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.

Awards: 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild

Look: Elegant Jewel-Tones


Oh, how I adore awards season.
First we had the Golden Globes, now the SAGs, soon the BAFTAs and then.. the Oscars!
Life is good.

Anyhow, many people predicted that the SAGs might be a slight disappointment, fashion-wise, as most actors were still recovering from the Globes and looking forward to the Oscars.
Nevertheless, our Hollywood starlets did not disappoint.
Both big screen and small screen beauties showed up, looking as dazzling as ever.

Angie Jolie showed up with the always-gorgeous Brad, looking quite comfortable in a navy Max Azria gown, while the ladies of Wisteria Lane went for all-out glamour (Eva in peach Jenny Packham, Marcia in gorgeou Carolina Herrera, Nicolette in wild Roberto Cavalli, Teri in white Monique Lhuillier, and Dana in emerald Prada).

But enough chit-chat.

Here are the Top Five Red Carpet Looks from the Screen Actors Guild awards:


5: Christina Applegate in Emanuel Ungaro
fsa
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This sitcom star has a tendency of always looking rather fabulous on the red carpet - but in a very relaxed way.
This time was no exception.

Christina showed up in a draped emerald green, one shoulder Emanuel Ungaro gown, channeling 50's old Hollywood glamour.

I love it. It looks comfortable and totally sexy, but not in the OTT kind of way.


4: Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli


I can't even tell you how much I love the colour of this dress.
It's just divine.

It seems everyone is going for all-out glamour these days.

This strapless Giambattista Valli dress is simply beautiful, and I have to say, I'm really intrigued by what's going on in the front.

I could totally rock this baby.


3: Evan Rachel Wood in Monique Lhuillier


One shoulder gowns are, apparently, the way to go these days.

Evan stepped on to the red carpet in this phenomenal navy/turquoise Monique Lhuillier gown and purple Sergio Rossi sandals.

Love, love, love, love, love.


2: Kate Winslet in Narciso Rodriqguez

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God bless Kate Winslet.

She always, always, ALWAYS looks fantastic.

This cobalt blue is a lovely colour on her, and the shape of the dress really accentuates her gorgeous figure.

I mean, just look at the boobage. How can you not love a dress that does that?

It's quite simple, but totally effective.

1: Penelope Cruz in Azzedine Alaïa

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I'm not gonna even get started on why she got nominated (Maria Elena, anyone? LOVE).

But what I am gonna do is rave on about this choice.

The ever-so breathtakingly beeeeautiful Penelope showed up in a black velvet halter Alaïa gown.

It's just stunning.

Khalas, that's all I'm going to say about it.

Without a doubt, this was the number one look of the evening.

Rock on.

Celeb: Blake Lively

Event: U.S. Vogue February 2009 Cover Photoshoot

Here we are again.

I'm starting to wonder whether or not U.S. Vogue holds any kind of influence anymore.

I mean, really. Blake Lively on the cover? What the hell has she done besides be a mediocre actress on a totally awesome show?

Nevermind that.

We are not here to discuss celeb-culture. We are here to discuss the clothes.

And although I don't completely agree with the choice of actress, I have no problem with the stylist's choices on this particular shoot.

For the cover, Vogue shot Blake in a black Marc Jacobs dress, with a yellow satin sash at the waist.

This I can handle. Very lovely.

Blake was also photographed in a black Ralph Lauren jumpsuit.

Totally to-die-for.

I think it's über sexy, and would be a very nice choice for a cocktail party, instead of the standard LBD.

Must say, I'm likin' this shoot.

Overall: 8.5/10

Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 6: Rihanna

Fashion Sense: Rebellious and Classy Youth

Rihanna has fast become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her style.

She never plays by the rules - sometimes this may work against her, but most of the time it works in her favour.

This previous year, she toned it down a bit, which resulted in some fabulous ensembles.

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

Gucci dress
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Rihanna is good at portraying the whole "good girl gone bad" image, but she is totally capable of looking like a sophisticated mature woman when the event calls for it.

Here she is, wearing a red one-shoulder Gucci dress, with black tights and black patent leather ankle boots.

It's very classy, but still very badass.

A very nice touch, as well, is the minimal amount of jewelry. The pendant on the hip is quite enough, non?

H&M top and Stella McCartney jeans

Opting for a more casual look for the Kids' Choice Awards, Rihanna is photographed wearing a black H&M bustier top with hot pink polka dots, paired with dark Stella McCartney jeans.

I think this look is very sexy, while still appropriate.

The platform heels add some elegance to it as well - imagine if she had decided to go all Missy Elliott on us and wear trainers? Eugh.

I would totally be caught dead wearing this to a party.

Jean Paul Gaultier coat

I am in love with this plaid Jean Paul Gaultier trench. It's simply stunning.

The yellow is very in-your-face, but in the good kind of way, and it really compliments Rihanna's skin tone.

Accessorised with a little belt and some cute boots, and she's good to go.

This would be nice to wear during these cold and gloomy winter days...

Rock on.

Celeb: Katie Holmes

Event: Miu Miu ad campaign for S/S 2009

Good job Miuccia Prada.
Out of nearly all the celebs who claim to have any fashion credibility at the moment, I think Katie Holmes was a pretty good choice for the new face of Miu Miu.

I'm sure more ads will come out in the future, and judging by these ones, I'm sure they're going to be fantastic.
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Katie looks mysterious in a femme fatale kind of way.
Which is probably the look they're going for with the dresses too.

I'm especially lovin' this peach coloured one.
It has a nice shape.


Rock on.

Awards: 66th Annual Golden Globes

Look: Sequins and/or Structure

Nevermind who won an award (except the gorgeous Heath, may he rest in peace) - this year, the Globes was all about the Red Carpet.

Celebs arrived in their limos, stepping out and looking as radiant as ever.

There were a few bad apples in the bunch though - Renée Zellwegger looking like the Wicked Witch of the West Coast in an appalling Carolina Herrera gown, Marisa Tomei in a Victorian mess of Oscar de la Renta, and Heidi Klum (I know, it's so tragic) wearing a patterned rubbishbag with a big red flower glued to the front.

Nevertheless, there were quite a few note worthy actresses - Eva Longoria Parker in a red Reem Acra with train, Cameron Diaz in pink Chanel Haute Couture, sexy Megan Fox in Ralph Lauren Collection, Drew Barrymore in powder blue Dior Haute Couture (looking very Marilyn Monroe-esque).. Even little Ms. Miley Cyrus was looking cute in white Marchesa.

But enough chit-chat.

Here are the Top Five Red Carpet Looks from the Golden Globes:

5: Jennifer Lopez in Marchesa

J.Lo's really got that glam thing down. Always has, and most likely always will.

She particularly makes a point of looking exquisitely glamorous on any Red Carpet.

Here she is in a plunging draped gold sequin Marchesa gown.

This dress reminds of that infamous Versace dress J.Lo wore back in the day to the Grammy's.

Except now, she's a little classier, but still has that bit of sexy in her.

Smokin'.

4: Eva Mendes in Christian Dior

I generally complain about Eva Mendes. I mean, she has fantastic style.. but it's always a little too safe and bland.

Not this gown though. It's not like BAM!, but that little thing on the side - is it a bow? - makes this gown kind of interesting. Without that thing, it would just be a plain boring dress.

Again; s-t-r-u-c-t-u-r-e.

Also, the dazzling white really compliments her skin tone.

I really like it.

3: Kate Beckinsale in J. Mendel

White seemed to be a fairly popular colour (Sandra Bullock wore white too).

My Kate B. can do not wrong. She's got it down with the strcuture again.

Though this time, it's rather simple structure.

Just a few twists and turns on the top and the hemline and voilà! You've got simple and classy elegance.
Something Kate wears to perfection.

It's beeeeautiful.

2: Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

Ah, it's like gazing into the night sky.

Anne's had a fantastic past year - both career-wise and fashion-wise. Everyone knew she would arrive at the awards looking flawless, which she did.

This navy gown has a gorgeous sequined bustier and chiffon bottom.

Audrey, anyone?

1: Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab Haute Couture

All I can say is thank SLASH. Uuh, I mean God. Whatever.

Ms. Wood is finally out of her Dita von Teese-copying phase!

This vinage Elie Saab Haute Couture was my favourite of the night for two reasons:

a) It's sexy

b) It looks like something Mortitia Addams would wear to an awards show.

It's slightly gothic, but still classy.

I would wear this to the Golden Globes.

Rock on.

Celeb: Blake Lively

Event: U.S. Vogue January 2009 Photoshoot


I wish that was me in the picture.
In a penthouse in New York, surrounded by shoes.
But alas, it is not I, it's Ms. Blake Lively.

She's photographed here wearing a Peter Som top and dress, and to-die-for Christian Dior heels.

I'm really lovin' this look.
If I was living in New York, this is the kind of thing I would be wearing, when going to lunch and/or shopping.
It's sexy, but in a very ladylike way.

Like the colour too.

8/10


Rock on.

Models: Agyness Deyn and Chanel Iman

Event: Louis Vuitton's Tribute Party to Stephen Sprouse


Judging by the pictures, it seemed for a second that the '80s were back.
There was neon, there was alcohol and there was Debbie Harry.
Isn't that all you need for a party?

Louis Vuitton's new collection was inspired by the late designer Stephen Sprouse's work.

Lots of fantastic people attended this party in NY, but only two worth mentioning: Super Models Agyness Deyn and Chanel Iman.
Both models looked spectacular (in Louis Vuitton, of course), but in very different ways.

Agyness - currently one of my favourite models - wore a LBD, with a beyond awesome jacket.
I think I need one of those.
It would be absolutely awesome.
This is why I love Agyness. She wears things no one would even think of.

On the other hand, we have Chanel. She's a little more casual/urban cool.
She wore a little white loose dress, under a leather bomber jacket.
Totally sexy.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
Celebs aren't the ones we should be following for fashion inspiration. It's the models.

Agyness: 10/10
Chanel: 9/10

Rock on.

Celebs & Models: Lauren, Peaches and Sasha

Event: D&G Store Opening in LA

Young Hollywood..

Well, you gotta hand it to them; the girls can dress well. Not to mention, party well.

Mr. Dolce and Mr. Gabbana opened their eighth store in the U.S., and where else to put it than Robertson Boulevard?

The designers were not present themselves, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a night to be remembered.

Party girls Bijou Phillips and Rumer Willis were tearing it on the dancefloor, while Danny Masterson (you remember Hyde from That '70s Show) a.k.a. 'DJ Mom Jeans' (I know, I love it too) was playing the tracks.

The Hilton sisters also made an appearance.

You can't talk about an opening like this and not mention what the guests wore, which were mostly LBDs though.

Jen Brill and Peaches Geldof were photographed in Miu Miu.

Jen wore a leather LBD with a bow attached, black tights, Barbie pink pumps and a leopard print clutch, while Peaches had on a silver sating skirt, black top and gray sandals (with a nice little headband accessory).

I'm really lovin' Peaches's ensemble.

It's quirky.

Lauren Conrad and Jessica Stroup were both spotted in (what else) D&G.

Lauren wore a cute and simple LBD, with a Blair Waldorf-esque headband, opting for all black, while Jessica had on a patterned brown empire-waist dress.

Their looks are cute, but perhaps a little too safe.

But still cute.

NicRic was also wearing the designers' label, looking the epitome of chic, with a ruffled skirt and black turtleneck - very Audrey Hepburn.

Down-to-Earth gal Rachel Bilson wore blue jeans, but saved her look with an oversized sequined navy tuxedo-jacket by D&G, paired with a white top, yellow clutch and bitch heels.

Casual chic.

My favourite look of the night has to be Super Model Sasha Pivovarova (wow, that's hard to spell) looked rockin' in a backless black Miu Miu dress, accessorised with an interesting looking head jewelry thing.

Overall, I would say I'm pretty satisfied with the results.

Everyone looked cool and stylish.

Peaches: 8/10

Jen: 6/10
Lauren: 7/10
Jessica: 6/10

Nicole: 8/10

Rachel: 7.5/10

Sasha: 8.5/10

Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 7: Mischa Barton

Fashion Sense: Ecclectic Hippie with a Rock'n'Roll Edge

I don't care what anyon says. I LOVE Mischa's style.
She was a little M.I.A. last year (can anyone name a single movie/series she was in?), but that doesn't mean she didn't use every opportunity to display her creativeness.

When she's just strolling around LA, she generally wears a simple pair of jeans and a band T, or a cute little frock - but she always manages to make the look her own.

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

Black strapless dress

A LBD? Check.

Matching heels? Check.

Awesome bangles? Check.

Now, if it were anyone else, they probably would've stopped at that.

And yes, I will admit that belting a dress isn't exactly break-through stuff. But that belt is the reason why this look is one of my personal favourites: it's a studded belt.

Rock ooooon.

I can definetely appreciate this ensemble. It's is smple, it's elegant, it's classy - but with an edge.

Gotta love it.

Matthew Williamson gown

This particular gown shows how Mischa can go to a premiere, look awesome, but still look slightly like a hippie princess (which I love).

The white may be a little too white, but the cut at the bottom of the dress is interesting, and the bead-detail around the waist is very Pocahontas.

The dress is just begging to be worn barefoot, with flowers in your hair, listening to the Mamas and the Papas, and frolicking around a field.

Aaah.. good times.

Leopard print top with turquoise skirt

Again, the foundation of this look is nothing new.

But I can't resist leopard print.

I love the top, I love the belt, I love the high waisted skirt and I love the flats.

One thing worth mentioning: there have been a number of celebs who have tried to pull of the headband style (with little success - ahem, M-K and NicRic).

But the headband on Mischa just makes the look all the more adorable and hippie chic, but since she's worn it with this particular print and black tights, it has a rock'n'roll edge.

It's an awesome party outfit.

Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 8: Angelina Jolie

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Best of 2008: Celebs - 9: Ashley Olsen

Fashion Sense: Simple Elegance but oh, so Sexy


Being one half of the stylish twin duo has its perks: no matter what you wear, people will applaude you for it.
This may not always be the case for Ashley's sister M-K (who has more of a - ahem - interesting fashion sense), but Ashley always manages to look professional and stylish.

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


Leather mini and sheer gray blouse

Here's something I like about Ashley:
She finds some very simple items of clothing and make them look seriously cool and effortless.
She also manages to pull of pairing a leather mini skirt and sheer dark gray blouse with light blue strappy sandals.
It takes someone with some courage to do something like that..

And she makes it work!
Simple, but totally effective.
I like the little touch of adding sunnies on her head.
It makes the look nice and casual.


Calvin Klein dress

If there's one designer who knows how to make a dress that is simple, yet sexy, it would be Calvin Klein.
And Ashley is smart enough to know this.
And definetely knows how to work it.
She has a very petite frame, but this dress elongates her and gives off a sort of grecian statuesque feel.

Love the colour.


Mini, sheer gray shirt and suit jacket

You might've noticed that Ashley has a thing for dark colours.
And black mini skirts.
And sheer black shirts.
But hey, if it works, why not just work with it?

Gotta LOVE those heels though.




Rock on.

Best of 2008: Celebs - 10: Kate Beckinsale

Fashion Sense: Classy Elegance with a Structural Twist

Being one of the hottest women on the planet could make any woman not care about what she wears. I mean, if you're this gorgeous, you could wear acid washed jeans and a matching denim jacket (ew), and still look fantastic.

But not Kate.

This lady understands how to wear flattering clothing, but not over-do it.

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

Max Azria dress

This dress is brilliant.

Great structure, in-your-face colour.. But still classy.

If you try to imagine this dress on pretty much anyone else, they would end up being over-powered by it.

They couldn't handle it.

But Kate handles it more than stylishly.

A classy updo, with simple earrings and minimal accessories wraps it up, and paired with black pointy heels, and you've got yourself a young, yet sophisticated ensemble.

Could I pull this off?

No, I don't think so.

No matter how much I wish I could.

Loves it.

Prada dress

This might very well be one of my favourite dresses of the year.

Look at it! It's like swirly rose-buds all over the place.

It's simply fantastic.

Not surprising though, you know, it being PRADA and all.

Again, key word here is: structure.

The colour is simply stunning as well.

It compliments a brunette with Kate's complexion.

I kinda want it.

But again, probably wouldn't be able to pull it off.. *sigh*

Dark denim and navy blouse

Here's Kate working the casual look.

Even when she's out shopping with her kid, I love the fact that she's wearing towering heels.

It's the epitome of 'Day Chic'.

Rock on.