Academy Awards

So, the Oscars are on tonight and I, for one, am totally psyched to see which designer's creations come strolling down the Red Carpet.

I'll admit; I'm a bit of a dreamer. So I was wondering, what would I wear if I was going to the Oscars?

Well, here are the Top Five looks:

5: Monique Lhuillier

This gown from Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2009 RTW collection is fantastic. In fact, most of the collection itself was fantastic - but this one was my favourite.

It's so classy and elegant, but still in a kind of glam rock way.

The sleeves are kind of ripped, so that makes the gown look totally badass, and the slits on the side reveal just a hint of skin, making it totally sexy.

I would wear this with a sleek ponytail, minimal make-up, no jewelry, and last season's Rodarte spike-heels.

4: Oscar de la Renta

Purple is probably the only non-Earth-tone colour I would be willing to wear down the Red Carpet.

But not just any purple gown. Specifically this Oscar de la Renta Fall 2009 RTW gown.

I generally wouldn't be very excited about a one-shoulder gown, but this one pulls it off very well with its draping.

I'm not entirely sure what the gown would look like without the belt, but I think it adds a nice touch.

The structure is brilliant and very flattering, and the colour is very BOOM! in-your-face.. But in a classy kind of way.

I would wear this with my usual bed-head hair, a tad of a smokey eye and neutral lip, no jewelry and black peep-toe pumps.

3: Armani Privé

I'm just completely in awe of this Armani Privé Spring 2009 Couture gown. It was made to go down the Red Carpet.

It's fabulous, because it's kind of just like a LBD, but then it has all this marvelous detail everywhere.. Ah, I love it.

It's slightly Victorian Goth-looking, which is genius, with a slight Morticia Addams feel, which is even more so genius.

I would wear this with straightened hair, dark red lip, maybe a Victorian-ish ring and black bitch-heels.

2: Marchesa

What can I say? I'm a sucker for structure.

I realize that this dress might put me on E!'s Worst Dressed List, but I am very confident that I would be on Vogue's Best Dressed List - which is what I would be aiming for.

I always find it more interesting when celebs wear something a little more high fashion, rather than a boring "pretty" gown.

This Marchesa Fall 2009 RTW would make me look like I was at the centre of some huge origami art piece, but that's what's so brilliant.

I would wear this with a messy ponytail, minimal make-up, no jewelry (I find gowns should generally speak for themselves, non?) and simple black heels.

1: Marchesa

My dear Marchesa.. You are who I would go to for Red Carpet glamour.

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I can't really explain why I love this one the most.

Maybe it's because the shape is totally non-Marilyn (which is what celebs usually try to pull off at the Oscars).

Maybe it's because it has a huge satin bow.

Maybe it's because it looks like the night sky - navy and glittery.

Whatever the reason may be, I can totally picture myself walking down the Red Carpet in this gown, looking slightly hungover, and like I had just left a party and arrived at this one.

My look would say: 'Wow, all of you guys put so much effort in to looking so good.. I just threw this on and I look better than you anyway..'

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I would wear this with über messy hair, neutral lip and slightly rocker-ish eye, no jewelry and beneath the hem.. I would wear Doc Martens, and no one would even know.

Rock on.

Celeb: Sienna Miller

Event: Out and About in London

Isn't this what I've been wearing lately?

Anyway, Sienna was spotted in London wearing a totally awesome (hopefully faux) fur coat, black skirt and black booties.

Accessories included a totally awesome hat, as well as the Marc Jacobs 'Robert Jennifer' bag.

I'm kinda thinking the outfit would look a little better if her jacket was open, but hey, maybe it was cold.

P.S. I pretty much wore this look like a month ago.

7.5/10

Rock on.

Celebs: Mary-Kate and Nicole

Event: Proenza Schouler Fall 2009 RTW

Super stylish duo M-K Olsen and NicRic were seated front row at Proenza Schouler's Fall 2009 RTW show in New York.

Both were looking exceptionally classy.

M-K donned a turquoise slip dress (by the designer), with a white blazer and black booties.

Very cute.

NicRic, on the other hand, wore a red double breasted coat by Sonia Rykiel with black stockings and black YSL platform pumps.

Kind of Blair Waldorfy. Very nice.

M-K: 8/10

NicRic: 7.5/10

Rock on.

Celeb: Mischa Barton

Event: Chilling in Century City

Mischa's at it again, taking the hippie trend and making it look fantastic.

She paired a little white frock with brown tights and suede Jimmy Choo 'Sylvia' shoe boots.

I love this look. I think it's something brilliant for the upcoming spring.

I especially like how effortless and understated it is.

She is definetely fast becoming one of my favourites.

8.5/10

Rock on.

Trend: Eccentric Heels

Designers: Christian Dior, Elie Saab, and Valentino Spring 2009 Couture

When it comes to Couture collections and heels, the crazier - the better.

At Christian Dior, there were suede platform sandals with intrcately designed heels.

These yellow ones are fantastic.

I could totally wear these to a party. I don't care how much my feet would hurt. It'd be well worth it!

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At Elie Saab, we saw nude platforms with a heel so high, it could take most of us face-to-face with the models.

Mischa Barton has already been spotted wearing these gorgeous shoes, and I have no doubt they'll be everywhere soon.

Valentino, on the other hand, went back to good old fashion pumps.

This time though, they were encrusted with turquoise rhinestones - totally Dorothy in Wizard of Oz.

I get a kind of 50's feel from these pumps, which could be because of the slightly smaller heel.

But they're still fantastic.

Dior: 9/10

Elie Saab: 10/10

Valentino: 9/10

Rock on.

Icons: Gemma Ward and Lily Donaldson

Reason: They Made Modeling Look Cool Again

There was a brief time during the late '90s when modeling began to lose it's "cool" look.

Sure, there was Kate Moss who revolutionalized modeling at the time with Heroin Chic, but this was after that.

Not since Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, has there been a certain "In-Crowd" when it came to models - until a few years ago, when a new wave of SuperModels came out. They were grouped because of their similar baby doll-like features.

The model who started this, was none other than Aussie beauty Gemma Ward.

Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler told Teen Vogue in February 2006 that, "She looked like no one else at the time. She was this alien, and fashion is always looking for newness."

Following Gemma, there was Vlada Roslyakova, Heather Marks, Lily Cole, Lisa Cant, Jessica Stam and, of course, Lily Donaldson.

Here they are (and apparently they're good friends) backstage at Luella Spring 2007 RTW.

Rock on.

One Hit Wonder: Jean Paul Gaultier

Event: Spring 2009 Couture

Jean Paul Gaultier is generally quite interesting to look at.

However, this Spring's Couture collection was just okay - it was very sharp and sophisticated, but not quite my style.

Nevertheless, there was one dress that kind of popped out, and I really fell in love with it.

This sheer gray dress is, I find, completely fantastic. It may not be entirely practical, but then again, who the hell cares about being practical?

It's just brilliant.

Rock on.

Awards: 51st Annual Grammys

Look: Youthful Glamour

The Grammys are usually a time and event when celebs have a tendency to put on slightly more.. interesting ensembles.

This time did not disappoint, as there were plenty of "interesting" messes going down the Red Carpet. There was Paris Hilton, in a slightly too mini-mini-dress (vintage Versace though), M.I.A. in a rather comical blue dress by Manish Arora, and Paula Abdul.. well, you get the idea.

Nevertheless, as at all Red Carpet events, there were the shining stars.
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Here are the Top Five Red Carpet Looks from the Grammy awards:
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5: Miley Cyrus in Hervé Léger

You gotta hand it to Miley, (what is she, 15? 16?) even though she talks like a hick and acts like a brat, she still always manages to look quite mature, yet youthful, and classy on the Red Carpet.

At the event, she wore a one-shoulder black gown, with a big rosette detail.

I quite like it.

The fabric changes at just the right spot, and the fact that Miley is wearing black nail polish and a bunch of bangles..

Rock'n'Roll man.

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4: Duffy in Alberta Ferretti

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Matching her look to her voice, Duffy was inspired by a 60's look at the Grammys.

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Unlike others, she didn't wear anything dramatic or OTT, but rather, a simple LBD, with sheer detail and a bejewelled neckline.

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She looks gorgeous and so adorable here, it's just fantastic.

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Love the pumps as well.

They go very nicely with the dress.

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3: Kate Beckinsale in Reem Acra

Here my lady is again; looking flawless.

She's got a thing for structured gowns, non?

Look at the way the bodice of the dress hugs her curves!

SEX-Y.

The fishtail is very ooh-la-la, in a mysterious and dramatic kind of sense.

I just think the whole thing is quite fantastic.

Not sure if I would wear this to the Grammys though..

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2: Katy Perry in Basil Soda

Okay, so everyone must have noticed by now that I have a thing for black gowns.

BUT, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the occasional splash of colour!

Katy wore a pale pink Basil Soda dress, looking very feminine and glamorous.

The bows and the jewels in the middle may seem a little confusing at first, but if you look closer, it actually adds a nice touch.

Very Aphrodite, I think.

1: Taylor Swift in Kaufman Franco

I still haven't listened to this chick's music, but apparently she's a country singer.

When you think back, how many well dressed female country singer's have there been (not including Carrie Underwood?).

Yeah, exactly my point.

Young Taylow arrived at the Grammys looking flawless in this black empire-waist dress with patent leather detail.

I think it's just brilliant beyond brilliant.

I qute literally can't look at it because she looks so damn good.

..bitch.

Rock on.

Celeb: Katie Holmes

Event: Miu Miu ad campaign for S/S 2009

I earlier posted a couple of pictures from Miu Miu's ad campaign, featuring style icon Katie Holmes, but here are some more of the ads that will be featured in Vogue, Elle, W and all the other fantastic Bibles out there..:

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I gotta say, I'm really loving it.

The bags and the dresses are divine, and the sunnies are fantastic!

Sexysexysexy!

Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 5: Heidi Klum

Fashion Sense: Sexy and Stylish Super-Model Mama

It was a fantastic year for Heidi Klum's style. She can pull off anything (remember that fantastic gown at the Oscars?). Not that she would have to try very hard - she does have one of the best bodies in the world, me thinks.
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Heidi did a fantastic job at looking sexy, yet still age-appropriate, all year round, from her dramatic gowns, to her casual jeans, to her cute cocktail dresses.
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Here are some of my favourite looks from her of the past year:

Elise Overland

A particularly popular trend in Hollywood last year, was the romper.

Now, I'm not entirely sure I could pull that off, nor am I entirely sure whether or not most celebs could pull that off.. but Heidi sure can.

She made an appearance in a black, shimmering Elie Overland romper, looking drop-dead-gorgeous.

She makes it look effortless, pairing her ensemble with patent YSL pumps and loose locks.

So chic!

Roberto Cavalli

As if her Academy Awards' Red Carpet gown wasn't dazzling enough, Heidi showed up at the after-party in a sequined Roberto Cavalli cocktail dress.

What I love about this look is that she has on a silver dress and silver bitch-heels, but it doesn't look like it's too OTT. It's just fabulous.

She looks kind of like a hot disco ball.

And if anything is totally Rock n' Roll, it would be resembling a disco ball.

Sequined backless dress

Here Heidi is, photographed with her husband Seal, lookin bangin'.

I am in love with that dress - now, if only I knew who it was by.

The coulours are totally 80's, which is awesome, and so is the fact that it's all glittery.

The backless touch to the dress is just brilliant.

Heidi's got good taste.

Rock on.

Celeb: Mischa Barton

Event: Out at Bardot in Hollywood

Well, apparently Mischa wasted no time in getting some of the latest trends from the Spring 2009 Couture collections in to her personal wardrobe.

Here, she is sporting the Elie Saab Couture platform sandals.

I must say, Mischa looks like a hobo - but a totally cool hobo. I dig this look.

The plaid shirt, the denim cut-offs, the black tights, the killer shoes and, not to mention, the signature bowler's hat.

If only she would do something about that make-up, so that she would look a little less like a raccoon, and a little more like a coked-out rockstar...

8.5/10

Rock on.

Christian Lacroix Spring 2009 Couture

Theme: An Explosion of Cyndi Lauper meets Anna Karenina meets the Hilton Sisters circa 2001, on LSD


One word: wow.
Quite simply put, there was everything. Everything you could imagine, all in one collection.

It was cohesive, though, which must be very difficult to pull off when the collection resembles something that a colour blind five-year-old would have put together (but in a good way).

It was a collage of patterns, colours and fabrics.

So mind-blowing it was, that you have to take a triple take of the collection in order to really undestand each look.

From the stripes to the drapes, from the bows to the bangles, and from the poufs to the patterns.. Oi, vey.

There was a little bit of Africa, a little bit of the 80s, a little bit of Queen Elizabeth I, with military influences and a little bit of society lady.

One thing that sums up the whole collection: it's all party girl.

Overall: Brilliant. Love it all.

NOTES:
- Accessories and jewelry was fantastic.
- Eccentric purses and clutches were to-die-for.
- New trend: BIG hoop earrings.


Rock on.

Armani Privé Spring 2009 Couture

Theme: Bitch Heeled Feminine Power-Suits meets Shanghai Empress


If there's one thing that Giorgio Armani does best, it's being able to put emphasis on the female figure in a unique and sophisticated way.

This collection was no exception.
But that does not mean that Armani recycled his old collections and called them new - not in the least.

This time, while still remaining true to the label, we were introduced to some delicate Asian-inspired aspects in nearly every look.

There were the pagoda-shouldered jackets, pencil skirts, skinny pants and slim knee-length dresses, which are all classic Armani, but with the addition of tassels, Chinese-cabinet floral patterns and tight silhouettes, this collection was instantly transported to the Paris of the East - even the embroidery looked like it was taken from a wall in some Chinese palace.

Black, gray, ivory and beige were the basis for the colour palette (again; very Armani), but there were hints of electric-blue, yellow and red as well.

What was most amazing, perhaps, was the vast variety of jackets, where nearly every one that came down the runway was more beautiful than the one before.

Not to mention the gowns that were on display towards the end of the collection; each one completely Academy Awards worthy.

Overall: Though I'm not very enthused by the whole far-East fashion influence in general, I must say it worked very well here. Bravo.

NOTES:
- Hair was very Asian-styled: either models wore a blunt black bob or a sleek bondaged high ponytail.
- Very interesting necklaces, bangles and earrings; big, big, BIG.


Rock on.

Celeb: Mischa Barton

Event: Christian Dior Spring 2009 Couture

The ever-so stylish California girl made an appearance at Christian Dior's couture show in Paris on Monday.

She wore a beaded yellow frock from the designer's Spring 2009 RTW collection, as well as the infamous tribal-inspired heels from the same collection.
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It's all Dior and I love it. The colour really suits Mischa.

I also love the white fur coat. It looks fanastic with the outfit.

The Brigitte Bardot hair is simply genius.
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10/10

Rock on.

Christian Dior Spring 2009 Couture

Theme: Victorian French Maid meets 50's Working Girl Socialite


Trust John Galliano to know how to craft intricately structured and hyper-exaggerated silhouettes, and still manage to make the clothes appear wearable.

Fifties' style waist-clinching full skirts were paired with matching blazers with elaborate lace collars or big-sleeved chiffon blouses, portraying a powerful, yet feminine, pre-Hitchcock Heroine.

Mustard yellow, powder blue and a combination of black&white were the main palette for these ensembles, (though a few tomato-reds did appear) mostly decorated with origami-styled ruffles and some girly bows.

When approaching the end of the collection, we were given a wide range of fantastic gowns, the first of which were simply elegant slim ivory dresses, with flower, leaf and vine prints.

The rest channelled French country-side wallpaper (in the good way), in white, baby blue, peach, light pink and a combination of all of the above. They were big, ballroom-types, with belted bustiers.

Accessories we almost non-existent, save for the few pearl-chokers that donned the necks of a few selected models, as well as fabulous tea-time party hats.

Overall: 10/10. I loved every single look that came down the runway. If I were going to a high society wedding or a debutante ball, I would wear one of these creations.



NOTES:
- Loved the Marie Antoinette make-up.
- Models had corseted hair!


Rock on.