Cannes Red Carpet 2013 - Part Two

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2013
Part Two

The glamour and excitement continues with a red carpet catch-up in Part Two of my Cannes 2013 fashion coverage. If you missed Part One, visit here. Click on the images to zoom in.

Colour-Blocked

Jennifer Lawrence graced Cannes in a black & white gown with folded peplum waist detail by Christian Dior. Carey Mulligan is once again simplistic chic in a monochromatic look with cut-out neck & middle split by Vionnet. Marion Cotillard brought in some colour to her white pleated Christian Dior asymmetrical hemmed dress with blocks of yellow, pink & cobalt blue. 

Patterned

Nicole Kidman chose a busy red and blue leaf-patterned strapless gown by L'Wren Scott. Milla Jovovich showed off a floral short-sleeved sequined frock by Chanel Couture. Kirsten Dunst was elegant in a black and white embroidered dress by Michael van der Ham. 

Pastel Pretty

Chinese actress Zhang Yuqi was breathtaking in a blush Roberto Cavalli mermaid gown, delicately emblazoned with a multitude of tiny frills. Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai opted for an ethnic full-skirted gown decked in a myriad of pastel shaded beads, which is by Indian design duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Supermodel Joan Smalls wore a fluttery petal pink gown with low plunge neck and frilled sleeves and slit by Emilio Pucci. 

Ladies in Red

Cheryl Cole was exquisite in a fully embellished wine red lace Zuhair Murad dress. Spanish presenter Nieves Alvarez stole the spotlight in an artful cherry red couture gown by Ralph & Russo, featuring a colossal fabric train emerging from the hip. Ahna O' Reilly was engaging in a ruby red embroidered dress with high-low hem and accompanying skinny trousers, by Monique Lhuillier. French model Alyson le Borges made a bold statement in a palatial Armani Privé scarlet strapless gown with folded skirt & a tribal cane through the bodice.

Back To Black

 Ethiopian model Liya Kebede was beguiling in a shimmering black beaded Roberto Cavalli linear gown with sheer sleeves and bodice. Hungarian model Barbara Palvin went for a unique style, wearing a masculine tailored tuxedo suit with ankle-cropped pants by Alexandre Vauthier. Aishwarya Rai looked imperial in a black embroidered lace printed gown with cap sleeves and full skirt by favored Cannes designer Elie Saab.

Blue Smoke

French actress Lea Seydoux was dressed by Louis Vuitton in a cornflower blue strapless gown with navy ombre sequined skirt. Zoe Saldana was an image of grace wearing a grey-blue lace embroidered gown by Valentino. Milla Jovovich went for an edgier look, donning a black backless gown with midnight blue diamond-beaded skirt by Prada.

Chalk It Up

Doutzen Kroes was classic in a crisp white long-sleeved Calvin Klein dress with cut-out back. Paz Vega took a risk in this perplexing Stéphane Rolland Couture gown with loosely fitted plunging bodice, sheer insert skirt & fringed hem. Jessica Chastain looked regal in a timeless off-white Versace gown with matching waistband & long cape. Chinese actress Carina Lau posed in a sophisticated Elie Saab dress with fitted beaded bodice & over-the-shoulder cape.

Aquatic

 Aishwarya Rai was elegantly dressed by Gucci in a silk one-shouldered teal blue gown with defining waistband. Thai actress Araya Hargate turned a few heads in this dramatic turquoise Zac Posen gown with fitted satin corset and titanic tulle skirt. Eva Longoria went for an aquamarine bubble embossed dress with three-quarter sleeves and side slit by Atelier Versace.

Into The Glitz

Rosario Dawson glimmered in an embellished gold Marchesa gown with puffy sleeves and short train. Jessica Biel made an outstanding Cannes appearance in a ornately decorated dress with feathered skirt by Marchesa. Lara Lieto went for gold in a long-sleeved (see-through) sequined gown by Elie Saab. Petra Nemcova picked out a shimmery sequined metallic number with chiffon paneled skirt by Emilio Pucci.

Neon Nation

Zhang Yuqi took a stride in a neon digi-printed Monique Lhuillier strapless gown with imposing fishtail skirt. Australian model Jessica Hart was fluorescent in a pink one-strap Emilio Pucci gown with thigh-high slit, metallic belt and Casadei sandals. Caymanian beauty Selita EBanks coloured in the Cannes red carpet with a vivid shade of canary yellow; wearing a halter, keyhole-cut-out gown with embellished sleeves and long trailing skirt by Cadena Gabriela.

Who has impressed you in Part Two of the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet?

*Part Three to follow in the coming week.

Who Wore Chanel Stripes Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Chanel Pre-Spring 2013 Jumpsuit

Keeping in with striped trend, this version of 'Who Wore It Better' pits 6 international starlets against each other in an epic styling battle of Chanel. The outfit in question is a black and white striped strapless jumpsuit from Chanel's Pre-Spring 2013 collection. A difficult silhouette for anyone to wear, this one ought to be interesting...

1. Fashion stylist Caroline Sieber took a casually elegant approach to styling her jumpsuit, wearing it with a sleek black buttoned jacket, tote bag and wide-brimmed fedora.
2. British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley kept her look minimalistic chic, adding a long layered pearl necklace and a Chanel 'Lego' clutch bag to her jumpsuit. This fitted bodice with wide-leg silhouette is ideally tailored to her model height and figure.
3. Chinese model Sui He went geometric by pairing her vertically striped jumpsuit with a sheer black horizontally striped top, creating a checkered effect. Red heels finalized Sui's outfit.

4. Chinese beauty Janice Man flaunted her sophisticated styling of the striped jumpsuit, pairing it with an oversized black blazer and gold & black necklaces. 
5. 12-year-old Willow Smith had the monochromatic jumpsuit resized to her small waist size but the pants don't have the same streamlined effect as it does on the others. A cropped leather biker jacket, black bowler hat & spiked PVC Louboutin pumps complete her edgy look.
6. Miley Cyrus looked sleek in the linear leg-lengthening ensemble, opting for simple styling with a gold collar necklace and bright red lips.

Who Wore It Better? 
I like the gracefulness Rosie brought to the jumpsuit, the fit is perfect on her. But I have to go with Caroline as my top pick, as I preferred her perceptive and contemporary styling. She transformed this piece into so much more than just a striped jumpsuit. 
What are your thoughts?

Katie Ermilio Spring/Summer 2013

Just when we thought we had our fashion fill of stripes this season, upcoming US designer Katie Ermilio updates the trend with modern tailoring and bold contrasts. The talented 27-year old is extremely conscientious with regards to garment construction, playing with fit-and-flair proportions, bubble skirts and slim-fitting silhouettes. Katie creates clothes that are easy to wear, instantly chic and flattering to different shapes.

For Spring 2013, Katie effectively pursues geometrics, presenting a predominantly black and white range, heavily lined with stripes. A bright splash of canary yellow and cardinal red vivifies the monochromic collection with ladylike cocktail frocks and elegant evening wear. 

A rising star on the New York Fashion scene and with fans like Olivia Palermo & Michelle Williams, Katie Ermilio is one to watch. This is a look at her Spring/Summer 2013 range.


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Which Katie Ermilio outfit would you like in your wardrobe ?


All images found via katieermilio.com

Cannes Red Carpet 2013 - Part One

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2013
Part One

The 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival kicked off to a stylish start earlier this week, where couture gowns and international celebrities graced the French Rivera with great aplomb. This is Part One of my Cannes Red Carpet Coverage. Click on the image for a larger view.

True Colours

'The Great Gatsby's' Isla Fisher was ravishing in a crimson red Oscar de la Renta gown featuring a layered skirt with wavering frills. Zhang Yuki stood out in an avocado green Ulyana Sergeenko gown with plunge neck bodice. Freida Pinto was vibrant in a cerise pink halter-neck dress by Gucci, featuring an embellished belt. French actress Vahina Giocante picked out a cobalt blue gown with sheer side panels and winged sleeves by Elie Saab.

Star Dust

Paz Vega sizzled in a sexy sheer tulle beaded gown with nude body suit by Roberto Cavalli. Naomie Harris glittered in a silver bugle-beaded Calvin Klein column gown. Ahna O' Reilly was elegant in a fully beaded ivory one-shouldered dress with cut-out sides by Elie Saab. Freida Pinto showed off a high-slit in this silvery beaded dress by Sanchita.

In The Dark

Cara Delevingne represented Burberry in an alluring black gown with see-through lace long-sleeves. Zhang Ziyi was painted in black and silver, wearing a capacious strapless gown by Carolina Herrera. 'Les Mis' actress Samantha Barks was simply demure in a modest black long-sleeved Christian Dior dress with full skirt. 

Scene Stealers

Sonam Kapoor stunned in a custom-made gown by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring a voluminous pink flower printed ballroom skirt. Nicole Kidman went for a tea-length dress with neon floral embroidery by Christian Dior, adding coral pumps to her outfit. Bérénice Bejo made an impact in a frothy white frilled gown, with tailored navy blazer by Alexis Mabille Couture.

A Sweep of Blush

Upcoming actress Claire Julien looked beautiful in a blush toned Emilio Pucci gown with elaborately ruffled train. Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes wore a pastel pink Atelier Versace dress with shimmering sequined cut-out bodice. Carey Mulligan kept things classic in a frosted Christian Dior Couture gown with low V-neck and full skirt. 

Fan Fiction

Fan BingBing brings her own blend of glamour to Cannes, pictured left in a delicate lemon chiffon Elie Saab gown with embroidered three-quarter top. She then picked out a powder blue satin dress with mermaid skirt and off-the shoulder plunge-neckline by Ulyana Sergeenko. Fan attended the opening ceremony in a rose pink strapless duchess satin gown by Louis Vuitton.

Gold Thread

Solange Knowles stepped out in a sandy Stephane Rolland Couture dress, with slitted long-sleeves and fringed detailing on the swishy skirt. Eva Longoria was attractive in a matt gold embroidered long-sleeved gown by Zuhair Murad. Bollywood beauty Sonam Kapoor displayed a more traditional look in a white Anamika Khanna lace sari with opulent gold beadwork.

Black on White

Emma Watson was sophisticated in a minimalist Chanel Couture dress with black bustier bodice and white fitted skirt. Liya Kebede wore a dainty diaphanous white Alberta Ferretti ensemble with sheer top and textured layer skirt. Belarusian model Olga Sorokina emphasized her chic white dress with oversized black ruffled shoulders. French actress Sara Forestier kept things interesting in a white shorter-length Giambattista Valli dress featuring an asymmetrical hemline, with contrasting black velvet panel and red ankle-strap pumps.

Who impressed you the most during the first 3 days of the Cannes Film Festival?

*Part Two of my Cannes Red Carpet Coverage is to follow in the coming week.

Friday Frills

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy,


Or I can be thankful that my garden is getting watered for free. 

Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money, or I can be glad 
that my finances 

encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. 

Today I can grumble about my health, or I can rejoice that I am alive. 

Today I can lament over all I didn’t have whilst growing up, 


Or I can feel grateful for not being spoilt. 

Today I can whine because roses have thorns, or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. 

Today I can mourn my lack of friends,
 or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. 

Today I can be annoyed because I have to go to work, 
or I can appreciate that I have a job to do. 

Today I can complain because I have to go to class,
 

Or I can eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge. 

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have chores and housework to do,


Or I can feel honoured because I have a shelter for my mind, body, and soul. 

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped,
 and I am the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. 

Today, my attitude is the difference. 

I get to choose what kind of day I will have.

*Author unknown, edited. Image via Pinterest.

The Saturdays - Hairstyle Inspiration

I've been listening to The Saturdays and admiring their trendy style since they first arrived on the scene with their 2008 debut album 'Chasing Lights'. Much has evolved since then but their combination of punchy pop tunes, infectious personalities, stunning looks & amazing wardrobes have ensured them a place on the world music map. Besides for the chart-topping hits and co-ordinated clothes, I think some credit should be given to their impressive hairstyles too.

Una Healy

Irish beauty Una Healy is noticed more for the dazzling colour of her hair rather than the cut. Her glossy multi-tonal reddish locks perfectly compliment her pale skin and icy blue eyes. Auburn isn't a shade we could all easily pull off, but Una does so with radiance. Get a similar style by asking your colourist for copper and auburn highlights placed around the mid-lengths. Use a large round barrel brush when blowdrying your hair, and set in place with a shot of cold air. Pile on the shine with a high-gloss serum.

Vanessa White

Vanessa White's exotic looks come from her half-English, half-Filipino heritage. The 23-year-old songstress proudly wears her hair in natural, healthy voluminous waves. She is also isn't afraid to experiment with colour, going from licorice black to burgundy and then golden blonde. She looks just as beautiful with sleekly ironed locks as she does a curly coif. If you also have curly locks, try a leave-in-conditioner to attain maximum moisture and place any type of product on wet hair, and then scrunch. Opt for air-drying your hair to avoid frizziness.

Frankie Sandford

Frankie Sandford initiated the supremely chic haircut that received an instant cult following. Her chocolate brown asymmetrical bob has an undercut on one side, highlighting her cheekbones & perfectly angular jawline. Frankie wears her modern cropped coif with an extreme side-swept fringe that's been layered for more movement & body. She has also tried out this style with honey blonde highlights. This is a cut that requires some effort, with trims needed every few weeks. Use hair wax to texturize & set into position with a mist of spray.

Rochelle Wiseman

Rochelle Wiseman is one of those very lucky girls who can wear any type of hairstyle & hair length and still look incredible. She has gone from a short straight bob to wavy medium-length tresses to sweeping long locks, each of them suiting her beautifully. Having sparkling brown eyes & a great face shape also aids the versatility of her haircuts. If your hair is naturally wavy, don't completely rinse out your conditioner - this will add to the sheen when it's dry. Try a Vitamin E serum or capsules and use a weekly masque to maintain a healthy mane.

Mollie King

 Mollie King stands out from the group with her shiny blonde locks. Her signature look is a middle-parted style with bouncy waves, that make the most out of her fine hair. To get Mollie's hairstyle, use a volumizing spray on towel-dried hair and then flip your head over and blow-dry upside down. Use a flat iron or curling tong to achieve waves. Then separate curls with your fingers for a softer, more tousled look. Avoid greasy hair build-up by using a clarifying shampoo once a week or try a rinse with apple cider vinegar.

Which of 'The Saturdays' hairstyles would you most likely try out?

Poca & Poca Spring/Summer 2013

I was excited to hear that one of my favourite European brands have extended their fashion influence to the Emirates, with a charming display dedicated to their range in Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall. For Spring/Summer 2013, the poetic Polish clothing label indulges our nostalgic side with a saccharine collection called 'Loved Memories'. 

Known for their fairy-esque dresses, swirling tulle skirts, whimsical blouses and well-taliored trousers, Poca & Poca captivates in a candied palette of turquoise, rose pink, caramel fudge, luminous yellow, peach sundae, plumberry and electric cobalt blue, with whispers of white. 

Keeping in with current trends whilst maintaing their unique story-book appeal, Poca & Poca create decadently feminine outfits that are not meant to blend in. Delicate satin and viscose tops are graced with oversized ruffled necks & fluttery sleeves. Multi-layered peplum tops and organza skirts maximize on the dreamlike effect that the label has become associated with.

This is a glance into Poca & Poca's head-in-the-clouds Spring 2013 collection.

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Has Poca & Poca woven its magical style spell on you?


*All images found via http://pocaandpoca.com.

The Savvy Girls Guide to Vintage Style

I have always admired vintage style, but knew little about it achieving it. That's when I decided to get some expert advice in the form of a dear blog friend and vintage virtuoso, Nicole Danielle Warr.

Nicole is the creator of South Africa's first ever online vintage magazine, Vintage Lifestyle, which highlights everything from fashion to decor, travel, literature, music, art and design. 
This dynamic 22-year-old has a passion for all things vintage, as well as fashion and drinking lots of tea. Nicole's magazine attains a perfect balance, featuring good quality, affordable labels and also luxury vintage inspired brands. This virtual publication looks at how vintage elements enhance our modern lifestyles - the old with the new - all culminating in a unique look and experience. Amidst running a successful magazine, compiling articles & styling and organizing exquisite photo shoots, Nicole also impressively finds time in between to run her own blog, Diamonds & Dust. And to guest post for Frills & Thrills. Take it away Nicole....

Nicole's Essential Vintage Items

The High-Waisted Skirt

High-waisted skirts look best with a well-fitted blouse or a jersey and a statement waist belt. Popular vintage colours at the moment are ivory white, mint green, dusty pink and maroon. Good news is that they work well for the fuller figure too, and if worn in a darker shade, such as black or navy blue, it will compliment the shape in more ways than one.

The 50's Style Dress

Floral print never seems to go out of fashion. One could put together images of people wearing floral from every decade. For the vintage look however, it has to be the 50's style floral dress. Conservative top, a cinched waist and a wide knee-length skirt (the bigger the skirt, the better!). Remember when wearing floral not to overdo it. My advice would be to wear one floral item at a time and to refrain from mixing florals with other patterns such as stripes and polka dots. It’s best to pair your dress with a cardigan for those chilly evenings out.

The LBD or “Little Black Dress”

This is yy absolute favourite item of clothing. The origins of this dress date back to 1920's designs of Coco Chanel. I’m sure you all know by now that a LBD is an essential to have. If you’re standing in front of your cupboard one day and you have absolutely no clue as of what to wear, take out your LBD, put on some heels and you’re good to go. What’s also great about wearing a plain black dress is that you have the option of accessorizing however you like, and with whatever colour you like. The classic LBD is a look that works for many women time and time again. For those chilly evenings out, pair your LBD with a classic beige trench coat.

Vintage-Style Sunglasses

Some of the greatest vintage-style sunglasses have to be wayfarers, aviators, Jackie O’s and cat’s eye. You might have thought that these styles are modern, but fashions have a way of resurfacing. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s wayfarer style sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Tom Cruise’s aviator sunglasses in Top Gun? Jackie Onassis wearing her signature oversized, round sunglasses (this style was named after her), and the cat’s eye sunglasses worn by every housewife in the 50s and 60s?

Vintage-Style Earrings

I have a pair of clip-on earrings that are very dear to me. They belonged to my grandmother and anyone who knows me knows that I wear them all the time. What I love about them is that they compliment any outfit. If you can’t get hold of your grandmother’s vintage clip-on’s, don’t worry too much as many of the vintage stores and markets still sell them. If you want to go for a more classic style, try vintage pearl earrings with a matching necklace.

Mary Jane Shoes or Classic Round Pumps

Shoes have a way of rounding off a look. When it comes to vintage, a pair of Mary Jane’s or classic round pumps will do just that. My advice would be to start off with a neutral colour, such as tan, black, navy blue or ivory white. This is to ensure that they’ll match with all your outfits and then, when you’re ready, perhaps start experimenting with bold colours and prints.


Vintage Hair & Make-Up

Personally, when it comes to hair and make-up, I always keep it simple.

Delicate, wavy hair, with a winged liner on the eyes and a nude lip. 

Or, all my hair pulled back into a sleek bun with soft eyes and dark red lips. 

I’m also a huge fan of plaits or braids as they tend to soften a look quite nicely.

Nicole's Thrifting Tips

A

• Always check the fabrics for holes and stains. Unless it's really worth sewing up or bleaching (if it's white), then don't buy it.
• Check the label. This gives you an indication of what it’s worth and whether the selling price is reasonable. If it’s Gucci, you’re going to pay a bit more.
• TRY THE ITEM ON! I’ve made the mistake before of not trying the item on and then going home and drowning in it.
• If you’re new to vintage, try and mix one vintage item with modern items. For example; wear your new shift dress with your vintage clutch bag.
• I recommend hand washing most vintage items, especially lace. Older fabrics may be damaged in very hot water.
• Have fun! Thrifting can soon become a great hobby of yours.

A Special Thanks to Nicole for taking the time to guest post and for defining 'Vintage Style'. 

I hope you have enjoyed her retro fashion tips and thrifting tricks as much as I have. 

Is 'Vintage' something you would try out?

*Images sourced via Tumblr, Polyvore and Nicole's blog, Diamonds & Dust.