Looks of the Week - 11/08/12

After a few internet glitches, here is the weekly roundup of the hottest celebrity style.

Fruity Style Salad

Emmy Rossum turned heads in this ravishing cerise pink tulle-wrapped dress by Monique Lhuillier. Nude pointy-toe pumps by Christian Louboutin fit her feet.

Leslie Mann was another star to wear Monique Lhuillier this week, she opted for an apricot pocketed frock with leather belt from the Resort 2013 collection. Leslie also wore nude heels.

Kerry Washington went against the myth that pink and red don't mix, wearing an endearing Christian Dior dress with flaired skirt. Her nude pointy toe pumps, like Emmy's, are also by Christian Louboutin. 

Jaime King stunned in this radiant cherry red Marchesa dress with delicate frilling set upon the asymmetrical neckline and waist. A bejeweled Marchesa clutch and nude Jimmy Choo sandals wind up her look.

Ashley Greene brings grace and simplicity to the neon trend, wearing a self-embroidered orange sheath dress by Yigal Azrouel, along with the post popular choice of heel this week - the nude pump.

Chic Summer Nights

Ashley Tisdale was decked out in this contemporary casual look from Erin by Erin Fetherson, which included a sheer ivory blouse and grey folded mini skirt. She carried an acrylic Edie Parker clutch and stepped in glitter T-bar sandals by Miu Miu.
Newcomer Zoe Kazan was pretty in a dainty sheer Red Valentino jewel-specked ivory dress with tiered tulle skirt and black accents. Her heels are by Yves Saint Laurent heels.
Mena Suvari was all frou-frou in an angelic white Georges Chakra silk dress with full skirt, pleat-folded bodice and floral embroidered neckline. An Edie Parker clutch and pastel pink sandals complete her lovely look.
Sarah Hyland does stripes with the utmost elegance, wearing a fit and flare dress by Badgely Mischka, along with taupe Casadei pumps. 

A Floral Affair

Emmy Rossum strolled the streets of New York in an abstract iris print 'Carissa' dress by Kate Spade and a white woven bag. She kept her shoes comfy, opting for flat sandals.

Lizzy Caplin (who is barely recognizable after her role in Mean Girls) wears a chromatic floral mini dress by Lisa Ho, brightly paired with strappy yellow and beige BCBG sandals.

Ariel Winter looked adorable in a girly floral frock by Moschino Cheap & Chic, expertly matched with bright pink lips and heels.

Menswear Inspired

I hadn't heard of Afghan American actress Azita Ghanizada before, but this snazzy look has put her on my style radar. The Alphas star looked voguish in an amber orange blouse with black trim and white collar, worn with a black pencil skirt and eye-popping neon orange heels.
Mischa Barton has been M.I.A on the style front recently, I hope this debonair look is start of good things to come for her. She dons a white shirt under her black tuxedo with ruched shawl lapel, & accessorizes with a perspex box clutch & metallic cap-toe Christian Louboutin boots.
South African born Pretty Little Liars actress Sasha Pieterse looked ultra chic in an ivory blazer, two-tone shirt and sexy black shorts ensemble, paired with black pointy-toe pumps.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Promise Yourself...


To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. 



To talk health, happiness and prosperity 
to every person you meet. 



To make all your friends feel that there is 
something special within them. 



To look at the sunny side of everything 
and make your optimism come true. 



To think only of the best, to work only for the best
 and to expect only the best. 



To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others 
as you are about your own. 



To forget the mistakes of the past and 
press on to the greater achievements of the future. 



To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and 
give every living creature you meet a smile. 



To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that 
you have no time to criticize others. 



To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, 

Too strong for fear, 
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

*Quote by C D Larson. Image via Tumblr

Sports Style Inspiration With Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr gets into great shape in the August 2012 edition of Harper's Bazaar Australia. In this Olympic inspired editorial, the stunning Aussie model stretches her limbs in the hottest sports ensembles. I loved seeing how stylist Vanessa Coyle took essentially non-sporty looks from the Fall 2012 runways and turned them into something sleekly athletic.

Miranda sets the acrobatic scene in a colour block and patchwork striped leather top with rounded shoulders by Céline. A pair of white Wolford briefs, Giorgio Armani gloves and pointy silhouette Céline pumps perfect this sports luxe look.

Miranda's toned physique is displayed in a long-sleeved black knit Ralph Lauren top with silver embellished neckline, and a pair of basic black Wolford bikini briefs. Her gymtastic look is accessorized with a blue chain Versace leather logoed belt & a pink Stella McCartney pouch. 

Bringing high end designer wear to the high rope, Miranda sports an eye-catching tangerine silk-crepe stretch dress by Versace, with the label's logo imprinted upon it. A blue Versace leather logoed belt and a black Adidas by Stella McCartney tee complete her outfit.

Miranda shows off her lithe figure and agility in a royal blue Lanvin sleeveless sheath dress and netted one-shoulded top. She carries all her necessities in a glossy silver Adidas by Stella McCartney moon bag and miniature media pouch. A Yves Saint Laurent leather belt accents her slim waist. Only a supermodel would need a diamond Cartier bracelet to work out.

Miranda raises the bar in a vintage floral print wool knit bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana, clinched in by a wide silver leather Jimmy Choo belt. Her white pointy silhouette pumps are by Céline. Could you imagine any Olympic gymnast in this look? We would be paying more attention to the outfit than the floor skills.

Miranda balances out the sporting theme in a deluxe look by Lanvin. Her scarlet red neoprene dress is fitted with a ruffled collar and nipped in by a black Diane von Furstenberg belt.

Interestingly enough, Miranda Kerr was also featured in the exact same Lanvin dress in the August 2012 issue of Vogue Turkey. I much prefer the styling in the previous picture.

I've never been one for the urbane sportswear trend, but after seeing how it has been interpreted through this editorial, I have changed my mind. Is this a trend you're in favour of?

*Images via harpersbazaar.com.au

Who Wore Valentino Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Valentino Pre-Fall 2012 Jumpsuit

Continuing in the spirit of Valentino this week, this fashion face-off features a crimson red jumpsuit from the label's Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Spotted on several different celebrities and in magazine editorials, this ultra sexy jumpsuit isn't the easiest look to pull off. Lets weigh the options and decide on who did it justice.

*Bridesmaids actress Kristen Wigg was the first to don the scarlet suit with folded corsage detail, in early February this year. The comedienne went all red with Sergio Rossi ChiChi pumps and carried a metallic Kotur box clutch.

*Next in line, we see Jennifer Williams (of the Basketball Wives TV series) wear the same strapless suit in May 2012. The reality actress accessorized with a multi-strand Chanel pearl necklace and cream strappy heels by Christian Louboutin. The jumpsuit seems a size too big.

*Jada Pinkett Smith stepped out in June wearing the altered, cropped version of the Valentino jumpsuit, giving it an entirely different appeal. She paired her sassy shorts set with black ankle strap sandals by Jimmy Choo.

*For Vanity Fair's July 2012 issue, Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough was given retro styling in the fiery red suit, along with matching studded 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin. 

*Finally, we see newcomer Rebecca Dayan take the jumpsuit out for a spin just last week on 1st August. The French actress kept her look slick and edgy with studded T-strap pumps and a studded leather clutch bag, both by Valentino.

The jumpsuit as it was presented in Valentino's Pre-Fall 2012 collection, 

worn by Polish model Zuzanna Bijoch.

Who Wore It Better? I preferred the styling on Riley Keough in Vanity Fair Magazine, those spiked Pigalle pumps gave it that extra oomph. But credit to Jada Pinkett Smith, at 40 for bravely pulling off that shortened version. What are your thoughts?

Resort Romance by Valentino 2013

Andy Warhol Inspired Pop Art + Retro 60's + Ladylike Lace pretty much sums up Valentino's buoyant and optimistic Resort collection for 2013. A floral confection of sundae shade dresses sets this decadent range into motion, followed by a zesty serving of lime green designs. The peplum makes an appearance once again, featuring sheer yokes and sleeves, chicly paired with slim-fit trousers. The romance of vintage guipure lace is given a modern update in sunshine yellow, rich emerald green, ruby red and snow white.

Pastel print A-line dresses are nipped in the waist, and feminine tulle maxi gowns are delicately embroidered with garden-specked beadwork and tiny floral appliqués. Moving on from sprightly daywear, the collection takes a darker turn with a set of coal-black pants suits and skirts, and demure gowns in duotone animal print and optical alluring stripes.

The kitten heel re-emerges in 2013, and is a constant feature throughout, clasped by metallic ankle straps. Vibrant hand-held leather clutches duly compliment each look; these are sure to be on the wish-list of Valentino fans everywhere. Vivid splashes of fuchsia make an eye-catching end to this exquisite Pre-Spring collection.  

My favourite looks from this collection have to be the floral pop art evening gown (set one), the black leather lace and tulle gown (set six) and the striking hot pink animal print maxi dress above. Which are yours?

*Images via Style.com

Looks of the Week - 04/08/12

The weekly round-up of celebrity style on and off the red carpet.

Bright Around The Block

Jessica Alba continues in colourful style this week, mixing red, navy and cerise pink in this cute colour-blocked dress, paired with flat black sandals, a red shrug and black fringed bag.

Lily Collins dashed out in LA wearing a vivid coral button-up blouse, casually paired with dark wash skinny jeans, a brown satchel and red ankle-strap sandals.

Fearne Cotton coloured in the streets of London in this endearing horizontal striped frock in shades of purple and orange. A tan cross body bag and plum ankle boots complete her look.

Eva Mendes gives us exciting new colour inspiration with a striking neon tangerine t-shirt dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim, a mint green Rebecca Minkoff sling bag and sandy beige sandals.

The Neutral Zone

Jessica Biel strutted her nude Brian Atwood pumps along with a shimmery cappuccino coloured knit dress by Oscar de la Renta.
Olivia Munn looked posh in an ivory silk camisole with fitted animal print pencil skirt by Kate Frances and neutral toned peep-toe heels to match.
Candice Swanepoel showed off her chic supermodel street style in a simple white tee, flaired khaki skirt and flat braided sandals by Valentino.

Flirty Frocks

Jessica Biel give us another stellar look, sublime in a strapless pastel pink Christian Dior dress with a structured pocket A-line skirt. She completed her picture perfect outfit with fabulous metallic cap-toed heels by Louis Vuitton and a white Jimmy Choo clutch.

Hayden Panettiere welcomed the warm summer weather in a pretty floral frock by Z Spoke by Zac Posen, with nude ankle strap heels by Jimmy Choo.

Filming a scene for the upcoming season of Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester looked delightful in a fuchsia and black silk chiffon animal print dress by Red Valentino. An arresting pair of zebra print Brian Atwood platforms and floral Alexis Bittar earrings were added to her ensemble.

Spit & Polish

Rachel Bilson wears a charming boy-meets-girl outfit featuring an ivory Marlene Birger blouse fitted with a black bow and pocket seams. Her chic black peplum pants are by Alexander McQueen, with neutral pointy toe heels by Shoemint.
Maria Menounos does semi-casual with class, donning a black silk dress with high-low hemline by Jay Godfrey. She dissed the heels and opted for cute animal print flats instead.
Sophia Bush took on the menswear trend in a tailored ivory IRO blazer with contrast black lapel, worn with skin tight Helmut Lang leather leggings, a Chanel clutch & Louboutin shoes.
Lucy Liu brought her sultry style to the red carpet in a feisty cut-out black J. Mendel dress with black pointy-toe heels.


A Little Bit Eclectic

TV actress Ally Maki went for a uniquely adorable look in a sleeveless bow-printed Mimi Chica blouse with cream embroidered collar and bow. Her forest green velvet skirt is by American Apparel with black ankle boots by Steve Madden.
Nikki Reed attracted attention in an emerald green 'Dark Jewel' cap-sleeve dress by McQ Alexander McQueen which has an interesting cable design. Nikki added a splash of neon yellow with a Rebecca Minkoff clutch bag and stepped in studded black booties.
Holland Roland has been settling into her own quaint style, pictured here wearing a sheer cream lace top along with a vibrant yellow Alice + Olivia box-pleated bubble skirt. Holland accessorized with a crystal embellished Peter Pan collar necklace by Dannijo and open toe Alexandre Birman sandals.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

The Most Important Things We Need to Know In Life...

*All images by me.

My Official Resignation

Today, I, Sam (of sound mind and judgement) would like to Officially Hand in my Resignation as An Adult. I have decided to accept the responsibilities of an eight-year-old again! 

I want to go down to Pizza Hut and think it’s a five-star restaurant. I want to think that M & M's are better than money because you can eat them. I want to wear my sparkly pink jelly shoes and think its the height of fashion. I want to have a whole slab of Cadbury's chocolate without feeling guilty afterwards. Remember when we could eat as much ice cream and french fries as our stomachs could bear, without even knowing what a calorie was? The only bad thing that could come out of eating an entire box of cookies and a slushie was a sugar rush. We had no care or concern about where on our hips the hidden saturated fats went to.

I want to return to when all you knew were colours, multiplication, time tables and ABC's. When nursery rhymes were as simple as Jack & Jill and I hadn't a clue about who John Keats was. A bedtime story meant diving into a fairytale world where anything you imagined was real. Dragons, wizards, queens, fairy-god mothers, mirrors on the wall, a glass slipper and of course, the certainty that we will always get our Prince Charming in the end. I found that real life doesn't work out exactly that way. The princes have all been turned into frogs and glass slippers are really uncomfortable to walk in! I want to be able to believe in magic again. That when I toss a coin in a magic fountain, my wish will come true. 

I want to go back to a time when things were simpler. When a jigsaw puzzle or a Barbie doll represented a whole week's worth of entertainment. When I didn't need a Smartphone, iPad, Xbox, Internet and Satellite TV to keep me busy – all at the same time. When the only time money mattered was in a game of Monopoly. When I thought that candy floss was a piece of a sugar dipped cloud. When you actually had an imagination. When magic really existed and it wasn't all just special effects created on a Hollywood set. 

I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest, and good will always triumph over evil. When boys were just some annoying class disturbance and not the objection of our affections. When friends were real and you didn't care about their race or religion or if they were fat, skinny, pink, green or from a whole other planet, it just didn't matter. When we believed that all adults must know everything (How wrong we were about that!). When numbers on a scale didn't matter, when ballet skirts and bobby socks were still cute, jewellery was made out of macaroni, and make-up meant cherry lip balm and nothing else. 

I want to believe that anything is possible....all you have to do is Dream. I want the complexities of life to be unknown to me. I want to be completely ecstatic by the little things again like the sound of the ice cream van and the thrill of going to the zoo. I DON'T want to know about work stress, deadlines, taxes, designer clothes, relationship drama, popularity or gossip! I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams and the goodness of human kind. 

So here are my car keys, makeup bag, credit cards, shopping bills, laptop and mobile phone... I am officially resigning from adulthood. 

I will now proceed to find my way back to the playground...

What do you miss most about your childhood?

*I was inspired to write and adapt this from a shorter version sent to me by email. I changed it to reflect my own childhood memories.
*All images found via weheartit.com