Get The Lauren Conrad Look

Reality-star-turned-designer-turned-novelist Lauren Conrad has been having immense success with her fashion line for Kohl's. And it doesn't surprise me, seeing her sugary sweet and feminine collection for Spring/Summer 2012. Not only are LC's clothes delightfully pretty to look at, they are very reasonably priced too. Lauren's current range blooms with pastel tones, floral prints, flirty dresses, coloured denim, sassy denim shorts and floaty blouses to laze in and enjoy the summer sunshine.

 

All these charming looks along with others from the LC Lauren Conrad Collection are available via Kohls.com

Divas and Darlings - The Met Gala 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
The Met Gala 2012

The most exciting fashion event of the year has cast it's spell upon us once again, where the VIP guests were dressed to the nines in the finest designer wear. This year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art pays tribute to 'Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: Impossible Conversations'. Warning: an overload of pictures to follow of all the glamourous gowns from the star-studded evening. Click on each picture for a closer view.


Golden Girls

Nina Dobrev dazzled in a black and gold sequin sprayed gown by Donna Karan, with elaborate train. Jessica Alba was coated in gold lamé, wearing a stunning one-shouldered Michael Kors dress and side-swept waves. Jessica Paré sparkled in a gilded L'Wren Scott gown. 

Blush Romance

Rashida Jones donned a lovely off-the-shoulder floral print gown by Tory Burch. Lily Collins looked demure in a nude lace and tulle Valentino dress. Sarah Jessica Parker also opted to wear a Valentino gown, hers prettily printed with pink roses. Leslie Mann stayed on the sweet side, in a frilly shell-pink Nina Ricci frock. Jessica Biel decided on a tea-length, plunge neck Prada dress, specked with apple green jewels.

Gem Tones

Glee's Dianna Agron looked beautiful in a lush green Carolina Herrera gown with deep v-neck and belted waist. Hilary Swank kept things chic in a ruby red halter-neck Michael Kors gown. Marion Cotillard illustrated the dark romance of Dior in a strapless mulberry gown with sheer skirt. Mia Wasikowska displayed her graceful style in a wine red Prada dress with black embellished collar and belt. Actress Greta Gerwig was the guest of designer Prabal Gurung, who bestowed her with a fluid emerald green gown.

Purple Palette

Amber Heard was alluring in an amethyst duchess satin gown by Zac Posen. Paula Patton chose a lilac strapless Vera Wang dress with cross panelling on the bodice. Gwyneth Paltrow showed off her toned pins in pastel purple Prada. I expected more from her. Dakota Fanning looked angelic in a lavender Louis Vuitton gown with textured skirt.

Chic Metallic

Karolina Kurkova was dressed in molten gold by Rachel Zoe, she added a turban for that head-turning effect. Camilla Belle sizzled in a silver figure-hugging Ralph Lauren gown. Lana Del Rey brought about an air of mystery to her Altuzarra sequined gown, shrouding it with a long black cape. Cameron Diaz chose a slinky shimmer dress from Stella McCartney.

Basic Black 

Mary-Kate Olsen looked sophisticated in a custom-made ensemble by The Row. Rihanna showed off her amazing figure in a sleek long-sleeved Tom Ford gown. Poppy Delevingne was one of few celebrities to wear Chanel, her black gown was taped with strips of white. Linda Evangelista remains ageless and elegant in a black Prada dress, with on-trend peplum. Rosie-Huntington Whitely represented Burberry in a form-fitting shimmer striped gown.

Vibrance

January Jones was striking in a sculpted Versace number with metal inserts on the bustier. Model Constance Jablonski looked incredible, draped in a sapphire and jade silk ensemble by Haider Akermann. Emma Roberts struck a pose in an apricot Escada gown, with trendy peplum waist. Diane Kruger was decked in a dramatic violet Prada gown with feathered hem. Solange Knowles wore a vivid yellow Rachel Roy peplum dress.

All About Orange

Ginnifer Goodwin put on a vivid tangerine silk-chiffon gown by Monique Lhuillier. Kirsten Dunst went for the unconventional in a burnt orange Rodarte ensemble. Eva Mendes was another star to wear the peplum trend, her sunset dress with gem-studded bodice by Prada. Kristen Bell settled for a minimalistic look in a halter-neck column gown by Tommy Hilfiger. Katherine McPhee looked gorgeous in a plunge-neck saffron dress by Elie Saab.

Into The Blue

Brooklyn Decker slipped into a serene blue dress by Tory Burch. Caroline Trentini wore an innovative denim gown with embroidered lace top by Olivier Theyskens. Jessica Stam was captivating in an ice blue gown with intricately embellished bodice and peplum waist by Christian Dior. Heidi Klum was lacy in a dusky blue Escada dress. Lea Michele looked polished in a navy blue sequined gown by Diane von Furstenberg. Bee Shaffer was a picture of poise in a printed sapphire gown by Erdem.

White Haute

Supermodel Anya Rubik dared to wear this provocative slashed and thigh-baring number by Anthony Vaccarello. One of my best dressed, Ashley Greene was ravishing in a Grecian draped gown by Donna Karan. Queen Bee Anna Wintour paid her respects to both Prada and Schiaparelli in a white column gown with gold lobster motif and fur capelet. Rachel Zoe was fringed top-to-toe in one of her own designs. Amy Adams chose a tasteful Giambattista Valli gown with black and metallic bow detailing.

Ornate in Ebony

Cate Blanchett chose an extravagant gown with massive feathered skirt by Alexander McQueen. Rooney Mara wore a sheer lace one-shouldered gown by Givenchy. Beyonce stole the limelight in this sultry see-through embellished look dipped in purple feathers, by Givenchy. Gisele was all-the-bomshell in a black sequined dress, also by Givenchy. Renee Zellweger was elegant in a black long gown with sheer panelling by Emilio Pucci.

Higher Hemlines

Comedianne Kristen Wiig put on some bright colour in a neon orange lace frock by Stella McCartney. Kristen Stewart went for a futuristic rock-chic and colour-blocked look by Balenciaga. Emma Stone was enchanting in a cherry red Lanvin dress, adorned with plastic flower appliqués. Carey Mulligan sparkled in a two-tone metallic Prada dress which is covered in dozens of paillettes. Victoria Justice picked out a playful, multi-hued flower-daubed McQ by Alexander McQueen dress with black lace underlay.

The Risk Takers

Coco Rocha played it anything but safe with a pink-dipped hairdo and flamboyant canary yellow pantsuit with cerise bustier by vintage Givenchy. Florence Welch was cocooned in voluminous Alexander McQueen confection. Elizabeth Banks opted for an intrepid Mary Katrantrou dress with digitally stamped print, high neck and peplum waist. I was disappointed by Alexa Chung's outfit, mainly because that inner white shirt seemed very out of place. Christina Ricci was dressed in an overworked black and blush gown by Thakoon.

FairyTale Dresses

Leighton Meester wore a caramel and gold embroidered gown with elaborate tiered tulle skirt by Marchesa. Scarlet Johansson wowed in a nude Dolce & Gabbana gown with bejeweled bodice and flaired tulle skirt. Sofia Vergara was wrapped in an exquisite silver embellished Marchesa dress with ruffled peplum design. Brit Marling put on an ethereal Valentino gown with sheer print overlay and high buttoned neck.

Who is your best and worst dressed from the Met Gala 2012?

Literary Accessorizing

Olympia Le-Tan Clutch Bags
Spring 2012

It's true, you can't judge a book by it's cover, because it may reveal far more than the eyes can see. That's the thought behind the wonderful and whimsical book-clutch collection by Olympia Le-Tan. The creative French designer has blurred the line between fashion and literature by transforming some of the world's most notable and classic novels into stylish pieces of art. 

These imaginative book covers were inspired by Olympia's father's vast collection of antique books. The handmade clutch bags, which are already a celebrity favourite, entice with their exuberant colours and quirky designs. The boxy minaudieres are based on a brass structure, featuring a canvas of felt embroidery and an inner Liberty print floral lining. Accessorizing your outfit with one of these splendid pieces gives new meaning to the word 'Book Smart'. An Olympia Le-Tan book-clutch will set you back about Euros 1 140.

I would love to see some of my personal favourite classic novels churned into a high-fashion accessory. It would be anything by Jane Austin or Charles Dickens. Which one of your favourite books would you like to wear?

Looks Of The Week - 05/05/12

The weekly round-up of celebrity style.

Short And Sweet

Krysten Ritter posed outside a talk show studio in New York, wearing an attractive navy blue off-the-shoulder Z Spoke by Zac Posen dress, with ruched bodice and flair skirt. It was those bejeweled nude Jimmy Choo sandals that grabbed all the attention. 
Eva Longoria looked alluring in an ivory brocade Marchesa frock with high neck, capped sleeves and a tucked skirt. Black Brian Atwood 'Maniac' pumps completed her outfit.
Leighton Meester stunned in this frothy black number, also by Marchesa. It features a lace top, wide waistband and tiered ruffle tulle skirt. 

Street Style

Vanessa Hudgens shows off her bohemian style in a black Style Stalker dress with hi-low hemline and see-through panel. She added a turquoise Navaho-inspired necklace, a quilted Chanel bag and chunky tan heels by Koolaburra.

Emma Stone brings tartan into her casual day look with a chic Rag & Bone collarless jacket. Emma layered the cute coat over a cream blouse, dark denim skinnies and black ballet flats.

Kristen Cavallari strolls the streets of LA in a modish striped blazer by Smythe, cleverly paired with all black and platform heels. She carries an Alexander Wang duffle bag.

Taylor Swift was pretty in a summery coral pink floral dress by Anthropologie. Her 50's like look was complete with nude peep-toe pumps by Frye.

Suave in Slacks

Karlie Kloss sported a savvy ensemble by Balmain, that included a gold and silver embellished leather jacket, sheer white blouse and wide-leg trousers.

Jessica Alba always gives us style to smile about. Here she wears an adorable grey Alice + Olivia sweater, fitted with a sparkly tie and printed Topshop pants. Her lustworthy orange cap-toe pumps are by Giuseppe Zanotti. 

Arizona Muse gives us an interpretation of semi-formal in a gilded Balmain jacket, black tee and relaxed-fit ivory slacks.

Frieda Pinto opted for a sharp ruby red pants suit by Gucci, sleekly styled with a black blouse, belt and heels. For some pizazz, Frieda clipped in a butterfly brooch and carried a sequined Fendi clutch.

Dreamy Dresses

Dakota Fanning sticks with her fairy-like red carpet style; on this occasion wearing a beaded lavender blue long-sleeved Prada gown with key-hole cut-out. A glossy silver box clutch and bow-topped heels finalize her outfit.
Ginnifer Goodwin impressed me with a dress from the H&M Conscious collection. The stunning pale grey gown falls into a fully ruffled skirt with uneven edges. I love that she choose to wear a dress we all have access to. 
Rachel Zoe in a sheer, shimmery gown by Valentino - the dress is beautiful and romantic but it seems at least two sizes too big for her.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?


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Friday Frills

Do not ask for your life's load to be lightened,

But for the courage to endure.

Do not ask for fulfillment in all your life,

But for the patience to accept frustration.

Do not ask for perfection in all you do,

But for the wisdom not to repeat mistakes,

And finally...Do not ask for more before saying 

"Thank You" for what you have already received. 

Brenda Short

What have you been thankful for recently?

A Few Good Beauty Tips

It's always useful to have an oversized bag of beauty tricks. These are a few that I've collected, tried and tested over the years, with gratifying results.

A Few Beauty Tricks:


*To enhance the rich tones in brunette hair, rinse through with a cup of cool brewed coffee.
*To tame flyaways, spritz some hairspray onto your hairbrush or comb before brushing.
*In between shampoos, dust hair with a large powder brush lightly dipped in either talcum powder, corn starch or translucent face powder. It absorbs any oil.
*Use apple cider vinegar to lock in your hair's natural moisture and get it looking glossy.
*Add a drop or two of your favourite fragrance into an unscented lotion to make your own perfumed body cream.
*A bit of bronzer mixed in with your regular body lotion with create a luminous glow on your skin.
*For extra skin nourishment, add a drop of baby oil to your body lotion, it's an excellent moisturizer.
*Blast your eyelash curler with a hairdryer for a few seconds before using it. It will help your lashes to curl more easily. 
*A quick way to heal a spot is to dap it with a paste made of aspirin and water.
*Or dip a cotton bud in eyedrops, freeze it and them apply it to the spot. This reduces the swelling and redness. 
*Make your own deliciously sweet body and face exfoliant with brown sugar and honey. It removes dead skin cells and tastes good too!
*Wearing a shade of warm pink lipstick deflects from any other skin dilemmas that you may be having.
*Cinnamon is a natural lip-plumping agent and can be mixed in with a little lip gloss to attain the perfect pout.
*A sweep of gold eyeshadow helps the eyes to look much brighter - which may come in handy after a late night out.
*You can also apply white eyeliner to the inner eyelids for the same purpose.
*Two clever ways to use eyeliner: Freeze your eye pencil for a smoother, sharper line. Or run the tip of your eye pencil under hot water to create a smudged look.
*If your mascara wand is clogging up, dip it into a small bowl of eye makeup remover, this will clean the bristles and prevent clumping.
*When applying sparkly or powder eyeshadow, use a piece of masking tape to lift off any flecks that may have fallen under the eye area.
*The one product that works most effectively from the kitchen to the beauty counter is olive oil. Use it as a moisturizer, an exfoliater (mixed with some sea salt), a hair conditioner, a remedy for dry scalp, as a make-up remover, lip balm, nail and cuticle oil.


Have you tried out any of these before? I would love to hear what beauty tips and tricks have worked for you.

Etro Accessories Spring 2012

Etro Accessories

Spring/Summer 2012

Etro assigns a fiesta of colours and prints to their vibrant line of accessories for Spring 2012. This zesty range mimics the same futuristic-bohemian inspired designs that we saw on their Spring Ready-to-Wear runway. The Italian fashion label reinvents their signature paisley print in Spring's hottest shades - pastels, mint and tangerine. Bold geometric patterns are swirled onto large leather totes, envelope clutches and shoulder bags are seeped in a bricolage of bright hues. Utilitarian coincides with innovation in a series of neutral shaded bags and strappy heels. A hint of tribalism emerges through prominent pieces of symmetrical jewels. Illustrative scarves and belts correlate to the jazzy sounds of this dynamic collection. 

Etro plays the colour card to a great advantage this Spring. Are you ready to dive in?

*Pictures via Etro.com

Tuesday Thrills - MinkPink Clothing

Australian label MinkPink dresses the modern, fashion-loving girl with savvy chic looks inspired by runway trends and contemporary street style...all imbued with a girly vintage twist. Playful prints, bold colours and figure-enhancing patterns are made into easy-to-wear outfits which can be mixed and matched to your individual taste. MinkPink takes trendy designs and converts it into something more classic, which will see you through all seasons. Here are some exciting looks from their current collection.

Look 1. Last Call crepe shirt dress with hi-low hemline in rich raspberry pink. It is also available in black.  $72 / AUD $69

Look 2. Gianni mini dress modeled upon the iconic Versace print  $62 / AUD $59

Look 3. Christie soft draped blazer in chartreuse  $83/ AUD $79

Look 4. Stolen Moments little black dress in luxe velvet.  $62/ AUD $59

Look 5. Laser Vision black shirt with trendy laser-cut design  $62/ AUD $59 
Slasher Flick black shorts  $72/ AUD $69

Look 6. Queens animal print jumper  $62/ AUD $59 

Brooklyn waisted shorts in burgundy  $56/ AUD $54

Look 7. Tres Bien nautical striped dress in navy & white  $46/ AUD $44

Look 8. Varsity Jumper in lime green  $51/ AUD $49 
Night Fever sequin skirt in gold  $108/ AUD $104.
Look 9. Sands of Time babydoll floral print dress  $72/ AUD $69
Look 10. Verity floral sleeveless shirt  $51/ AUD $49 
Dirty Glam pleated skirt in copper  $56/ AUD $54
Look 11. Night Fever sequin mini dress  $124/ AUD $119


To see more of the range, visit MinkPink.com These charming looks can be shopped on Market HQ, where they offer free shipping on international orders over $150. The prices in US dollars have been calculated using today's exchange rate. I would personally love that chartreuse Christie jacket and the Tres Bien dress, how about you?


Happy Shopping!


*All photos belong to Market HQ.com