Who Wore H&M Better?

Who Wore It Better?
H&M Conscious Collection
Spring 2013 dress

I love seeing celebrities wear something other than designer dresses on the red carpet. It shows humility on their path, and it also proves that a cheaper chain store brand can look just as good as any ten thousand dollar ensemble. 

In this edition of 'Who Wore It Better', we see two young starlets wear the same ruby red cocktail dress from H&M's Spring 2013 Conscious Collection. The dress forms part of the Swedish brands' eco-friendly range of party wear, that offers sustainable fashion using organic and recycled materials.

* Swedish beauty Alicia Vikander looks radiant in the red fitted dress, which is laden with delicate rose appliqués. The 24-year-old Anna Karenina actress wore the frock earlier this year to the Swedish Film Awards. She accessorized with a gold Chanel clutch bag & black sandals.

* Teen actress Chloe Moretz looked endearing in the rosy red dress during Paris Fashion Week, opting to style her ensemble with nude ankle strap sandals.

* In the H&M Spring 2013 lookbook, the romantic red dress was shown with a beautiful matching floral netted fascinator.

This dress is currently available at H&M stores for $129.

As for 'Who Wore It Better?', I love the styling on the model, but from the celebrities, I would have to pick Alicia Vikander, I think the dress fits her better, although I would've preferred a more exciting pair of shoes. It does look lovely on Chloe too, but I think it is a little aging for a girl of only 16. What are your thoughts?

Dubai Daydreams

Dubai is a city that defies the odds, a modern metropolis made up of futuristic skyscrapers, set alongside traditional souks, man-made islands, seven star resorts, the world's tallest tower and enough shopping malls to empty any elite bank account. All this...in a desert.

A hazy view of the modern silver skyline of this illustrous city. In the middle is the Burj Khalifa tower, which towers over all the other buildings in its midst.

A view from on top the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at a staggering 828 m/2 716.5 feet. This 163 floor-structure can be seen from up to 95 km away and is less than a 3-minute elevator ride to the top.

An aerial view of the Dubai Fountains, which comes alive to a musical extravaganza at night.

Note to all Shopaholics: The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping destination in the world, with over 1200 stores of buying bliss. Have a double shot of expresso to stay up on weekends, when the centre closes only after midnight. If you have a platinum credit card or miraculously inherited millions, you can indulge in one of the many luxury stores from Louis Vuitton, to Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Burberry. Or if you're just a normal-earning-human-being like the rest of us, have a browse at the usual brands of stylish chain stores like Zara, Bershka, H&M, Forever 21, Mango and a thousand more.

The most exciting, adrenelin-pumping part of my trip was a journey into the Sharjah desert, where an expertly trained driver steered us across the vast and rugged rolling sand dunes in a roller-coaster of a ride. 

After this head-spinning, stomach churning and exhilarating dune-bashing adventure, we were taken to a camp oasis set up in the middle of the desert, for a night of authentic Emirati cuisine under a golden desert sunset, and treated to dervish whirling, belly dancing, henna tattooing and a completely fascinating bedouin experience.

Whilst in the old city of Dubai, we followed the aromatic scent of exotic spices to The Spice Bazaar, where fresh and dried herbs and spices can be purchased at a bargain. The vendors offer an expansive variety of fragrant flavourants like saffron, peppercorns, cinnamon twills, turmeric, green cardamom, whole nutmeg and traditional Arabic coffee called 'Kawa'.

The (not so lost) City of Atlantis is found on the edge of the artificial island Palm Jumeirah, and is based on the resort of the same name in The Bahamas. The perfect anecdote to the scorching desert sun, you can drift down a lazy river pool on a tube, go scuba diving with sharks and sting-rays, slide down one of the many mind-numbing water rides and take a walk through The Lost Chambers aquarium.

Pristine beaches, blue cloudless skies and aquamarine seas...the best place to relax after all those days of mall-hopping, dune-driving, souk-searching and architectural admiring.

These were the highlights of my most recent trip to Dubai. 
Is this a destination you have visited or would like to visit?


*All images belong to me.

Looks of the Week - 13/04/13

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

Femme Fetale

Russian beauty Irina Shayk sizzled in a red hot Michael Kors dress with midriff cut-out.
Selena Gomez poses in a chic black Marios Schwab mini, the bodice embroidered with pearls.
Gwyneth Paltrow displayed her minimalist style in a crisp white and black Kaufman Franco dress, paired with black pointy-toe pumps.
Supermodel Liu Wen made a dashing apparence in this sexy cut-out Michael Kors dress, styled with Louboutin heels and a metallic clutch.
Naya Rivera was ladylike in a cherry red skirt and peplum lace top by CH Carolina Hererra. Her shoes by Ferregamo with a two-tone clutch by Jimmy Choo.

Street Scene

Sienna Miller is back to setting new urban-chic trends, pictured here in a red jumpsuit, styled with a green leather Stella McCartney bag and flat beaded sandals.
Rihanna is decked in all-denim, wearing a lightwash Current/Elliott shirt and distressed Acne skirt, accessorized with a Chanel brooch, matching blue Juliette Jake clutch, Manolo Blahnik heels and sporty black leather cap.
Jessica Alba looked island ready on her way to St Barts, in a red cotton tunic by Michael Stars, with white pants, striped Chanel sandals, a floral Kate Spade tote & Tory Burch fedora.
Alessandra Ambrosio slickly stepped out in a V-print Sass & Bide jeans, worn with a loose white shirt, Celine tote and black Rag & Bone boots.
If only we could all dress as glamorously to an airport as Andrea Riseborough does. The English actress was posh in red David Koma maxi dress with illusion panel neckline. Round sunglasses, cream Casadei heels & a black studded Valentino bag accompany her outfit.


In Living Colour

Sarah Jessica Parker took a bold colour plunge in this glossy seaweed green dress by Alexander New York. She balanced her look with lilac Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps.

Model Tali Lennox fearlessly wears a royal blue suit over a mustard knit sweater and then amped up her colour profile with magenta Jimmy Choo sandals and clutch bag.

Olivia Palermo is radiant in a saffron yellow high-low gown by Katie Ermilio, adding her unique flair with a Zara chain belt and colorfully tasseled sandals by Jimmy Choo.

Sophia Bush went architectural in an exaggerated blue skirt with white top, including a pop of fuchsia in form of a Coach clutch. Her heels are by Charlotte Olympia.

Kate Mara dons a cheery yellow shift from the new Kate Young for Target collection.

Spring Blossoms

Chloe Sevigny opted for this feminine printed dress with waist bow by Balenciaga. The usually eccentric actress paired her look with a coral Coach bag and pastel pink Balenciaga heels.
Miss Universe Olivia Culpo dressed up her floral print blouse with coral skinny jeans and a sleek white tuxedo blazer. Sparkly silver sandals complete her look.
Katy Perry delighted in a quaint dandelion print dress by Thakoon, with sheer hemmed panel. Ankle strap Louboutin heels and a purple Coach clutch finalize her outfit.
Emmy Rossum picked out a pretty ivory, black and cerise pink printed dress by Schumacher, fancied up with a neon yellow belt and fuchsia ankle-strap sandals.
Emmanuelle Chriqui looked trés chic in a watercolour printed pants by Parker, styled with a simple black tee and white and black blazer. I'd love to recreate this outfit.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

You are unique. 

In all the history of the world there was never anyone else exactly like you, 

And in all the infinity to come there will never be another you. 

Never affirm self-limitations. What you believe yourself to be, you are. 

To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream,

Not only plan, but also believe. 

If you have built castles in the air - put foundations under them.

Believing is magic, you can always better your best. 

You don’t know what you can do until you try. 

Nothing will come of nothing. 

If you don’t go out on a limb, you’re never going to get the fruit. 

There is no failure except in no longer trying. 

Define your goals and go after them. 

Defeat may test you, but it need not stop you. 

If at first you don’t succeed, try another way. 

For every obstacle there is a solution. 

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. 

The greatest mistake is giving up.  

There's a gold mine within you from which you can extract all the ingredients of success. 
Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it will achieve. 

Dream great dreams and make them come true. Do it now! 

Author unknown.  Image found via weheartit, edited by me.

Just Cruisin'

Dearest Friends,

I blame my recent blog sabbatical on too much sun on the high seas, where the world of 
wi-fi was left behind, along with dry land, work deadlines, college exams, daily life stresses...and above all, reality. I joined the Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas cruiseliner for a memorable voyage along the tranquil waters of the Persian Gulf. 
These are a few snapshots from the trip.

The ship sails along the United Arab Emirates, through the Sultanate of Oman and Abu Dhabi. We were over 2200 guests on board from 65 different countries. It's a luxurious floating island fitted with a cinema, theatre, rock climbing wall, mini golf course, outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, steam room, a casino, spa, fitness centre and a range of bars & restaurants.

The Centrum (pictured above) is the central meeting point of the ship where all 13 floors reach a pinnacle. It's a great place for relaxing the day away, listening to live bands perform everything from Jazz to Lounge and Latin music. I spent hours here attending fun creative classes like sushi making, towel folding and cake decorating. The entertainment varied with quiz shows, dance classes and amazing aerial acts, with performers from Cirque du Soleil.

The best place to be while out in the 36 degree sun is at one of the swimming pools. 

 This dining room with the sweeping staircase reminded me of The Titanic (in a good way, of course). The decor along the many bars and cafés on the indoor decks was richly opulent and grandly romantic in velvet burgundy, cream and gold.

 One of the themed evenings was an Arabian White Night, where the dress code was all white or anything out of Aladdin's wardrobe. The spicy scent of hookah shishah filled the air, spirits were through the (open-air) roof, buffet tables were laid out with an abundance of delicious midnight snacks & the DJ spun the perfect soundtrack for guests to dance the night away.

A Beautiful Sunset at Sea 

Another themed event was the very lively and energetic 70's Disco Party, where the entertainment team led everyone in line dancing - although, to some people that meant 'zig-zag'. Also, the Village People made a surprise appearance to perform their 2013 cruise-line edition of 'YMCA', (pictured right). Not really - these guys are actually part of the crew. I hope they're being paid well enough to wear these costumes.

A scenic view from the shoreline.

I hope you've enjoyed my mini tour onboard the Serenade of the Seas. I will share pictures of some of the ports of call I visited soon.

*All images belong to me. 

How To Pack For A Holiday

I bid you all a fond farewell for the next two weeks, as I leave for vacation today. In the spirit of jet-setting and sightseeing, I thought it would be a good idea to share my tips on how to pack an ideally stylish and functional suitcase for traveling abroad. What you pack obviously depends on where you will be going, the climate, activities involved and type of vacation. These are the items that I usually pack for a spring/summer holiday away.

I start with adaptable pieces in neutral tones - basic t-shirts, skinny jeans and tights. Selecting fabrics that won't crease when folded is helpful for when you reach your destination. Looking back at former holiday snapshots, I realized that I have always packed a striped top, it can be repurposed in so many different ways. A shirtdress looks chic for both day and night, and travels well. It can be styled up with heels and dressed down with flat sandals. A 'little black dress' is a must if you intend on attending any formal evenings. For outerwear, I picked a classic trench, in case of rainy days, and an animal print cardigan, in case of chilly days.

Now that you have built up the basics, it's time to add some saturation. I usually pick one or two colours from my closet that work well with black, white, beiges and denim. Sticking to a similar colour scheme will also help cut down on accessories and allow for interchanging pieces. This holiday, my primary shade is coral. I picked skirts, blouses, a blazer, sweater and dresses in this shade, adding pink to spice it up, as well as hints of black, so that it will all cohesively blend into the contents of my suitcase.

I always find choosing the right type of shoes tricky. You never know what you will be in the mood to wear, and if there's a lot of walking and touring to be done, you have to ensure you carry a really comfy pair. Also, there may be occasions where you need to dress up and then you may require heels. I try to pick shoes and sandals that will match my travel wardrobe, dividing them into flats, trainers and heels. I don't ever take newly-bought-but-never-worn shoes with me - they may turn out to be feet assassins.

The most fun part of packing...is selecting co-ordinating accessories. I love vibrantly printed scarves for jazzing up a monotone look. I use a daytime bag that's big enough to fit all my travel essentials and also carry a easily foldable black clutch, for formal dressing. I keep jewellery simple with just 4 or 5 pieces in corresponding colours and metals. One or two skinny belts will reinvent that summer dress or shirt. A UV protectant pair of sunglasses and a sun hat is a necessity for me - They serve the purpose of shielding you from the scorching sun and also hide any sleepless nights and bad hair days you may have while on holiday.

I hope you will find my 'How To Pack' guide useful the next time you are planning a trip. I would love to hear any packing advice you may have for me too. 

I have prepared a few posts for while I am away, which will be wi-fi dependent. I will only be able to respond to comments when I get back in two weeks time, for this I apologize. I will miss my daily visits to your blogs and hope to catch up when I return.

Until Then...Have a wonderful Easter! I wish you all well and chat to you soon.

Ciao
Sam


*All images found via Polyvore.

Red Carpet - Kids Choice Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2013

The 26th Annual Nickelodeon Choice Awards were held in LA over the weekend, where young came out to play. I didn't know many of these rising stars before, but this event has certainly put them on my style radar. I have never seen a better selection of shoes on the red carpet this year. This is (almost) every outfit from the KCA's. Click the images for a larger view.

Geometrics

Caroline Sunshine went studded and striped in an Anna Catherine shirt with a black and blue Backstage skirt. Her fabulous neon bow heels are by Blonde Ambition. Nickelodeon's Halston Sage was trendy in an art-deco inspired geometric print dress by Herve Leger, paired with white ankle strap platforms. 'Jessie' actress Peyton List was dashing in a black midriff top and striped Alice + Olivia skirt. Red Steve Madden pumps added a pop of colour to her chic look. 

Blue Lemonade

'Shake It Up' star Zendaya Coleman wore an ice blue jumper over her pastel watercolour Alice + Olivia dress. A quirky pair of glasses, bejewelled collar & (oddly), multi-strapped brown sandals style her look. Disney doll Debby Ryan donned a lemon jacquard Topshop frock with cut-out waist. Her red edged navy blue heels are by Jean-Michel Cazabat. Selena Gomez is alluring in a summery Oscar de la Renta ensemble with powder blue frayed peplum top and white shorts. Her snazzy ankle-cuff sandals are by Gucci. Ciara Bravo from 'Big Time Rush' is adorable in a flower patterned lace and lemon dress.

In the Navy

iCarly' actress Jennette McCurdy looked polished in a midnight blue keyhole cut-out AX Paris dress, paired with a coral clutch and hot pink heels. Katy Perry went risqué in a digi-print bustier cropped top and pencil skirt by Herve Leger. Kristen Stewart kept to her more tomboy style in a self checkered navy shorts set by Osman. 

Printastic

Teen actress Savannah Jade looked cute in a prismatic mini dress with black piping. Red ankle strap shoes further brighten up her look. Fergie made a colourful appearance in a underwater mural print Mary Katrantzou dress with bright yellow sandals. Victoria Justice was kaleidoscopic in a multi-shaded dress by Pia Pauro. Her fiery orange sandals are Aldo. Miranda Cosgrove opted for a blue and green pleated chiffon Stella McCartney dress with sheer panels. Teal Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toes complete her outfit.

Silver Sheen

Ashley Tisdale shimmered in a silvery mint mini dress with embellished sheer neckline and sleeves. Her glossy metallic sandals are by Jerome C. Rousseau. Jessica Alba kept things whimsical in a currency print dress by Mary Katrantzou. Her bow-topped silver shoes are by Christian Louboutin. Bella Thorne was posh in a iridescent silver peplum top and skirt set by Bec & Bridge. Neon pink pointy-toe pumps perfectly complement her look.

Monochrome Mini's

'Hunger Games' actress Amandla Stenberg looked elegant in a teal Opening Ceremony dress. Jaylen Barron was attractive in a cerise Rvn dress worn with strappy black Prabal Gurung for Target heels. Disney's Madison Pettis picked a vivid green strapless mini teamed with eye-catching tribal fringed heels. Stephanie Scott was pretty in a peach embroidered dress by Keepsake, worn with fabulous lumo yellow & blue strapped sandals. 'Big Time Rush' actress Kelli Goss was lovely in a daffodil one-shouldered dress with collared necklace.

Bet Your Boots

Mad Men's Kiernan Shipka picked out rose printed Rag & Bone dress, which was heavily paired with black ankle boots. Kylie Jenner baffled me in this black hoodie garment with sheer black stockings and perplexing white glove-like ankle boots. Willow Smith played it casual in a simple white and tan strap Chanel dress with denim jacket and black Chanel boots.

Pattern Pile

'Victorious' actress Ariana Grande was lovely in a red corset Alice + Olivia dress with faded rose print skirt. I am disappointed by the chunky nude pumps. Disney's Olivia Holt wore a jazzy printed mini by Mara Hoffman, teamed with a black leather H&M biker & blue Ruthie Davis heels. 'Hunger Games' Willow Shields went with a graphic block patterned dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, worn with silver bow sandals. Disney alum Alyson Stoner was rock chic in a red & black patterned biker jacket, sleekly styled with a cropped bustier top & maxi skirt.

White Light

Lucy Hale was refined in a white Dior shirt dress, accessorized with a black skinny belt, Brian Atwood platforms & a red Nancy Gonzalez bag. Fivel Stewart looked graceful in a white sheer maxi-dress, adding a belt & red pumps. Bridgit Mendler sparkled in a white sequined mini skirt and tee by Joe's Jeans, accompanied by metallic T-bar shoes. Gracie Dzienny was hippie chic in a self-embroidered Eastern-inspired ensemble, paired with bold orange sandals. Khloe Kardashian displayed modernity in a fitted Antonio Berardi dress, with dazzling Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals.

Colouring Outside the Lines

Ke$ha did her best to make some sort of a statement, pimped out in a 70's style powder blue tuxedo suit, strangely added extras included a matching hat, cane and bug-star glasses. Ryan Newman was fluorescent in a blinding lime green Sherri Hill corset party dress. I have made peace with this look...but only because of her cute printed heels. Keltie Colleen donned a pink and orange Donna Mizani colour-blocked dress with side-cutouts. While the dress is fun and youthful, I am flabbergasted by her wintry nude ankle boots. Hayley Strode was wrapped in a cluster of red ruffles, wearing a spunky textured cocktail frock with nude studded pumps.

Who is your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2013 Kids Choice Awards?

Looks of the Week - 23/03/13

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

Black and White

AnnaSophia Robb shows her love for Alice+Olivia once again, wearing a diagonally striped shift dress by the brand. She cleverly accessorized with a green Nanette Lepore bag and bright pink ankle strap shoes by Jean-Michel Cazabat.
Supermodel Hilary Rhoda was captivating in a froufrou white feathered frock by Jason Wu, styled with all black accessories and black strappy sandals.
Brit actress Anna Shaffer looked suave in a Jekyll & Hyde type black & white dress by Osman.
Diane Kruger donned an alluring embroidered black dress by Thakoon, featuring sexy sheer panelling. It's her snazzy pair of caged Jimmy Choo heels that draw most of the attention.

Style Spinners

Lily Aldridge pops up on week's street style radar in a paisley and geometric printed jersey maxi dress by Givenchy. Lily's impeccable styling includes a leather biker jacket, fedora, a Givenchy Pandora bag and Balenciaga wedges.
Alexa Chung presented a more refined side to her style, wearing a burnished coffee coloured full skirt and jacket suit with cut-out cross-over waist, by Carven. 
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan went whimsical in a quaint carousel horse print red dress by Tabitha Webb. Saoirse played down the vintage femininity of her dress with black and grey masculine loafers.
Amber Le Bon is effortlessly chic in a Batman insignia tshirt, worn with a tailored black blazer, wide statement belt and taupe maxi skirt.


The Minimalists

Revenge star Ashley Madekwe wears a white Mulberry peplum top and abstract animal print pants, with a dashing Mulberry Suffolk bag in tow.
Russian-American actress Olesya Rulin made her stamp on the red carpet, wearing a polished ensemble by Osman, which includes a white top with slightly oversized sleeves and rose pink silk trousers. Strappy gold sandals complete her look.
Rachel Bilson does a Dior twist on the usual 'little black dress', with trailing pieces of pastel pink and orange organza appended to the side. Her black pumps are by Christian Louboutin.

Pattern Play

Mad Men's Jessica Pare threw caution to the wind, wearing a conspicuous teal and pink floral printed satin midi dress by Prabal Gurung. She contrasted her look with a pair of white and black cap-toed heels, also by the Nepalese designer.
Maria Sharapova's styling skills are as impressive as her tennis serves. She looks pretty in a purple and blue watercolour print brocade silk skirt and sleeveless blouse by J.Mendel.
Christina Ricci is multi-hued in an innovatively patterned neoprene dress by Clover Canyon.
Emmy Rossum is always a delight on the red carpet. Here she wears a dainty fern green and cream floral embroidered frock by Topshop, along with white pumps also from the label.


Solid Shadings

Alexandra Daddario went modernistic in a cerise pink Jay Godfrey mini dress, with cut-out midriff and angled peplum skirt. Black T-bar strap sandals complete her outfit.
Rosario Dawson made a striking appearance in scarlet, glimmering in a fully embellished wing-sleeved gown by Jenny Packham.
Vanessa Hudgens displayed her sunny disposition in a canary yellow sequined dress by Alice+Olivia. Gold Jerome C. Rousseau sandals fit her feet.
'Game of Thrones' actress Emilia Clarke exuded sophisticated glamour in a fitted cobalt blue strapless gown by Victoria Beckham.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?