Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Olivia Palermo - Regal in Tatler Russia

Cover Girl Olivia Palermo
Tatler Russia
August 2012

The beautiful Olivia Palermo lends her cover-worthy looks to the August 2012 edition of Russia's Tatler magazine. The style icon and media star is elegantly photographed by Santiago Esteban in the city of Madrid, sporting a more mature and cultivated look than we are used to seeing. Here is a peek at her multi-hued Fall-inspired editorial.


Critics claim that the cover is a little lackluster, with Olivia in an embroidered green and navy military jacket with contrasting bright pink and blue font. Do you agree? Right: Olivia is pictured in a teal blue velvet dress with a fawn fur stole and heels by Christian Dior.
Olivia dines out in a saffron yellow silk button-up blouse with pleated yoke, which is from John Galliano's Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Her swirl leaf-printed woolen trousers are by Miu Miu.
All the exquisite jewellery featured in this editorial is by Carrera y Carrera.

Adding some shimmer to her Fall palette, Olivia wears an indigo blue silk and tulle skirt, along with a sheer-sleeved jacket covered in plastic paillettes, both by Paco Rabanne. 
Her enviable metal-capped heels are by Louis Vuitton.

This shade of golden sunflower yellow seems to be a popular pick for Autumn. Olivia warms up in a woollen John Galliano Pre-Fall 2012 coat with fur collar.

What would a celebrity be without an adorable designer dog? Olivia adds a delightful splash of colour to the shoot in a vivid fuchsia & tangerine silk dress with structured bodice by Giorgio Armani. I hope to see more of this pretty colour combination in the upcoming season. Her green leather satchel bag is by Louis Vuitton

And lastly, my favourite of the photo shoot, Olivia is radiant in a ruby red silk and lace gown with billowy skirt by Elie Saab. The look is adapted from his Pre-Fall 2012 collection, with an addition of lace long sleeves. If this is not the perfect fashion shot, I don't know what is.

What do you think of Olivia's editorial for Tatler Russia?


*Images found via tatler.ru

Monday, July 30, 2012

Delphine Manivet Bridal Wear Summer 2012

There's no better way to start a week than with a Midsummer Night's Dream of the most breathtaking wedding gowns. French bridal wear designer Delphine Manivet has earned our attention with her enchanting bridal collection for Spring/Summer 2012. There is something in this range to suit every type of bride: vintage inspired, bohemian chic, fanciful and feminine, short and sweet and modern functionality. 

Whipped in a mist of vanilla creme and ivory, the collection unveils dainty gowns that allude to imagery of woodland fairies and medieval princesses. Manivet uses a host of luxurious fabrics that fall with grace: retro seventies slip dresses in glossy silk satin, airy organza and full tulle gowns, high waisted skirts in silk gaze, comfort-fit frocks in silk radzmir, the casualness of a shorts set and cotton tulle mini's, the delicacy of Calais lace and pretty ruffles, and the unexpected appearance of tweed and silk jersey.

Whether you're a summer bride-to-be, or just enjoy the daydream of running through a field of daisies in that perfect white dress, this collection will leave you in a blissful reverie.









My favourite picks from this exquisite range is Galileé and Aime, what are yours?

*All photos are via Delphinemanivet.com


Saturday, July 28, 2012

Looks of the Week - 28/07/12

The weekly round-up of the hottest celebrity style.

The Little Red Dress
Kylie Minogue painted London town red in a short sleeved Stella McCartney dress, paired with gold peep toe sandals and a chic white Stella McCartney chain-edged clutch bag.
'Modern Family' actress Sarah Hyland picked out a demure red pleated Ted Baker dress, paired with skyscraper nude 'Marina' sandals by Sam Edelman.
Jennifer Lopez celebrated her 43rd birthday in crimson style, wearing a long-sleeved Tom Ford dress that showed off her amazing figure. There was no better pair of heels for this than her red patent cap-toed and PVC 'Bis Un Bout' pair by Christian Louboutin.

The Jazzy Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba displayed her exemplary style with three vibrant looks over the past week. 
*Snapped on the streets of New York, Jessica looked lovely in a colorfully striped skirt worn with a white tank & navy blue blazer. She stylized the look with spunky Thierry Lasry sunglasses, bright blue suede Ralph Lauren platforms & a mustard Marc Jacobs 'Antonia' bag.
*Jessica's fondness for stripes continues in a fitted Narciso Rodriguez colour-block dress, with white D'Orsay pumps by the same designer and a black ruched sling bag.
*While in Italy recently, Jessica impressed with her vivid street style, wearing a pink tropical print multi-layered Salvatore Ferragamo top, along with high-waisted blue trousers, a navy sling bag and mirrored Ferragamo wedges.

Black & White
Always a class act, Victoria Beckham expanded on her personal style, donning a black maxi skirt by Maison Martin Margiela, well-paired with a crisp white Jil Sander shirt. Her all-black accessories included a leather tote from her own line and Giuseppe Zanotti boots.
Poppy Delevingne brought an edge to the term 'hippy chic', dressed in a chunky-knit white sweater, black leather shorts, studded black boots and a cute fedora to round it all up.
Coco Rocha exhibited androgynous sophistication in a tailored white blazer, underlined by a high-collared black shirt and trousers. She kept her look duo toned with black ankle boots and a large white carry bag. Bright pink lipstick added a just pop of colour.

In Print
Mandy Moore played with prints in a red geometric stripe-patterned Tucker dress, teamed with a black leather buckled belt and black and white striped canvas wedges by Pierre Hardy.
Olivia Palermo makes even the simplest outfit look stylish. Here she wears a printed orange and ivory pleated top with complementary pleated-chiffon white shorts from Topshop. A brick red Fendi '2Jours Elite' leather shopper and animal print ballet flats complete her cute look.
Nicky Hilton made an attractive appearance in NYC, in a satiny red and black leopard print dress, polished off with a black clutch and the black patent and PVC version of Christian Louboutin's 'Un Bout' pumps.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?



Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday Frills


MONEY CAN BUY:

A BED, but not SLEEP; 

BOOKS, but not BRAINS; 

FOOD, but not APPETITE; 

FINERY, but not BEAUTY; 

CLOTHES, but not STYLE;

A HOUSE, but not a HOME; 

MEDICINE, but not HEALTH; 

LUXURIES, but not CULTURE; 

AMUSEMENT, but not HAPPINESS; 

COMPANIONS, but not FRIENDS; 

FLATTERY, but not RESPECT; 

Yes, there are many things money can buy, 
But it is better to seek the things in life that money cannot buy.


*Unknown author. Image via Vogue.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Summer Shoes by Brian Atwood

Brian Atwood has become the go-to shoe designer for celebrities and socialites around the world, and upon viewing his 2012 Summer collection, its easy to see why. Each exquisite piece makes a bold statement, whether in shockingly bright neons, gold mesh or studded leather. For this season, Brian brings together a host of vivid shades with colour-blocked sandals and monotone pumps in patent leather and suede. For that glamourous night out, its all caged straps, filigree cut-out leather, metallic animal prints and delicate black lace. He expertly carves exotic fabrics into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, inciting the tribal trend with fringed and embellished heels. At more than $580 a piece, I leave you to dream over Brian Atwood's current Summer and Resort collections for 2012.

Summer Brights

The Neutrals

Glamourous



Resort Neons





Evening Elegance 


If you didn't have to be practical and could give in to your designer shoe fetish, which one of these Brian Atwood pairs would you buy?


*All images via Brainatwood.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Divas and Darlings - Teen Choice Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
Teen Choice Awards 2012

Hollywood was lit up on Sunday by a flurry of bright, young and stylish stars, all hoping to take home a Teen Choice Award. These are some of the most memorable looks and trends from the pink carpet.

The Little Neon Dress
Selena Gomez led a trend of brightly hued dresses in a bubblegum pink DSquared mini with Hervé Léger ankle-strap sandals. Shay Mitchell was eye-catching in a canary yellow bustier dress by Donna Karan. Award winner Lucy Hale chose an electric orange A-line frock by Wes Gordon, worn with metallic Brian Atwood heels. Zooey Deschanel stayed true to her retro style, delightful in a cobalt blue Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013 dress.


Shine On
Cat Deeley reflected off the camera flashes in a glossy silver skinny pants, teamed with a black sweater and pointy-toe pumps. Lea Michele brought her A game to the event in an ultra sexy silver textured mini dress and heels by Atelier Versace. Hayden Panettiere was darling in a shimmery sequined lavender Zuhair Murad dress. I loved her choice of colour-blocked B by Brian Atwood pumps. iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove glimmered in a silver-grey Colette Dinnigan frock with jewel-trimmed skirt and Stella McCartney heels.

The New Romantics
Troian Bellisario looked beautiful in a cream Maria Lucia Hohan fitted low-neck bodysuit with matching tulle skirt. Her bow-decked shoes are by Rene Caovilla. Crystal Reed posed in a white Marchesa frock with decorative silver shoulder pads. Bella Thorne was adorable in a peach sequined All Saints mini skirt and sleeveless blouse, her exotic pair of shoes by Brian Atwood. Award winner Taylor Swift enchanted in a sheer vanilla silk dress by Maria Lucia Hohan, which has cut-out sides and a floaty skirt. Peach Prada sandals complete her look. Jojo sported a look that was very similar to Bella Thorne's. Her sequined skirt is by Marco Marco, with Christian Louboutin heels and a statement chain by Micha Design.

Pretty in Print
'New Girl' actress Hannah Simone was irresistibly lovely in a colourful floral print dress by Mary Kantrantzou. Songstress Carly Rae Jepson went semi-formal in a printed Lisa Ho dress suit and coat, along with Aldo heels and a Kate Spade clutch. Victoria Justice looked winsome in a multi-shaded animal print dress with high-low hem by Gomez-GarciaChelsea Kane's white blouse with yellow embellished sleeves is by French Connection, worn with a bright block-print pair of Alice + Olivia shorts and blue suede shoes. Holland Roden donned a golden sunflower print dress by Alice + Olivia.

'The Vampire Diaries' Star Style
Candice Accola wore a yellow wrap dress by 3.1 Philip Lim, paired with a tan clutch and YSL brown leather sandals. Paul Wesley was his handsome self in a charcoal top and black jeans. Nina Dobrev stunned a structured teal dress with high slit by in J Mendel. Her sparkly gold heels are Jimmy ChooIan Somerhalder was dapper in his casual jeans-and-tee attire. Kat Graham picked a hypnotic pink and purple print dress by Mara Hoffman. A neon lined clutch and purple & blue Gio Diev pumps complete her vivid look.

In the Dark 
Kristen Stewart looked suave in a printed Roberto Cavalli tuxedo jacket, sleeky paired with black leather pants & Pigalle pumps. Ashley Benson chose to wear her harem-ish Balenciaga trousers with a strapless lace bustier by Monique Lhuillier. Upcoming actress Vanessa Marano was dressed in a black peplum Ted Baker dress with gold exposed zipper. She paired it with edgy Q by Pasquale gladiator sandals. Nikki Reed went for a more simple look, donning a navy and black V-neck Contrarian dress with sandals by Brian Atwood.

A Patterned Risk
Host Demi Lovato stood out of the crowd in a tribal patterned Falguni & Shane Peacock warrior dress with feathered hemline, adding chunky black Louboutins to the mix. Zoe Saldana picked out a green and brown geometric ensemble by Jonathan Saunders, along with turquoise Christian Louboutin heels. This is not my favourite colour combination. Disney's Debby Ryan went for a Biphu Mohapatra mini with open shoulders and bold side printed panels. Her Chanel sandals were about the best part of this look. Ariana Grande took a pastel plunge in this cutesy macaroon print Kenley Collins dress.


Who was your best and worst dressed at the Teen Choice Awards 2012?


Monday, July 23, 2012

Who Wore Roland Mouret Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Roland Mouret Spring 2012 Herbert Dress

French designer Roland Mouret is well known for his curve-hugging dresses with impeccable pencil skirts that flatter the female form. It's no wonder that five different celebrities picked out the exact same dress from his Spring 2012 collection. The colour-block dress features an ivory crepe wool off-the-shoulder top with folded neckline and nude grosgrain straps, a black tie-up belt and red plissé pencil skirt.

1. The first to put on the dress was Amy Adams back in November 2011. The red-haired actress looked graceful with side swept hair, opting to tie the belt to the back. She added the illusion of length with nude Jimmy Choo 'Anouk' pumps, which also complimented the straps.
2. Lifetime host Amanda de Cadenet wore the 'Herbert' dress in April 2012 for an InStyle event. Changing it up a bit, Amanda's dress had black shoulder straps. She stepped out in a pair of three bow-strapped 'Miss Butterfly' sandals by Christian Louboutin. I don't think this dress was the right fit for her.
3. Canadian actress Sarah Gadon wore the fitted frock for the 'Cosmopolis' photocall in Cannes during May of this year. The petite actress kept it simple with black peep-toe sandals, messy waves and a gold cuff. The dress is slightly looser on her.
4. 58-year-old actress Christie Brinkley proved that she looks just as good as any 25-year-old in the shapely dress. She chose this look for the Broadway Beacon Awards held in early June 2012. Seventies style hair and bold orange sandals complete her outfit.
5. Finally, the Mouret dress had another showing at the movie premiere of 'Ted' last month. Model Rhea Durham (the wife of Mark Wahlberg) looked stunning in the color-block frock, she dressed it up with a black clutch and satin and lace slingbacks by Christian Louboutin.


Polish beauty Jac Jagaciak modeled the popular dress for Roland Mouret's Spring 2012 show. It was paired with chunky wooden platform sandals on the runway.

As for Who Who It Better...I am wavering between the elegant Amy Adams and lovely Rhea Durham. Amy's choice of nude heel was spot on and Rhea gave it that glamourous model touch. What are your thoughts? 

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Looks of the Week - 21/07/12

A roundup of the week's most notable celebrity style on and off the red carpet.


Bent on Blue
*Lea Michele looked lovely in a cobalt blue embroidered rosette dress by Oscar de la Renta. As pretty as the dress is, I wish she opted for a different pair of shoes.
*Blake Lively was photographed filming a scene for 'Gossip Girl'. She continues the bright blue trend in a Marc by Marc Jacobs v-neck dress with tie-up waist and handkerchief hemline. 'Serena' is styled with a printed Fendi flap bag and striking coral chain heels by Dior.
*Glee's Naya Rivera went modern-minimalist-chic for her appearance at Comic Con. She tried out the cropped top trend in a grey bateau neck piece by Razan Alazzouni, brightly paired with a blue H&M pencil skirt. The best part about her look were those vivid on-trend pair of lumo yellow pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.


All About White
White was a popular choice on the red carpet this week, although it was the footwear did most of the talking.
*Jessica Alba picked out this graceful Salvatore Ferragamo frock with bronze satin trimmed wrap-over bodice. Her brown leather ankle-strap sandals are also by Ferragamo.
*Jessica Biel's all-white look kept the focus on her electric pair of neon pink Brian Atwood pumps. Her white architectural peplum pencil skirt was courtesy of Thierry Mugler, worn with a simple white top.
*Ashley Tisdale's little white bustier dress is by design duo Camilla and Marc. Her figure-hugging mini was styled with a Lulu Guiness black and white striped clutch and a fabulous pair of strappy zebra print Jimmy Choo sandals.
*The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev looked delightful in a corduroy and silk Katherine Kidd belted romper with pleated neckline. Her choice of heel was a pair of lacy black and white Dolce & Gabbana pointy-toe pumps.


Double Vision
Both Alexa Chung & Marion Cotillard doubled their style stakes this week.
*Alexa was spotted in two different and equally modish Louis Vuitton ensembles. The first being a chic leather skirt and army green top, adorably paired with a matching green leopard print berét and black suede pumps.
Alexa changed into another LV outfit, this time with a pleated bottle green leopard print skirt (as inspired by the berét), black polo neck top and cap-toed heels.
*Marion Cotillard represented Dior this week in two completely different looks. Pictured third, she was sophisticated in a strapless orange top and checkered print pencil skirt, accessorized by a metallic belt, red hot heels and a Dior clutch.
Her next Christian Dior look was much more theatrical, as she donned an ivory dress with elaborately ruffled ballet skirt. Sparkly silver Christian Louboutin sandals fit her feet. We won't mention the neon orange eye shadow.


Sidewalk Style
*Brit stylista Fearne Cotton wore a cute and quirky retro look on the streets of London, which comprised of a colourful flower print dress with petaled pockets and collar, a cream trench coat, tan bag, zany yellow rimmed sunnies and leopard print flats.
*Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio went out shopping in a slick striped vest, deconstructed black shorts, a Celine tote bag and killer red studded heels by Chloe.
*Everyday is an opportunity for Olivia Palermo to show off her impressive style. She was charming in a autumn striped Free People dress, fittingly paired with a tribal style neckpiece, Fendi tote and similarly shaded animal print flats.
*Amber Heard was spotted in this voguish look recently in sunny LA. She takes street style to a new and glamourous level in a strapless white lace bustier, worn with a black pleated skirt and accented by brown leather accessories.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday Frills





What matters in life is...
Not what you bought, but what you build; 
Not what you've got, but what you give. 

What matters is not your fame or fortune, but your philanthropy.
Not your success, but your significance. 
Not what you learn, but what you teach. 

What matters in life is not only cultivating the fields of your own happiness,
But also bringing happiness to those around you.

What matters is not your competence, but your character. 
What matters is not how many people you know, but how many you have inspired. 

What matters in life is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that 
enrich, empower or encourage others to emulate your example. 

What matters are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who love you. 
What matters is how you will be remembered, by whom and for what. 

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. 
It's not a matter of circumstance, but of choice. 
Choose to live a life that matters.


*Image found via Tumblr. 
Author unknown, additional lines added by me.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013

Monique Lhuillier has refined the art of the feminine dress. Demure lengths and modest necklines, the leaned-in waistline that delicately creates an hourglass shape, and the invariable presence of a draped mermaid skirt. She makes clothes that we would want to wear; its glamourous yet grounded, hits all the right curves and make a bold style statement without being overdone. 

It's this selective simplicity she brings to her Resort 2013 collection, which takes a stride on the bright and printed side. A Crayola-box of colourful cocktail and evening wear garner attention in acid green, fuchsia, lucent yellow and tangerine. The range is gingered up by abstract floral and paint splatter prints, accentuted by wide leather belts. Monochromatic, empire waist evening gowns are strapless and sophisticated in scalloped lace, and chiffon pleat-draped bodices and fluid skirts. This beautiful collection will surely inspire a new neon bridesmaid trend and be a hit on the summertime party scene.








Would you opt for neon evening wear?

*Photos via style.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Cover Girl Marion Cotillard

Starring as 'Miranda Tate' in one of the year's most anticipated movies, The Dark Knight Rises, Marion Cotillard has rightfully taken her place in the spotlight, covering not one, but two issues of Vogue (Paris and US), as well as covers for Marie Claire UK, WSJ (Wall Street Journal Magazine) & Madame Figaro for July/August 2012. Of these five, I favored the editorials from Vogue US and WSJ Magazine, which reflect the enigmatic theme of the movie, without undermining the natural beauty and grace of the Parisian-born actress.


On the cover of the August 2012 issue of American Vogue, Marion is dashing in a twilight blue velvet pants-suit by Ralph Lauren. The styling for this editorial takes on a wintry spell, with rich velvets in stormy jewel tones.

The winter must-have luxury trench coat, in quilted navy blue velvet by Burberry Prorsum. Her gold-trimmed heels are by Ralph Lauren.

The Parisian-born actress dons an off-the-shoulder silk chiffon blouse by Salvatore Ferragamo with slick black hat by Maison Michel.


Marion displays the sumptuousness of red velvet in this ruby 3-piece suit by Ralph Lauren


My favourite from all the outfits, a textured black velvet and embroidered tulle bustier gown by McQ Alexander McQueen. With the ankle-strap heels straight off the runway.

WSJ Magazine

For WSJ or The Wall Street Journal, Marion is pictured in opulent designer wear from the Fall 2012 collections, with a focus on red and black. She graces the cover in a sultry black tulle embroidered gown with floral appliqués by Gucci.

A modernistic tri-coloured ensemble by Balenciaga, with angled strapless neckline, digital animal print waistband and red silk skirt.

A striking combination of rouge and coal - Marion wears a slinky black bustier gown by Bottega Veneta, hedged by an oversized red Jil Sander coat.

The Academy Award winning actress is bewitching in a wool Bottega Veneta dress, enveloped by a black bolero in shredded black chiffon. Dark makeup and slick leather gloves that add to the overall introspective tone of the editorial.

Which editorial do you prefer, Vogue or WSJ?