Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Manolo Blahnik Summer Shoes 2013

When it comes to shoe designers, Manolo Blahnik is in a league of his own. With more than 30 years of experience and an abounding imagination, Mr Blahnik never fails to amaze with his awe-inspiring creations. For Summer 2013, we are treated to a flare of bright buoyant hues in turquoise and tangerine, cobalt blue and emerald, intense red, flashy neon yellow and fuchsia. There are also a few neutral shaded shoes mingled in for the classic palates.

Whether your style is feminine, boyish, outlandish or simply elegant, there is a Manolo pair in store for you. This season, sculptural heels take centre stage with a range of head-spinning high heels that will require a lesson or two to walk in. Cue Carrie Bradshaw. Colour blocked suedes are met with frilled frontages and glossy metallics take on vibrant tones. PVC panels add a modernistic effect, and architectural ankle cuff sandals look forward to the future.

Lace-up leather boots and monochrome brogues will fit a more masculine sense of style and for the girly girls, there are daisy-decked kitten heels and jeweled satin sandals. Pick a pointy-toe black court shoe if asymmetry and fluoro tints are not your thing. Patent cut-out pairs and printed tweeds lend to the innovation of this striking collection.

All Hail High Heels and Pretty Pumps....this is a look at Manolo Blahnik's Summer 2013 range.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6
 Set 7
Set 8

Set 9

     
If we had ideal lives where power-walking and economizing was not required - which of these Manolo Blahnik heels would you love to try on?

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Vogue Australia - A Rose Tinted Fall 2013

Put on your oversized knitted beanie and pull up your knee-high socks, it's going to be a cute and cozy winter according to Vogue Australia. The magazine sings a romantic tune for their August 2013 issue, with a charming collection of red and pink rose tinted runway looks. 
In keeping with their 'rosy' theme, Vogue Au enlisted upcoming model Holly Rose Emery for the photo shoot, who perfectly fits this idyllic melody with her dainty fairyesque features.

If you were ever intimidated by the combination of rose and red, set your fashion fears aside, and view how it so beautifully blends in this engaging editorial. 

Holly Rose Emery wears an ivory Bottega Veneta dress that boasts oversized ruffled sleeves and a ruby red felt imprint design. It is layered over a carmine red Prada sweater and topped off with that all important Fall accessory, a large knitted beanie. A touch of bling is added with a Dries van Noten collar necklace.


It was during the the Fall 2013 runway show of British designer Giles, that the sizeable beanie became a fashion fad. Holly is pretty in a rosebud pink Giles maxi gown with voluminous bishop sleeves and grey knee-high American Apparel socks.

Throw a petal pink teddy bear robed coat over your winter ensemble for instant chicness. This slouchy version is by Carven, accessorized with a rouge red Prada bag and knee-highs.


The New Zealander beauty is captivating in a scarlet jacquard mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana, unzipped and styled with a velvety red Prada cardigan, ice pink leg warmers, a floppy Giles beanie and a crystal Dries van Noten necklace.



Layering a comfy cardigan under your strappy tops is a great way to transition into Fall. Holly is sweet in a spaghetti strap cut-out top edged with fur, which is paired with a matching maxi skirt, both by Nina Ricci. A snug grey cardi, socks, jewelled Rochas necklace and large floral headpiece complete her endearing ensemble.


A bordeaux dipped, feather trimmed dress by Christopher Kane is toned down by a gentle grey Prada sweater, those all-the-rage knee-high socks and a twee beanie.

Holly Rose is saccharine in a petal pink duchess satin Rochas dress, which is given a casual twist by way of a cozy cashmere Chanel sweater and vintage burgundy socks.

What do you think of this red and pink rose themed editorial?



Monday, July 29, 2013

La Formela Summer 2013

All good things come in threes and the same thing can be said about the trio behind emerging European fashion label La Formela. They may originate from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but this summer, these talented garmentiers turned to the East for inspiration. 

La Formela's SS13 range is dipped in a paint box of fruity shades from strawberry pink, lime green, lemon and cranberry red, grounded by white and midnight blue. The blissful palette is printed in an exotic array of graphic patterns that are strongly influenced by nature. Quirky Koi fish, lucky cats, ladybirds and a variegated floral extravaganza are churned together, resembling a beautiful, abstract Japanese garden.

The Prague-based brand uses traditional handcrafting methodologies, turning sumptuous textiles into modern silhouettes. For summer, we are presented with jazzy bomber jackets, oversized trench coats, reversible sleeveless wraps (Look 6), silken summer dresses, patterned satin blouses with cigarette pants and elegant maxi dresses for a formal night out.

This is a glimpse into the vivid Summer 2013 collection by La Formela.

Look 1


 Look 2


Look 3


Look 4



Look 5


Look 6


Look 7


Look 8


Look 9


Look 10


Look 11


Look 12


Look 13


Look 14

Are you enticed by these boldly patterned looks?


*All images sourced via www.laformela.com

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Looks of the Week - 27/07/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

The Bright Side
Jessica Hart was pictured in a vibrant tangerine jumpsuit with draped sweetheart neck and neon yellow and blue colour block heels.
Model Katie Cleary wears an alluring red maxi dress with sexy cut-out back, accessorized with an oversized white printed clutch and gold serpentine collar necklace.
Cate Blanchett takes a stride in a candy apple green Cedric Charlier dress, styled with a black and white geometric Roger Vivier bag and black pumps.
Made in Chelsea's Kimberly Garner made a sunny statement in a fluorescent yellow Versace dress with plunge low neck, roped straps and a metallic belt.


Stripes & Blooms

Daisy Lowe looked retro-chic in a yellow, brown and blue striped Dolce & Gabbana dress, paired with neutral Charlotte Olympia platform sandals.
Holland Roden teamed her white Stella & Jamie shorts with an emerald green and white striped halter Raoul top, adding a black ruched belt and two-tone Aldo pumps.
Zendaya Coleman showed off an adorable floral baby doll dress by Moschino, paired with vivid green Giuseppe Zanotti architectural wedges.
Nina Dobrev looked dashing in a black and white striped top and colourful floral shorts ensemble by Sachin + Babi. She added purple metallic Jimmy Choo pumps to her savvy look.


Bohemia


Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is bohemian chic in a paisley printed jersey dress and white belt by Isabel Marant. Her look is styled with beige Chloe sandals, a tan clutch & Burberry shades.
Alexa Chung keeps things androgynous in a denim blue blazer and shorts set by Orla Kiely, stamping her personal touches with a chic black and white fedora and Louis Vuitton heels.
Hilary Duff keeps cool in a multi-blue printed maxi dress with scoop neck by Jen Kao.


Flushed Blush
Vanessa Hudgens glows during her Italian visit, in a pretty peach high-neck evening gown, specked with shimmering floral appliquƩs.
Cate Blanchett displayed her avant garde style in a structured petal pink cape, set over a dainty floral appliquƩd midi dress, by Balenciaga. Nude pumps polish off her modern look.
Amber Le Bon was graceful in a pale fawn shaded chiffon gown by Dolce & Gabbana. A waist brooch and floral printed clutch accessorized her evening outfit. 


Cocktail Frocks
Victoria's Secret supermodel Behati Prinsloo was delightful in a black and white floral print Blumarine dress with draped tulip skirt and sheer short sleeves.
Olivia Palermo exotically styled her white knotted Alexander Wang handkerchief dress with a multi-hued tribal Pikolinos necklace, graphic clutch and festive Christian Louboutin heels.
Naya Rivera was elegantly fitted in a strapless tweed peony pink Michael Kors pencil dress, worn with metallic silver Monika Chiang heels.
Rachel Bilson was captivating in a royal blue Oscar de la Renta taffeta dress decked with floral sequined embroidery. Black Casadei pumps were added to her capacious silhouette.
The always poised Jessica Chastain looked beautiful in red lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with strapless neckline and PVC studded sandals by Christian Louboutin.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday, July 26, 2013

Friday Frills



Stop trying to be someone else's idea of perfect.
Be your imperfectly perfect self.
Be You.
When they laugh at you for being different,
Laugh back at them for being the same.

The biggest challenge in life is trying to be yourself 
in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else.

Don't be imprisoned by your imperfections - own them!
Embrace your uniqueness... 
There is so much infinite beauty, originality and personality that you have to share.

Live right now and just be yourself. 
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for any one else.
Don't compare yourself to others.
The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.


*Collection of anonymous quotes, edited. Image via weheartit.com

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Laying Your Foundation

The vast range of foundations available on beauty store shelves can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you know what type of foundation is right for you? I have always asked myself this question and decided to research all my options and find out the answer. Although I don't use foundation every day, I have experimented with every version over the years. 
This is a guide on how to find the best base to suit your skin type and coverage needs.



Concealers correct any minor and major imperfections you may have, from under-eye circles, blemishes, broken capillaries and redness. It is usually of a dense consistency and should ideally be a shade lighter than your foundation with a natural or yellowish undertone. Apply sparingly to the bridge and sides of your nose, under the eyes, and over any marks. If you are blessed with naturally flawless skin, you can skip out on this type of camouflage all together.

Good to Try: YSL Touche Eclat, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflauge, Benefit Boi~ing


Use a Tinted Moisturizer if you prefer very natural looking coverage. The sheer effect of a tinted moisturizer will even out your skin tone and provide just a hint of colour with a dewy glow. This lightweight formula lends hydration to dry and normal skin types and has the added benefit of a sunscreen. A tinted moisturizer is the perfect base for hot summer days, as it won't 'melt' off. Your CC (Colour Correcting) and BB (Beauty Balm) creams also fall into this category, which act as a multi-purpose, on-the-run, easy-to-apply makeup base.

Good to Try: Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream, Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm, The Balm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer, Lush Colour Supplement


 The most popular and versatile type of face paint is Liquid Foundation. Providing a radiant, smooth complexion, there is one available for every type of complexion. Liquid foundations revitalize tired skin and come in two varieties - a water based and an oil based formula. Chose an oil-rich moisturizing foundation if you have dry or mature skin, whereas a water-based matte fluid works better for oily and combination skin types. The creamy consistency is best applied with a makeup brush or a slightly damp sponge. Blend well to avoid any solid lines.

Good to Try: Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation, Chanel VitalumiƩre Moisture Rich Fluid Makeup, Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation.



 Mousse makeup is feathery light due to its velvety, whipped consistency. Essentially, mousse is liquid foundation that has been air-whipped and ideally suits normal, combination and drier skin types. This weightless formula imparts an air-brushed effect and blends in seamlessly for perfectly poreless skin. Found in a spray can or tub, mousse foundations can be applied in layers for better coverage and a smoother overall appearance.

Good to Try: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, L'Oreal Matte Morphose Foundation, 
Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Makeup Mousse



 Cream and Cream-to-Powder Foundations are the ideal choice for normal to combination skin types. It allows for heavier coverage due to it's thicker, creamy texture, and hides flaws & conceals discoloration exceptionally well. Cream-to-powder foundations are applied as a liquid then settles into a matte powdery finish. Most cream foundations come in a compact form.

Good to Try: Guerlain Parure De LumiƩre Cream Foundation, Elizabeth Arden Flawless Sponge-on Cream Makeup, Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation


A Stick Foundation is a combination of a cream foundation and a concealer. Problem areas, scars & imperfections are easily camouflaged with its more solid , buildable consistency. This two-in-one wonder eliminates the need for a concealer. It provides a matte finish with full coverage. Due to its heavier appearance, it's not so suitable for everyday use. Steer clear of stick bases if you have oily skin, as it's thicker formula can lead to clogged pores. Blend well and apply in moderation, as stick foundations have a tendency to crease into lines.

Good to Try: Makeup Forever Pan Stick Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick, Shiseido Stick Foundation


Powder Foundation is the best option for those of us with oily skin. On dry skin, it can appear too flaky, as it doesn't have much moisture content. Powders keep grease at bay, absorbing excess oil and reducing shine. If you have sensitive skin, a mineral based product may work best for you. Pressed powders are quick and easy to apply. Use a powder brush for a lighter coverage. For a more medium mask, apply with a damp sponge. Loose powders are used to 'set' your foundation or concealer and relays a silky finish.

Good to Try: MAC Mineralize Powder Foundation , Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation, Dior Diorskin Natural Glow Powder

Have you found your perfect foundation?
Which one do you use?


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tech-cessorize

The one item that most of us are guaranteed not to leave the house without, is our mobile phones. Possibly the most important piece of technology we own, cell phones have become an extended part of ourselves and our style. So it's only apt that we accessorize it accordingly. It's as easy to change your phone cover as it is to put on a pair of shoes. These days we can simply snap on a new case to match our every outfit, whim and fancy.

There are a multitude of beautifully designed phone cases online, the most popular being for iPhones and Samsung models. And the best part is that you don't have to 'try it on' before you buy it. These are some pretty phone cover picks along a spectrum of different themes.


Printed

1. Colourful chevron printed phone case  $44.95  Zazzle.com  2. Paisley mint phone case  $38  Vera Bradley.com  3. Yellow Hello Sunshine case  $40  Kate Spade.com  4. Pink Cherry Blossom phone cover  $46.95  Zazzle.com  5. Floral rose case  £45  Tedbaker.com  6. Turquoise vintage rose patterned case  $44.95  Zazzle.com  7. Ombre leopard print case  $28  Juicy Couture.com  8. Purple peacock feather print case  $39.95  Zazzle.com


Elegant
1. Leopard print phone case  $15  Luckybrand.com  2. Damask print case  $38  Petunia at zappos.com  3. Black Moschino chain case  $135  Net-a-porter.com  4. Gold & white diagonally striped case  $40  Kate Spade.com  5. Pop corn box case  $40  Kate Spade.com  6. Gold foil cover  $38  Marc by Marc Jacobs  7. Chanel Black Satin varnish case  $34.95  theiconic.com.au  8. Black lace phone case  $40  Marc by Marc Jacobs


Bedazzled
1. Bling epoxy bow case  $9.90  Wetseal.com  2. Rhinestone popsicle phone case  $11  Charlotterusse.com  3. White Adrina pearl bow case  $16.99  Forever New.com  4. Pretty bejewelled peacock  $11  Charlotterusse.com  5. Peach Eiffel Tower blossom case  $7.50  Charlotterusse.com  6. I-Diamond phone case  $107  Malene Birger.com


Girly
1. Pippa Paris case $12.99 Forever New.com 2. Parisian Damsel printed case $14.99 Shopruche.com 3. 3D Coral rose cover $8.80 Forever 21 4. Cupcake cover £14.95 Harrods.com 5. Pink Lace Dentelle cover $44.95 Zazzle.com 6. Birdcage printed cover $47.95 Zazzle.com 7. Pink Keep Calm cover $42.95 Zazzle.com 8. Happiness cupcake cover $43.95 Zazzle.com


Cute
 1. Colourful cupcake printed phone case  $48.95  2. Neon on black If the Shoe Fits case  $39.95  3. I Did Not Just Say That yellow phone case  $43.95  4. Cute 'Owl Meeting' phone cover  $47.95 5. Pink heart case  $25  Victoria's Secret.com  
6. Sprinkles & cupcake case  $47.95  7. Pink I'm Too Pretty case  $42.95  8. Vintage anchor patterned phone case  44.95.  
All besides Number 5 are from Zazzle.com


What type of phone cover would you tech-ccessorize with?

Monday, July 22, 2013

Krikor Jabotian Fall Couture 2013

Mondays have become more like 'Carried Away by Couture' Days here on Frills & Thrills. I hope you don't mind, but there is far too much prettiness being cultivated in the couture world not to share. And Mondays should begin on a high haute note, right?

I am currently captivated by the ingenious Beirut-based designer Krikor Jabotain. The talented couturier began work at the creative department of none other than Elie Saab, before later embarking upon his own label at just 23. Krikor offers us new insight into the elaborate world of couture; he proposes high-end glamour without the usual glitzy beadwork and flashy shades.

His modern approach to the art sees focus on three-dimensional silhouettes, capitalization of voluminous proportions and the undeniable romance of ruffles. For Fall 2013, Jabotain paints a celestial white, ivory and matt gold palette in asymmetrical shapes, featuring skirts and bodices that are lavishly texturized with a majestic splay of frothy layered frills. 

Diaphanous lace, woven embroideries, sheer tulle skirts and feathered finishings contribute to the dramatic bridal-like looks. These Goddess dresses are nothing short of spectacular, pieces of wearable art that flaunt an undulating sense of movement and embody all that is feminine.

Look 1


Look 2


Look 3


Look 4


Look 5


Look 6


Look 7


Look 8


Look 9


Look 10

Are you also enchanted by these resplendent dresses?


*All images source via krikorjabotain.com