Friday Frills

This poem reminds me that when we least expect it, someone somewhere may be inspired by something we do or say. It could be your comments, your views, your values or your kind actions. And although it may seem simple or insignificant to you - you never know; to someone else, it may mean the world and influence their lives for the better. We each have the ability to make a positive difference in someone's life...sometimes without knowing it at all.

You never know when someone
May catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word,
Or something you may do
May open up the window
Of an inquiring mind that seeks wisdom & light.
The way you live may not matter at all,
But, then again you never know...it might.

And just in case it could be that
Another’s life through you,
Might possibly change for the better,
With a broader and brighter view.
It seems it might be worth a try
At pointing out the way to the right.
Of course, it may not matter at all,
But then again...it might.

  So keep on doing whatever it is you do,  

You may inspire one soul or perhaps even a few.

                                                                                   

*Poem by Helen Marshall, edited by me. Image via weheart.com

Red Carpet - People's Choice Awards 2013

People's Choice Awards 2013
Red Carpet Fashion

Awards Season kicked off last night with the People's Choice Awards. Here are some of the must-see looks from the red carpet. 

Mae Whitman went for a structured look with a geometric-cut LBD and nude peep-toe pumps. Julianne Hough's star-sprayed dress in a Milky Way of cosmic shades is by Tony Ward Couture, with metallic heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. Jennifer Lawrence picked up an award in a shimmery black Valentino dress, with silver soled Nicholas Kirkwood shoes. Daytime actress Alison Sweeney showed off her curves in a sexy bronze mini dress with plunge neckline.

Chloe Moretz brightened up the red carpet in blinding neon yellow, her cute floral lace frock is by Simon Rochas. Emma Watson wore an intricately cut-out digital print dress by Peter Pilotto. Edgy Tabitha Simmons ankle strap sandals complete her look. Glee's Lea Michele was haute pink in a stunning embellished mini dress by Elie Saab, with matching sandals. Sitcom actress Casey Wilson looked engaging in cobalt blue, her flirty Catherine Deane dress is accompanied by a pink clutch and dazzling nude sandals by Jerome C Rousseau.

Kaley Cuoco enchanted in a pastel pink Christian Siriano dress, with delicate printed tulle overlay. Her satin sandals are by Giuseppe Zanotti. 'Beauty and the Beast' actress Kristin Kreuk made an interesting choice with this peach ruffled & sequin ensemble by Jean Fares, paired with an aqua Blumera bag & nude heels. MTV star Ashley Rickards pleasantly surprised me in this beautiful ivory & gold beaded gown by Aidan Mattox. 'Grey's Anatomy' actress Ellen Pompeo was sophisticated in a cream silk pleated gown with black leather belt, by Lanvin.

Heidi Klum strikes a pose in a complex cut-out Julien MacDonald gown with twisted gold braided detail. Naomi Watts opted for an Alexander McQueen gown with gold sequined bodice and black column skirt. Rumer Willis stole the spotlight from some of the bigger stars in the stunning silver and black sequined striped Alice + Olivia gown. 'Arrow' actress Katie Cassidy stepped out in a black and gold specked jumpsuit with V-neck and palazzo-shaped pants.

Taylor Swift is elegance personified in this figure skimming Ralph Lauren gown with daring neckline, accessorized by turquoise Sutra earrings. Sitcom actress Taylor Spreitler wore a gunmetal grey Grecian gown with bejeweled waistband. Brittany Snow was radiant in a buttercup yellow gown with cut-out sides and low-V neckline by Maria Lucia Hohan. Her metallic heels, like Julianne's, are by Giuseppe Zanotti. 'Perception's' Rachel Leigh Cook made a welcomed appearance on the red carpet in this winsome teal blue strapless gown by Oliver Tolentino, styled with a silver collar necklace. 

Who was your favourite or least favourite at this year's People Choice Awards?

Things We've Learnt From Gossip Girl

We've spent six seasons delving into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, and amidst all the scheming, drama, blackmail, backstabbing, social events, love triangles and fabulous clothes, there were quite a few good life lessons to be learnt, all narrated by our favourite (not-so-secret-anymore) source, 'Gossip Girl'. In tribute to the end of an era, I've put together some of my much-loved quotes from the TV series over the years, as related by 'the voice' of Gossip Girl. These are accompanied by a few unforgettable fashion moments from the show.

A Few Memorable Lines:

* "Forget a grand entrance. Everyone knows that it’s the exit they’ll remember.”
* “Sometimes, despite the risk, the most important thing is to seize the moment. 
Or whatever else you can grab.”

* "But our most dangerous enemies are the ones we never knew we had."

* “One thing about being on the top of the world.. it gives you a long, long way to fall.” 

* "Sometimes the most important thing to know is when to get out. And when to give in."

* “The thing about new beginnings is that they require something else to end.”

* "You better get your beauty rest now. Because it looks like things could get ugly in the morning. XOXO —Gossip Girl"

"In our modern age, when you call someone and can't find them
 you can be pretty sure they'll get the message.
But if they don't call you back, it usually means they don't want to be found."

I think I will be able to look back at this post in a few years and fondly remember a time when Blair was the headband wearing Queen B, Serena was a capricious It-Girl, Chuck ran the empire, Nate was being, well charming, benevolent Nate and Lonely Boy Dan was actually the one who spun everyone's world around. Which is your most memorable 'Gossip Girl' moment?


*The images and quotes do not belong to me, but these cards do, if you would like to use them, please refer back to this blog. Thank you!

Jennifer Lopez for Harper's Bazaar 2013

Cover Girl Jennifer Lopez
Harper's Bazaar
February 2013

Hailing in the New Year at Harper's Bazaar is the always glamourous singer, actress and mum-of-two, Jennifer Lopez. At 43 years, Jennifer looks as good as any starlet half her age. Just to make sure we're fully aware of this, the ex-Idol judge makes a glittering appearance in the magazine's February 2013 issue. These are her alluring looks from runway to editorial.

On the cover, all eyes are on Jennifer in a gold Paco Rabanne dress, signature golden mane and red lipstick.

In another shot, we get to see more of the dazzling gold chain fringed dress with cut-outs, which looks like it was assembled in a hardware store.
That's the ingenious creativity of Paco Rabanne.

Tom Ford released the black version of this dramatic dress in his Spring 2013 collection, but Jennifer has the star power to prescribe a specially-made second version, in white. The attached butterfly wing sleeves add an enigmatic touch to this fluttering look. Her tie-up gladiator sandals with gold studs are by Jimmy Choo.

Gorgeous in sunflower gold, Jennifer stands lofty in Balmain. Her embellished mini-dress is seen without the runway belt...I think she wears this look far better than the model. Her sculpted leather and suede gladiator sandals are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

This gold and silver metallic fringed look by Versace would be the perfect wardrobe change for one of Jennifer's high-powered concert performances.

And my favorite look in the editorial, a disco globe of a dress by Fendi, encrusted by hundreds of sparkling crystals. This look deserves it's 15 minutes of fame on the red carpet. Jennifer is futuristic in glossy silver Tom Ford wraparound gladiator boots. 

With the release of her 10th album and new movie 'Parker' later this year, it goes without saying that Jennifer's scintillating style will be one to watch out for in 2013. What are your thoughts on this editorial? I think we can be certain that glitzy fringed metallics and knee-high gladiator heels are the way forward.

*All images found via harpers bazaar.com

Awards Season Evening Gown Wishlist 2013

The exciting Awards Season is upon us again, and for the next two months we can look forward to seeing gorgeous designer gowns styled on the red carpet. I've picked out my own wishlist of evening dresses I would like to see on Hollywood's most glamourous stars this season. 

Jewel Tones

As Pantone's colour of the year is emerald green, I thought this Zuhair Murad gown fell into the trend beautifully, for someone like Angelina Jolie or Jessica Chastain. The burgundy chiffon tiered Marchesa dress has an exotic Eastern flair, maybe brand fans Blake Lively or Jenna Dewan will try it on. I would love to see Emma Stone rock the sapphire blue Elie Saab gown, with her blonde hair. Katy Perry has already proved she wears Naeem Khan with ease. Emmy Rossum would be my pick for the ruby Zuhair Murad gown.

All Black

Black gowns are always a permanent fixture on the red carpet and these 5 looks are my favourites from the Fall 2013 collections. The Issa gown would look fantastic on just about anyone. The black embellished Elie Saab for Charlize Theron or Florence Welch. I'd like to see Olivia Wilde or Gwyneth Paltrow in the Badgley Mischka, hair up. Kristen Stewart or Gwen Stefani would bring the edge and attitude needed to the one-shouldered Lanvin suit.

Princess Dresses

Because every red carpet needs a princess dress. I'd pick the first dress for Kaley Cuoco, Zooey Deschanel or Naomi Watts. The Monique Lhuillier gown reminded me of Taylor Swift's style - all things glittery & girly. The sky blue Georges Hobeika gown has been worn before but I think it requires a far bigger red carpet moment, it's my favourite dress of F/W 2012 couture week. Carrie Underwood and Julianne Hough may find it appealing to their feminine style. I loved the romance of the ombre watercolour printed Zac Posen gown.

Brights

For a vivid splash of colour on the red carpet...I loved the electric orange hue of the Carolina Herrera gown. Julie Bowen and Ginnifer Goodwin wear this colour well. I liked the the green satin sheen, turquoise waistband and beaded heels of the Carlos Miele look. The acid green DVF dress would be a definite stand out look with it's fluorescent hue. I'm leaving this one to Solange and anyone in the Glee Club. The aquamarine Zac Posen mermaid gown and apricot Oscar de la Renta dress were made for Sofia Vergara, Reese Witherspoon and Emily Blunt. 

Pastel Romance

Scarlett Johansson and Jayma Mays came to mind when I saw the pretty shell pink peplum dress by Badgley Mischka. This uber sexy Versace gown would suit the stylings of Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum or Alessandra Ambrosio. The lilac dream of a gown by Georges Hobeika would look lovely on a Kate Mara or Emilia Clarke. I'd love to see the gold and peach Elie Saab dress on Keira Knightley. The embellished drop-waist and floaty chiffon skirt of this ice grey Jenny Packham gown would look beautiful on Leighton Meester or Jessica Biel.

 Navy Blues

An alternative to black, navy is a more subtle way to make an elegant entrance. The asymmetrical Matthew Williamson would be ideal for Amy Adams or Penelope Cruz. The dazzling Jason Wu seem to have Dakota Fanning's name stitched onto it. I'd like to see it on Jessica Alba. I thought of Kate Beckinsale or Ashley Greene in the navy lace Monique Lhuillier. I'd love to see Nina Dobrev in the beautiful chiffon snow specked Carolina Herrera gown.

Wild Cards

 This set of looks are quite a risk, they could either go very well and be fashion forward, or they could be a disaster of Everest proportions. I've got the first gown pinned down for the avant-garde stylings of Sarah Jessica Parker. We've already seen that Cheryl Cole does Stephane Rolland Couture great justice, and I think she'd be stunning in the bordeoux gown. Fan Bing Bing also does these complex looks quite well. I can only picture Diane Kruger in the flush pink ruffled Giambattista Valli couture gown. The edgy Saint Laurent (minus oversized hat and gloves) could work for Zoe Saldana or Amber Heard. I adore the frivolity of the last elaborately frilled red look by Giambattista Valli. I think it would be more suited to the Cannes Film Festival...someone, anyone please wear it (and no, not you Lady Gaga).

Pretty Pale

Blush or nude tone dresses have become a red carpet staple of late. The Carlos Miele cut-out dress for Mila Kunis, Selena Gomez or Kate Hudson. The exquisite embellished Marchesa gown may work for Michelle Williams' pixie style or Lily Collins. The silver fringed Oscar de la Renta make me think of Lea Michele, Vanessa Hudgens and Camilla Belle. I can imagine Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett wear the ivory fringed Naeem Khan gown. Bella Thorne or Elle Fanning could make the most of the frothy tulle fairytale Tadashi Shoji gown. 

Would you also like to see any of the evening gowns on the red carpet this awards season? Who would you pick to wear them?

*P.S 'Looks of the Week' will resume as usual next week.

Friday Frills

The first 'Friday Frills' post of the year is dedicated to all the hopes I wish for you and myself.

May every day of your life bring you fresh hopes for tomorrow, because hope gives all of us a reason for trying. 

May each new day bring a feeling of excitement, joy and a wonderful sense of expectation. Expect the best, and you will get it. 

May you find peace in simple things, because those are the ones that will always be there. 

May you remember the good times and forget the sorrow and pain, for the good times will remind you of how special your life has been. 

May you always feel secure and loved, for you know you are most deserving of it. 

May you find warmth in others, expressions of love and kindness, smiles that encourage you, and friends who are loyal and honest. 

May you realise the importance of patience, and accept others for who they are. 

With understanding and love, you will find the good in every heart. 

May you have faith in others and the ability to be vulnerable, be able to open your heart and share the beauty of love. 

May you experience all the good things in life – the happiness of realizing your dreams, the joy of feeling worthwhile, and the satisfaction of knowing you've succeeded. 

*Author unknown

Enchanted by Izmaylova

The makings of a successful up-and-coming fashion brand:
*Take the remarkable talents of two forward thinking designers; 
*One from Moscow, the other Paris;
*Both design graduates from London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin respectively,
*Who cite their influences as 'Russian Imperialism' and 'Contemporary England',
*Move their atelier to London, Stir it all up and you have Izmaylova.

Releasing their first pret-a-porter collection in 2012, designers Antonia Izmaylova & Nathanael Gam debuted to a stellar response. Their concept of fashion is based on wearable luxury, a neoteric sense of design & artistically engineered pieces that are modern and distinctive.

For 2013, Izmaylova flaunts geometric lines, sharp cuts and sculpted shapes in canary yellow, black, white and golden sandy beige. The razor-edged ensembles are allayed by lush fabrics like silk organza, georgette, metallic lace and ostrich feathers. Strapless built-in corsets, asymmetrical peplums, cut-and-paste pieces and sheer linear inserts are the key constituents of this stirring collection. Click on the images for a larger view.

All of these exquisite looks can be purchased via the Izamaylova website. Ideally suited for an engagement party or wedding reception, cocktail dresses range from £315 to £695 and £735 for an evening gown. Although the brand is fairly new to the world of high fashion, I predict big things for them in future, and a few celebrities (Emma Roberts, Elizabeth Banks, Nicole Scherzinger and Lucy Hale) will surely agree. 
I've been enchanted by the 'Dahlia' & 'Candytuft' dresses. How about you?


*All images found via Izmaylova.co.uk

Happy 2013!

And finally, the last stylish thought of the year. The votes are in. 

Your favourite street style icon for 2012 was...

Poppy Delevingne!

I look forward to sharing more Frills & Thrills with you in 2013! 

Thanks for all your kindness and support during the past year.

*My Resolutions are inspired by a list I found on Tumblr, to which I added my own thoughts and aspirations.