Looks Of The Week - 10/12/11

A round-up of my favourite fashions this week.



Smart Casual

Kirsten Dunst exemplifies chic sophistication in a midnight blue trench coat by Burberry, with Dolce & Gabbana platforms and a quilted Chanel bag. 

Emma Roberts whirled a few pretty Rebecca Taylor pieces together for the designer's store opening in LA. Emma wore a green blouse under a scalloped tan coat, with a cute heart print skirt. A Prada clutch, black tights and ankle boots complete her look.

Sarah Jessica Parker looked every bit 'Carrie Bradshaw' on the streets of New York. The 46-year-old actress wore a white self-print dress and beige coat by Valentino. I love the addition of the vibrant aqua American Apparel tights, complimented by Jimmy Choo heels.

I am as shocked as you are to be featuring Lindsay Lohan on my list of favourites this week. But I couldn't deny that the fallen starlet looked dashing in her 70's inspired getup. She wears burgundy corduroy skinnies by Genetic Denim with an ivory blouse, tan floppy hat and incredible Yves Saint Laurent 'Tribtoo' pumps.

Glimmer & Lace

Lily Collins was in attendance at 'The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 Women's Breakfast'. The beautiful brunette was refreshing in a lacy 'little blue dress' by BCBG/MaxAzria.

Emma Watson looked like a porcelain doll at the Lancome VIP Dinner in Hong Kong. The British star wore a navy blue Elie Saab dress with embellished bodice and full tulle skirt. Silver Jimmy Choo sandals fit her feet.

Claire Danes looked radiant at the Valentino Virtual Museum Launch party. She wore a crimson red embroidered lace dress by Valentino, paired with a black clutch and heels.

Olivia Palermo dazzles in a sparkly black number by Marchesa. She accessorized with mink studded heels and clutch bag, both by Valentino.

Jameela Jamil added a touch of tinsel to her menswear-inspired look. The British TV presenter wore a sequined tuxedo jacket over a long white shirt and tie, along with leather leggings and black platforms. 

Glamorous Gowns

Lea Michele stunned at the 'New Year's Eve' premiere in New York. The Glee star wore a glistening gold gown with plunging neck by Valentino.

Rose McGowan delighted in a berry-tinged dress at the Unicef Ball in Beverly Hills. Her mermaid gown adorned with floral appliqués is by Dolce & Gabbana. 

Emily Blunt looked graceful in a strapless fuchsia gown with frilled bodice by Marchesa. Her new hairstyle does wonders for her.

Coco Rocha looked elegant at the Milk Gallery in New York, wearing a twilight blue embroidered gown by Zac Posen.

Jessica Biel also walked the black carpet at the 'New Year's Eve' movie premiere. The actress looked sensational in a long-sleeved Valentino gown with shimmery striped detailing.

Looks Of The Week - 03/12/11

My selection of must-see looks this week.



Casual

Only Charlize Theron could wear a bright orange jumpsuit without looking like an escaped convict. The elegant actress wore a black velvet blazer over her plunge-neck, tapered leg suit while in New York City. She paired it with a large black clutch and strappy sandals.

Fearne Cotton was out in London wearing a unique black and white brick-print dress by Olivia Rubin. I commend her for being a style innovator - I think we're going to see a lot more of this print. The radio host kept the focus on the dress by wearing it with all black, including a leather biker, tights and tie-up boots.

Dianna Agron picked out a pretty outfit for a trip to Beverly Hills. The Glee star wore a pleated peach maxi skirt by McGinn, with a crisp white shirt, Miu Miu sunglasses and black ankle boots. I'm inspired to buy a maxi skirt after seeing this dainty look.

Miranda Kerr looked chic on the streets of New York, wearing a black leather Balenciaga jacket over a striped top by The Row. Khaki capri's, black buckled ankle boots and a large Celine tote complete her look.

Formal

Andrea Riseborough was in Los Angeles for the BAFTA Britannia Awards. The British actress enchanted in a celestial white Marchesa frock, framed by organza frills. Her metallic pumps are by Brian Atwood. I would've liked to see her with a softer hairstyle.

Cara Delevinge attended the Burberry boutique opening in Paris. The blonde model looked poised in a black Burberry dress, black tights and heels. She made a statement with a crimson red clutch and lipstick to match. I love how she wears simplicity with such fierceness.

Kate Beckinsale showed off her pins at the Independent Spirit Awards nomination event in Hollywood. The Underworld actress went for a sexy vintage-inspired look, in a beige and white drop-waist lace dress by Tadashi Shoji. Nude Brian Atwood pumps fit her feet.

Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards wearing one of her own creations - she is faultless in this floor-sweeping black halter gown.

Debatable

Paula Patton was in Toyko promoting her new movie, 'Mission Impossible 4'. She wore a shiny black jumpsuit that's coming off more 'Catwoman' than couture.

Sarah Jessica Parker wore Louis Vuitton to the Unicef Snowflake Ball. I'm on the fence about her look. I like the flamboyance of the floral-eyelet skirt, which is covered in aqua and white ostrich feathers. I don't like the creasy cropped satin top that seems so disconnected from it.

Kate Moss was also an attendee at the British Fashion Awards. You're either going to love this look, Or you're also going to think it looks like a giant fishnet over a nude dress. 

Looks Of The Week

A round-up of my favourite fashions on the red carpet this week.

Jessica Alba looked glam at the 'Versace for H&M' event, wearing a black and gold flecked top and skirt, from the collection. Black tights and heels, a slick high bun and glossy red lips complete her outfit.

Gorgeous Brit model Cara Delevingne glitters at 'Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards' in London. She wears a gold sequined dress by Burberry. Personally, I love that she added the grungy boots and black accessories. It prevents the look from being gaudy.

Selena Gomez looks adorable in a white tulle confection by Marchesa, along with embellished Casadei pumps. She play host at this year's MTV Europe Music Award's in Belfast.

Emma Stone was radiant in a green-tinged gold gown by Lanvin. The actress wore the silky pleated dress with grosgrain belt to 'Glamour's Women of the Year Awards' in New York.

Gwyneth Paltrow gleams in green at the Bambi Awards in Germany. She took my breath away in this fully beaded emerald gown by Elie Saab. But I'd want her to lose the heavy neckpiece.

Sofia Vergara ruled the green carpet at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards. The brunette actress wore a beautifully beaded strapless ivory gown by Reem Acra.

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles chose an outstanding mint green gown for the Country Music Awards 2011. The delicately draped gown, glistening with crystals is by Naeem Khan. 

Byrdie Bell attended the 'Versace for H&M' event in New York City - not wearing Versace. I almost mistook the actress for Rachel Zoe, as she certainly looked the part. Her cream maxi dress is by Sportmax, which she wore with a black belt and cropped leather jacket. I do like her boho-biker-chic style.

London Fashion Week Favourites 2011

London Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012

Fashion Week spread it's stylish wings to the UK for 16-20 September 2011. I found that the British collections showed more restraint than the fanciful ones we saw in New York. These are a few of the shows that made a memorable impression on me.

Burberry Prorsum

Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2012 collection had a very rustic, country feel to it, accredited by an assortment of handiwork. Christopher Bailey made use of decorative elements like crocheting, wooden beadwork, raffia trims and basket weaved knits. African inspired wooden beads in colourful, geometric shapes were tacked onto tops. Classic leather trenches and cropped parkas were seen in spice-rack shades and tribal prints. Raffia wedge heels, Burberry Whipstitch carrier bags and pom-pom topped caps harmoniously fit in with the cozy theme.

Mary Katrantzou

Electric colours and dizzying prints were showed off at Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2012 fashion show. The Greek designer took a no-holds-barred approach when it came to mixing imaginative digital prints with shocking shades. There wasn't a single monotoned outfit in sight. The graphics in this collection were inspired by two contrasting themes - the splendor of nature and the metallic aspect of spray cans and car-crushed sculptures. Green, orange and blue lipstick mirrored the colourful clothes. Katrantzou has a vivid vision, which she blooms to life with this collection.

Matthew Williamson

 Shades of sunset ruled the runway at Matthew Williamson's Spring 2012 show. Ochre, apricot and mango chiffon gowns were patterned, feathered and flowy. Sarong style skirts were paired with matching printed blouses. Tailored blazers framed folksy evening gowns. I love the two-toned Charlotte Olympia ankle-strap pumps worn by the models.

Jonathan Saunders

It was South Beach Central at Jonathan Saunder's Spring 2012 showing. The Scottish designer was inspired by the soft, summery shades of Miami - pool blues, yellow rays of sunshine, palm greens, Florida oranges. Saunders, who's talent lies in silk-screening, submitted a string of 50's style dresses in a pretty paisley-print brocades. Each sugar-coated outfit congruously merged into the next. Gorgeous tie-up wedge heels were worn by virtue of La Louboutin. 

Paul Smith

Paul Smith provided a welcomed break from all the prints with his Spring 2012 collection. I like the relaxed sophistication conveyed by the outfits and the models; who were simple in flat moccasins, floppy hats, wind-swept hair and sunglasses. The hands-in-pockets approach was underpinned by cropped trousers, drop-waist dresses, casual buttoned-down shirts and comfy-looking tees. Looks were commonly threaded by skinny leather belts. I am coveting those flat yellow ankle boots pictured second from last on the bottom row.

Erdem

Turkish-Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu delivered a floaty and feminine range for Spring 2012. Wispy lace dresses were printed in powder blues, lemon chiffon and blanched almond. Beautifully pleated skirts swayed their way across the Savoy ballroom, where the show was held. Fitted dresses suited for a high society summer afternoon high were knee-length with three quarter sleeves. I like the use of unusual accessories like printed gloves and straw boater hats.

Michael van der Ham

Michael van der Ham has rightly earned his place at London Fashion Week. The Dutch novice reiterated his signature look with 3D colour collages and a juxtaposition of fabrics and textures. What looks like strips of fabric that is randomly pinned onto garments, is in fact, a result of van der Ham's carefully deliberated creative process. He showed off silk blouses, cropped cigarette pants and pencil skirts wrapped in chiffon. I like the freshness and blithely vibe that this collection offers. The models were accessorized with printed sunglasses and Christian Louboutin T-bar sandals.

Antonio Berardi

I am completely spellbound by Antonio Berardi's Spring 2012 range. This is my favourite collection of Fashion Week thus far. Fabrics in muted tones were animated by lavish beading. I love the fully sequined skinny pants and cropped bejeweled boleros. Ingenious. Billowy chiffon tunics had high necks and rise-and-fall hems. The warrior-inspired theme is manifested through structured jackets and metallic patent leather, while air light empire-waist gowns brought out a softer side. A truly gorgeous and glamourous collection...I must've bumped my head and went to fashion heaven.

Cover Girls - August 2011

From Catwalk to Cover

Fashion Magazines August 2011



There have been so many interesting magazine covers for August 2011, I couldn't help but share my Top Ten. It makes me wonder, if all these magazines were on the same newsstand...which one would I pick up first?

Kate Moss for Vogue UK. The newly-wed model gazes off in a coral wool dress by Miu Miu, which is covered in an embroidered floral design. The hazy cover shot has a retro feel to it, as does Kate's hair. Marni resin-drop earrings, a brass Diane von Furstenberg cuff and bold red lips add weight to Kates look. 

Katie Holmes for Vogue Spain. Katie takes on a fierce but feminine military persona for the cover of Vogue España. Her black long-sleeved lace dress with polo neck is by Lanvin. Black nail varnish, smokey eyes and a leather army cap complete her valiant look.

Mia Wasikowska for Harper's Bazaar, Australia. The actress wears Louis Vuitton for the vintage-styled cover. She poses in a sheer black and white dress with high collar, puff sleeves and a black buttoned corset. Pulled back hair and barely-there make up play off against the complexity of the outfit. She looks so beautiful compared to the 'tortured' runway look.

Olivia Palermo for Shop Til You Drop magazine. This has got to be the most eye catching cover for August 2011. How adorable is Olivia's Sass & Bide dress? It features dozens of layered leather cutouts in warm autumn colours. She wears the dress back-to-front for the cover and minus the belt.

Megan Fox for Elle China. The sultry star wears an all black crepe-wool ensmeble by Emporio Armani. The jumpsuit fits much better on Megan than he runway model. I think the outfit would have had more of an impact against a clean white background, rather than this grassy one. Windswept hair and red-hot lips complete a very polished look.

Miranda Kerr for Cosmopolitan, Australia. The model wears a sexy purple plum bandage dress with v-neck and zip-front, by Herve Leger. The bright turquoise background and Miranda's radiant smile makes this a fun and energetic cover. She looks amazing seven months after she had her baby.

Sarah Jessica Parker for Vogue. The 'Age Issue' sees a smiling SJP on the cover. Her white embossed coat with black accents and leather belt is by Burberry Prorsum. Her hair is pulled back with a hairpiece to the side. I'm finding this cover to be the most insipid. I prefer the runway styling.

Lily Allen for Elle UK. The British singer wears a dress from my favourite Winter collection of 2011, by Dolce & Gabbana. Her star-printed charmeuse dress is contrasted by panels of black lace. Her hair is worn in retro waves and make-up kept minimal. SA's Candice Swanepoel (right) wore the dress on the runway with  a zebra print bag, black socks and white shoes.

Mila Kunis for Flare, Canada. The Russian-American actress wears a salmon coloured dress by Lanvin with volumized neckline and fitted skirt. Her hair is worn completely to the side. The dress on the runway seems over-accessorised compared to Mila's look. Also, the beauty of the neckline is shown off better on the magazine.

Selena Gomez for Elle Mexico. She wears a midnight blue stretch knit tunic and pants by Altuzarra. The bronze belt with plaited detail and tassels is by Gucci. Her wavy locks are covered by a cute Scala Pronto floppy hat. The cover is simple and sophisticated, it's also is more mature look for Selena, which I like.

Which is your favourite cover for August 2011?

Selena Gomez in Burberry Prorsum

Off the Catwalk

Selena Gomez in Burberry Prorsum



The stunning Selena Gomez played host at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto this weekend. The 20-year-old starlet arrived in a sexy beige dress by Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011. The silk and chiffon mini was flirty with layers of uneven frills while the back was bound by leather straps. 



Selena paired the nude tone dress with fabulous violet peep toes by Giuseppe Zanotti. She wore her hair down in voluminous curls.

Burberry Blue Label - Spring/Summer 2011

Burberry Blue Label

Spring/Summer Collection 2011



Burberry Blue Label has created a Brit chic, high street fashion collection for Spring/Summer 2011. The centerpiece of the range is this season's trendy trench coat, seen in different colours and fabrics. The conservative colour palette includes deep red, navy blue, creamy beige and black. Aimed towards the younger and modern urban diva, this range merges utilitarian themes with classic silhouettes. 

 The grown-up school girl look takes form in mini pleated skirts paired with crisp white shirts. No Burberry collection would be complete without their signature checkered print and khaki coloured trench coat. 

These laid-back looks are easy-to-wear, smart and comfortable. Individually, all these pieces are closet staples that can be worn endlessly. Cropped trousers, denims, stripes, classic shirts and blazers. Chunky platforms, large totes and poorboy caps act as ideal accessories.

Pretty plaid dresses are layered with leather bikers and tailored jackets. The trench coat with metallic buttons is such a versatile piece. It can be worn over dresses, tights, jeans or on it's own, as shown in red in the middle. 

Burberry Blue Label is such a lovely clothing line, it's disappointing that it is only available in Japan. Someone needs to import to us here in South Africa. Here's hoping Stuttafords' brand manager will read this.

Celeb Style - The Burberry Biker Jacket

Celebrity Street Style

The Burberry Leather Biker Jacket



Celebs have been keeping warm with the essential high-fashion biker jacket by Burberry Prorsum. The British luxury fashion brand showed many versions of the leather biker at their Spring 2011 show. Most of the jackets seen on their runway have been favored by stylists and stars around the world. You may have seen the studded biker from this post I did, which was worn by Britney Spears for her 'Til the world ends' music video, Emma Roberts for Elle magazine and Cindy Crawford for Vogue Mexico.



The black leather jacket featured here has quilted panels, multiple zip detail, press-stud fastenings and zip-up sleeves. This heavy-weight runway piece can be worn over just about anything, as shown below.

Keira Knightly paired the double-breasted jacket with a burgundy top, grey loose fitting pants, a tan bag and brogues.

Style Icon Alexa Chung wears her biker with cropped black trousers, a polka dot blouse, black scarf and studded oxford shoes. Her kitten print bag is by Longchamp.

On the Burberry Prorsum runway, Australian model Julia Nobis wore the jacket with a feminine belted dress.

Kate Bosworth styled her jacket with a simple gray top, black skirt and leggings. She accessorized with black buckled boots and a Derek Lam handbag.

I like Sienna Miller's look best. She wore the quilted jacket over a heart print t-shirt from her own brand, Twenty8Twelve, and skinny jeans. Red buckled boots by Chloe and a Prada bag completed her look.

The 100% leather jacket retails for a staggering R24 181. In South Africa, you could buy 3 cows with that amount!

Red Carpet Trend - Dark Blue Dresses

Red Carpet Fashion

Dark Blue Dresses



Starlets stepped out in a deeper shade of blue on the red carpet this week. Blue cocktail dresses are making a big impact, with navy being hailed the 'new black' this stylish season. 

Model and actress Brooklyn Decker combines two big trends - Navy and lace, in a 'Zarita' dress by Diane von Furstenberg. She adds a flash of red with pointy-toe heels by Manolo Blahnik. I really like her modern short hairdo.



Emma Roberts is ruffly in a textured halter-neck dress by Burberry Prorsum. Her black suede sandals are by Elie Saab. She kept her hair simple in a high ponytail.



Sophia Bush wears a deep blue metallic and mesh dress with horizontal stripes by Chris Benz. Her electric pink heels are by Alexander McQueen. The pale blue Judith Leiber is an odd addition of colour.



Kristen Bell attended the 'Scream 4' premiere in a silk cowl neck Vanessa Bruno frock with reversible tie. Her cute tasseled heels are by the same designer.



Alexis Bledel is elegant in a mid-length, midnight blue tweed dress with navy belt by Oscar de la Renta. She paired it with black Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe heels.

1 Burberry Dress, 2 Magazine Covers

Reese Witherspoon and Deepika Padukone

wearing Burberry Prorsum

Reese Witherspoon covers three international Glamour magazines this April - Greece, Romania and South Africa. For all 3 covers, she wore a vivid peach coloured dress with layers of uneven folds and black leather straps. The unique dress is by Burberry Prorsum, from their Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011 Collection. Model and actress Deepika Padukone wore the rosy pink version of the dress on the March 2011 cover of Vogue India. The dress was originally shown on the runway by model Charlotte Wiggins. Who wore it best?

Tuesday Thrills - Studded Biker Jackets

The biker jacket has evolved from personal protective gear for motorcyclists to a fashion statement for women who may have never been on a bike. A leather jacket adds an edge to modern dresses and feminine clothes. This season, the studded range adds some extra adornment to your everyday cropped, roughed-up leather jacket.

Pictured left is a heavily silver-studded black leather biker from Burberry Prorsum. It has an asymmetrical zip, zip-up cuffs and pockets, with multi-sized studs on the collar, belt and sleeves. It is priced at £4 950,52

In the middle is a studded, cracked leather jacket by Just Cavalli. It's simpler and perhaps more wearable than the previous jacket. The shoulders and collar are edged with silver studs. The fit can be adjusted with buckled tabs at the back of the waist. It is priced at £1 917,15

To the right is a lighter cotton cropped jacket from Danish brand Day Birger Et Mikkelson. It still has that biker appeal without being too tough and can be worn  on cooler Autumn days. The jacket is available in a chalk beige colour and is embellished with gun-metal studs. It is priced at £597,89

Wear your biker over tees and jeans, body-con dresses or with floaty printed frocks for a pretty punk-rock look. All jackets are available online from net-a-porter.

Divas and Darlings - Golden Globe Awards

Red Carpet Fashion

The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards



Starlets walked the red carpet at Sunday night's Golden Globe Awards. This is my pick of best dressed, worst and in-between.



The Best Dressed

Angelina Jolie's stunning emerald gown by Atelier Versace is covered entirely in Swarovski crystals. Eva Longoria looks ravishing in a black cap-sleeve fishtail gown, with fitted bodice by Zac Posen. Columbian actress Sofia Vergara is red hot in a belted Vera Wang dress.

A Close Second...

Modern Family's Julie Bowen wears a beautifully textured gown by Tadashi Shoji. House star Olivia Wilde plays princess in this deep chocolate tulle gown with sprinkles of gold sequins by Marchesa. Sandra Bullock wears a pretty petal pink, crystal encrusted dress by Jenny Packham.

Blue is the New Black

I love this deep blue Rebecca Taylor gown with tiered ruffle skirt and bejeweled belt, worn by Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz. Amy Adams wears a midnight blue Marchesa dress with interesting laser-cut frill on the bodice. Mandy Moore's classic blue tulle gown is by Monique Lhuillier.

The Pale and Uninteresting

Scarlett Johansson looks antique in a diamanté Elie Saab dress with flapper sleeves. I think Michelle William's daisy covered dress by Valentino Resort used to be an apron. Leighton Meester wears a dull sponge print Burberry Prorsum dress, which is salvaged by those exquisite Jimmy Choo's. Anne Hathaway does the glam-mermaid look in this scaly Swarovski embellished gown by Armani Privé.

I'm Not Too Sure About These

Actress Jennifer Lawrence wears this explosion of ruffles by Louis Vuitton. Catherine Zeta-Jones' dramatic dress by Monique Lhuillier seems to be growing moss. Lea Michele is sure to win Prom Queen in this fussy silk salmon gown by Oscar de la Renta.

The Worst Dressed

I think Nina Ricci cut up Halle Berry's Catwoman costume to make this dress. Heidi Klum lost her way to a 70's revival in this awful printed dress by Marc Jacobs. Julianne Moore in a creased, bright pink dress by Lanvin's Alber Elbaz - why is extra fabric sprouting from her shoulder? Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood - the messy hair, the glasses, the multi-coloured print, tulle erupting from everywhere, and just when you thought it couldn't get worse, look down at the mismatched shoes. Oh Dear.