If We Had Halloween...

Happy Halloween to everyone celebrating in the rest of the world. Unfortunately, in South Africa, we don't celebrate the holiday, although, you do get the odd few people who up dress in the spirit of Halloween everyday. I always thought that Halloween must be the most fun holiday of them all. It's the only chance you get to dress in costume as your favourite fantasy character, without anyone alerting the local mental society - that would happen in my neighborhood if anyone saw me prancing around at night like a pirate on October 31st.



If we had Halloween this year, I'd find these costumes the most interesting:

*Angelica (Penelope Cruz) from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides'. The sword, albeit plastic, adds to the authenticity of this sassy, swashbuckling look. And it will help fend off any ghouls, ghosts, zombies or Captain Barbossa ;)

*Katy Perry's 80's nerd-to-disco-diva makeover look from her music video 'Last Friday Night'. Think of it this way, you get to wear not one, but two crazy outfits! On the other hand, people may make fun of you because they think you actually dress that way. Uh Oh.

*Anna Wintour - because every fashionista should go as her at least once in their lives. All you will need is a printed Prada/Balenciaga/YSL dress ($3000), dark shades ($250), a chic bob ($350), a pair of Manolo Blahniks ($735) and an austere presence (priceless).

One of the most popular costumes that people opt to wear on Halloween are those belonging to Disney Princesses. There are so many to choose from, but with one ballgown looking just like any other, how does one tell the difference?

*Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid' - Without the tail and an ocean beside her, this outfit could be confused for a belly dancer's...or much worse.

*Snow White - Walking around with an apple in your hand, you could be mistaken for an hors d'oeuvre waitress. On the upside, you could have your own entourage by hiring a few school kids to play the seven dwarfs.

*Tinkerbell - it could be assumed that you're dressed as a gigantic butterfly.

*Cinderella - it would be just another blue dress if not for those glass slippers - however the one shoe on, one shoe off will have you walking with a limp.

*Princess Aurora from 'Sleeping Beauty', there's no way to tell just from wearing a pink dress that this is an actual Disney princess. You will probably have to find a couch and fall off to sleep to make this look believable.

*Pocahontas - In SA, if you showed up at someone's door wearing a tattered dress and no shoes, you will be mistaken for a homeless person and sent chased away, maybe with some change if you're lucky.

*Princess Jasmine from 'Aladdin' - If you are planning on going the harem-pants and cropped top route, please read my post on 'What Not to Wear Ever' first.

*Belle from 'Beauty & the Beast'. The only way you could tell this colossal yellow dress belongs to Belle if you are accompanied by someone dressed as 'The Beast' (good luck finding a candidate) or if you carry the Mrs Potts & Chip tea set around with you. Expect to be asked for a 'spot of tea'.





I would probably chose either Snow White or Aurora. Would you wear any of these Disney-inspired looks? Whatever you chose to go as this Halloween, even a t-shirt and jeans + sombre looking Bella Swan, have a great one!



P.S No Disney characters were harmed during the publishing of this post.

'The Vampire Diaries' Win Big at Teen Choice Awards 2011

Our favourite Mystic Falls residents took home 5 Awards at last night's Teen Choice Awards held in Los Angeles, California. The gorgeous cast of 'The Vampire Diaries' won the award for the Choice TV Show (Sci-fi/Fantasy). The individual cast members also took home surfboard trophies for:

Choice TV Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore

Choice TV Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert & Katherine Pierce

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Female) - Katerina Graham as Bonnie Bennet

Choice TV Scene Stealer (Male) - Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood



I was very disappointed that Paul Wesley (Stephan Salvatore) didn't win any awards. He's the main reason I tune in each week to watch the show.

These are some of the other winners at the Teen Choice Awards 2011





Movies

Movie Actor (Romantic Comedy) - Ashton Kutcher 

Movie Actress (Romantic Comedy) - Emma Stone 

Movie Actress (Comedy) - Cameron Diaz 

Movie Actor (Drama) - Robert Pattinson (Water For Elephants) Can you believe he didn't win for Twilight this year?

Movie Actor (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Taylor Lautner

Movie Actress (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - Emma Watson (Harry Potter) So glad this one didn't go to Kristen Stewart

Movie Actor (Action) - Johnny Depp (The Tourist)

Movie Actress (Action) - Angelina Jolie (The Tourist)

Movie Scene Stealer (Male) - Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga)

Movie Scene Stealer (Female): Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga)

Action Movie - Fast Five

Choice Vampire - Robert Pattinson (I call for a recount of the votes)

Summer Movie - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Summer Movie Star (Male) - Daniel Radcliffe 

Summer Movie Star (Female) - Emma Watson 



TV

TV Actress (Drama) - Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) What about Blair?

TV Show (Drama) - Gossip Girl

TV Actress (Comedy) Selena Gomez

TV Actor (Comedy) - Cory Monteith (Glee)

TV Show (Comedy) - Glee

TV Reality Show - Jersey Shore What is this world coming to?

Music

Music Star of the Summer (Male) - Bruno Mars

Music Star of the Summer (Female) - Katy Perry

Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Male Hottie - Justin Bieber (I am as shocked as you are)

Female Hottie - Selena Gomez

Taylor Swift won everything else

Female Artist

Female Country Artist

Country Single - "Mean"

Red Carpet Fashion Icon

Break-Up Song - "Back to December"

Ultimate Choice Award

Fashion from the event to follow

Kate Middleton Royally Repeats An Outfit

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge has (unfairly) been given the nickname 'The Royal Recycler', after having repeated two outfits this weekend. Katherine was in Scotland with Prince William to attend the wedding of Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne. Zara married English rugby player, Mike Tindall in a simple ceremony on Saturday. 

Left: At Zara's wedding, Kate wore an ivory brocade coat dress with a large straw hat and nude pumps.  

Right: It so happens that Kate wore the very same coat to another high profile wedding back in 2006. This was at the ceremony of Laura Parker Bowles, who is the daughter of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall - aka Kate's step mother-in-law. Kate wore the coat with a cream and brown feathered fascinator and nude pumps of a different design. 







Left: At Zara Phillip's pre-wedding party on the Royal Yacht Britannia, Kate wore a vivid green Diane von Furstenberg 'Maja' dress with belt and buttoned back. She paired it with a black Anya Hindmarch clutch bag.

Right: Kate wore the exact same dress just weeks before during her tour of America. She and Prince William were present at the British-Consul General Reception in Los Angeles. She held onto a leopard print DvF clutch bag. Kate wore the same charm bracelet on both occasions, along with her 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring.



While Katherine is being harshly scrutinized by the general shallow media on her repetition of outfits; I admire her. In time where the world is in serious financial crisis, she sets out to be a practical and realistic role model. It shows that there is much more to her than just a designer-clad princess. We wear our clothes countless of times - and seeing Kate wear the same outfit just once 'humanizes' her to a level that we all can relate to. She is a sensible Princess with a good head on her shoulders and consistently fabulous clothes on her back.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians & Their Birkin Bags

Kardashians & The Birkin Bag

A Match Made in PR Handbag Heaven

The Hermes Birkin Bag...a sign of of infinite wealth, exclusivity and a lavish, elitist lifestyle. The cost for A Birkin bag starts at $9000 (R61 723) and goes up to $150 000 (over a million rands) - for a single piece. The waiting list for one of these leather treasures is about 2-6 years. Every fashionista around the globe aspires to own one.

The Kardashians...A family 'brand' who are famous for absolutely nothing besides being famous. Their claim to fame is by playing being themselves on their hit reality TV show, 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians'.

And it's safe to say that being filmed while going about their daily lives is really paying off. Especially for the Kardashian family envoy, Kim. She bought seven Birkin Bags in one year, whereas most stars can only ever own one in their lifetimes. Her mum, Kris and sisters Khloe & Kourtney also own a few Birkins each - making this family the ultimate marketing tools for Hermes, without them having to ask.

Last year, it was reported that Kim spent over $100 000 in just one trip to the Hermes store in Paris. She owns a Birkin in black, white, grey, chocolate brown, military green, bright yellow and tan. She carries one everywhere, from the mall to the main street and the gym. You know that you've really made it big when you can throw your dirty gym wear into a $15 000 bag. Kim had also paid $30 000 (R205 745) for an exclusive Birkin Bag made from rare crocodile skin. I can't imagine that killing exotic animals for their hide is worth it's price in fashion. 

The Birkin Bag is named after English actress Jane Birkin, who by chance sat next to Jean-Louis Dumas (CEO of Hermes) on a flight in 1981. She complained to him about not having a bag large enough to carry all her belongings, and the next thing you know, Jean created the Birkin Bag especially for her. If I had to complain about my bag size on a plane, I would just be told to travel lighter.

Kourtney (left) has a Birkin in vivid orange and Khloe has one in yellow, black and purple. 

The Birkin is nothing more than a status symbol. Being seen with one boasts to the world that while impoverished countries in Africa are in dire need of financial aid; you can nonchalantly hold your $100 000 Birkin Bag under your arm without batting any of your fake lashes.

Vampire Diaries Casting Call

Who We'd Like To See

On Season Three of The Vampire Diaries



Season 2 of our favourite supernatural series ended on a rather intriguing note. Not so much of a cliffhanger, but more of a thrilling taste of what's to come. The cast of The Vampire Diaries could not have been better selected, they were voted as the sexiest cast on TV by Victoria's Secret. 



There are so many actors and actresses I would like to see guest star in the next season. So, as we anxiously await for Season 3 to hit our screens, I've made up a list of my guest star dream cast. I've also asked a few diehard Vamp fans for their guest cast wishlist. This is who we would like to see in Season 3.  



My Choice

1. Rachel Weisz. With Jenna and Uncle John gone, Elena and Jeremy will need a new guardian. I think Rachel is a good choice, she looks like she's actually related to them and she's acted in several supernatural movies before. Also, Alaric will need someone new to distract him from the bores of being a history teacher.

2. Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Just look at him...he was born to play the role of a vampire, preferably an evil one. He could act as another awoken 'Original', one that's more wicked than Klaus.

3. Zoe Saldana. She always lights up the screen. I'd like to see her star as Bonnie's older sister or step sister. One that she never knew existed.

4. Eric Dane. Who better to play the role of an all powerful, revenge-seeking werewolf than he? He could play a pivotal role in the war against Klaus.

5. Olivia Wilde. Up until now, Klaus has been indestructible. He needs an Achilles Heel; a past love that broke his heart (if he ever had one) and someone who has a spellbinding force over him. Enchanting beauty Olivia is perfect for the role.

6. Matt Bomer. This gorgeous White Collar star is going to be huge in Hollywood. Before that happens, I wish he could make a turn at Mystic Falls, as a Salvatore cousin. Damon is going to need the help to find Stephan in Season 3.

7. Elle Fanning. At her young age, she's an enigmatic actress. I'd like to see her guest star as a relative of Caroline's, one with a supernatural secret.

8. Victoria Justice. She is Nina Dobrev (Elena's) real life doppelganger, even prettier, if that's possible. If Nina ever gets tired of playing both Elena and Katherine, Victoria could step in.  



Viewers Choice

I took a survey of the biggest Vampire Diaries fans I know - this is who they would like to see guest star in Season 3.

1. Kristin Kreuk. 'Loved her in Smallville and haven't seen her since. I'd like to see her as a werewolf, who challenges Caroline for Taylor Lockwoods' affections.' 

2. Channing Tatum. Elena needs a 'human' love interest in the next season. Someone hotter than Damon and Stephan put together. Who else but Channing Tatum to fit that role.

3. Fergie. She should guest star as a family member of the Salvatore Brothers' who comes to help kick some Klaus' butt.

4. Taylor Lautner. This was a popular choice. Apparently people feel that his werewolf talents are wasted on just Twilight.

5. Dakota Fanning. Another Twilighter, who a fan would like to see as a mysterious newcomer to Mystic Falls, one with a dark side.

6. Jesse Williams. This Grey's Anatomy favourite was selected to be a new love interest for Bonnie. 'The whole Jeremy thing is too weird.'

7. Jada Pinkett Smith. 'Bonnie doesn't have any family members in the show.' Jada could make an appearance as Bonnie's mum, who's use of too much magic has left her slightly deranged.

8. Alex Pettyfer. He's gotten fans in a tizz since the movie Beastly. A fan said she would like to see him as the son of Klaus, 'who is completely good and virtuous.'

9. Amanda Seyfried. 'I'd like to see her as guest star as someone with supernatural powers, but who's not a witch, vampire or werewolf. Something else...'



Im thankful that no one mentioned Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart or any of the Disney crew. I am surprised no one said that Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) from Gossip Girl would make a good vampirous villian. Who would you like to see in Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries?

Return of The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries

Season 2

They're back! Well almost. We just have to find some way to get through this weekend until Season Two of one of the most captivating TV series is back on our screens. For those of us who didn't obtain bootleg copies of the show, the wait has been a long and agonizing one, as the Season One finale left us with many cliffhangers and unanswered questions. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...It's The Vampire Diaries, one of the best supernatural series on television in a long time. If you haven't yet seen it, I suggest you stop reading right this minute and get out there as fast as you can to beg, borrow or steal a copy of Season One. In this case only, stealing will not be considered a crime. This series is a serious addiction. Not since the end of the extremely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer (almost 10 years ago), has a show of this genre had such a huge impact on viewers, obtaining a large cult following the world round. Season One was screened last year in SA, and received with much praise. With just about 3 and a half more days to go for the premiere of Season Two, I thought you may need some visual inspiration to get you through until then.

The story is centers around the life of the beautiful Elena Gilbert, who's life is in disarray after the death of her parents. She struggles to move on from this, aimlessly going through the motions of high school life in small town Mystic Falls. Then walks in the mysterious and compassionate Stephan Salvatore, who sweeps Elena off her feet and brings back light and happiness to her life. As caring and kind as Stephan is, he hides a dark secret, he is a vampire. But the good-hearted, non-vicious kind. If this wasn't enough to confuse Elena, Stephan's older, evil vampire brother, Damon enters the picture, with a fascinating interest and growing affection for Elena. She lis the splitting image of the enchanting Katherine, a wicked vamp that both brothers were in love with...since 1864. As the series unfolds, we see wholesome Stephan's slight transition to the dark side and devilishly handsome Damon's softer side appears. I am still on Team Stephan, will have to wait and see if Season Two changes that. One single hour-long episode of The Vampire Diaries has more intrigue, drama, great dialogue, twists, suspense and better acting than all the Twilight movies put together. It may be categorized as a drama, but bad-boy Damon's hilarious, snarky and sarcastic one-liners definitely steal the show. I won't give anymore away, but it's a must-see, even if you're not into the whole supernatural genre, watch it for the 'drop dead' (mind the pun) gorgeous Salvatore Brothers. Edward who?

Here are some scenes from Season Two that we can look forward to watching. Can't Wait!

You know that a show must be really good, when you never hear anything about the actors personal lives in the media. A media frenzy occurs around actors off-set to take the focus off a really bad show, as their personal lives prove more interesting than the actual series itself. That's why you won't hear anything about the cast of VD off-screen - it's brilliant. To all you Damon and Stephan fans, feel free to right click on the pics and save it as your screensaver - you know you want to :) Drop me a line for more cool posters of the show.

Set your PVR for Monday, 14 February at 8:30pm on Vuzu and join a world of thrilling entertainment like you've never seen before.

Awards Show Anatomy

Awards Season is well underway in all it's glittery, frivolous glory, where actors, directors and producers are made out to be far more important than they really are. I cannot bear to watch another 4 hour dreary display of dull humour and lengthy speeches, endured by bored audiences, who senselessly applaud every spoken word.





You don't need to keep track of every awards show to realise that the formula has stayed exactly the same since the 1920's. VIP guests get dressed up, interviewed and photographed by worldwide media, then proceed to the exclusively designed auditorium. I wonder what it would be like if they didn't spend hundreds of thousands of wasted dollars on creating the show, decor, food, gifts and gowns. Can you imagine celebrities dressed in organic, natural fiber non-designer dresses, surviving in an un-airconditioned community hall, with specially carved wooden planks as awards. Definitely not.





Every year, the chosen presenter will try to entertain the unamused crowd with terrible jokes, and they are always terrible. The funniest thing about these shows is when the winner of each category in announced. Each of the 5 nominees will sit on the edge of their seats, wishing and praying that it's their name called out. When it's not, they will smile politely, gritting their teeth and fighting back the urge not to scream or even whisper any curse words - especially since the camera focuses directly on their disappointment. When the winner goes on stage to collect his/her award, the first thing he/she always says is, "I can't believe this! I never expected to win!" Followed by, "I haven't even prepared a speech..." but then they suddenly burst into a 10 minute perfectly prepared paperback novel, thanking every person (by name, nickname and title) of their 500-member team "who have made this possible." Throw in some tears and you have tomorrows front page entertainment news story. It's always the same, trust me. 





Award ceremonies are just an excuse for the rich, fake and famous to get fabulous free gowns and parade around, waving at crazed fans and posing for the camera with wide smiles pasted onto their faces. That's why I only watch them for the fashion ;)

And The Winners Are...People's Choice Awards

In case you were wondering, here is a list of some of the winners at this years People's Choice Awards. The awards celebrate the best of movies, television and music.

Favourite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp (The one and only)



Favourite Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart (Yip, I don't get it either)



Favourite Action Movie: Iron Man 2

Favourite Movie and Drama: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse



Favourite Family Movie: Toy Story 3



Favourite Comedy: Grown Ups



Favourite On-Screen Team: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner.



Favourite Movie Star Under 25: Zac Efron



Favourite TV Drama: House



Favourite TV Comedy: Glee



Favourite TV Obsession: Dexter



Favourite TV Guilty Pleasure: Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Did they create this award just so The K-Crew would win something?)



Favourite TV Family: The Simpsons



Favourite Family TV Movie: Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (Are they serious?)



Favourite New TV Drama: Hawaii Five-0 (By the time this show gets to SA screens, it won't be so new anymore)



Favourite Male Artist: Eminem



Favourite Female Artist: Katy Perry



Favourite Song: “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna



Favourite Rock Band: Paramore



Favourite Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene



Favourite Pop Artist: Rihanna



Favourite Country Artist: Taylor Swift



Favourite R&B Artist: Usher