Looks of the Week - 17/05/14

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

Candy Coated

Emma Roberts is on a high style run again this week, pictured in a blush pink satin bustier pencil dress by Katie Ermilio, accessorized with a black clutch and tri-tonal heels, both by Jimmy Choo.
Jessica Alba was femininely dressed in a shimmering ice blue and bronze abstract printed Mary Katrantzou flaired midi frock with white pumps.
Rachel Bilson looked summery in this flowery pink and green digitally printed Mary Katrantzou dress. Her heels are by Bionda Castana.
Sophia Bush is perfectly curved in a lavender grey off-the shoulder Cushnie et Ochs dress.
Elle Fanning looked years beyond 16 in this ravishing candied pink draped satin Vivienne Westwood corset dress.


Infinitely Chic

British actress Michelle Keegan is checked in a pair of monochrome silk windowpane pants by Six Ames, which she teamed with a white shirt, black Chanel carry bag and two-tone pumps.
Taylor Swift is sophisticated in an all black outfit by Stella McCartney with ankle cropped pants and a 3/4 sleeve top. A Dolce & Gabbana bag and black ankle boots rounds off her uniform look.
Jessica Alba keeps it casual in grayscale printed pair of Sandro pants, worn with a layered tank top, white Rupert Sanderson pumps and a bright orange Narciso Rodriguez bag.
Olivia Palermo wears a chic navy blue blazer over her sandy beige skirt, adding black tights, Rebecca Minkoff heels and a printed scarf.



Bright Sight

MTV presented Lilah Parsons looked modish in an athletic fit Karen Millen neon orange dress, contrasted with a black Mulberry clutch and black pumps.
Jamie Chung was sunny in a canary yellow strapless T.J Maxx mini, offset by a pink printed clutch and strappy purple heels.
Miranda Kerr made two attractive appearances this week in looks by Victoria Beckham. She wears a cerise pink layered dress and a white fitted pencil dress with geometric colourblock print.
Louise Roe styled herself in a royal blue one-shouldered Calvin Klein dress, with white pumps.


Blue Hues

Ignore Dakota Fanning's disheveled hair and makeup and instead focus on this artwork of a Chanel Couture contoured waist dress, that's covered in iridescent green, black and blue feathers.
Camilla Belle lent her grace to this steel blue belted lace Michael Kors frock with flutter sleeves.
Nicole Kidman brought her star appeal to Cannes in this masterfully embellished cerulean blue strapless Armani Privé gown.
Upcoming actress Daisy Bevan picked out a chic duck egg blue see-through lace pencil dress with nude clutch and silver sparkly heels.

Red Carpet Royale

Kristin Ritter's Temperley London gown graduates from leopard to pretty pink florals.
Paz Vega stunningly represents Elie Saab in a fully beaded white midi pencil dress with nipped-in waist and sheer neckline.
Cate Blanchett's regal presence is unmissable in a smokey grey sheer lace Valentino gown with collared neckline and embellished sleeves.
Zoe Saldana makes a favorable departure from her Met Gala gown and tunes it down in a simplistic white pleated Victoria Beckham dress with ruffled bodice and gold belt.
German actress Nadja Auermann is endearingly dressed in an almond blossom printed midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, styled with a pink clutch and gold metallic shoes.


Blake Lively's Cannes Closet

Blake Lively brought her stellar red carpet style to the Cannes Film Festival, photographed in three stunning outfits within three days. 
1. She glistens in an incandescent sequined and organza gown with accentuated waist and silk shawl by Chanel Couture, styled with petal pink pumps.
2. Blake is a screen siren in this burgundy silk chiffon pleated gown by Gucci Premiere with interesting duo necklace, high split and gold ankle strap Casadei heels.
3. Blake makes a TV appearance in this beautiful pink and white floral embellished Giambattisa Valli Couture mini dress with nude Stuart Weitzman sandals.
4. The blonde beauty stunned again last night in an arresting black and white strapless ballgown with voluminous skirt and train, which is by Gucci Premieré.

Who is Your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Your life is made up of a series of experiences, some good, some bad.

Each experience will make you stronger and wiser, even though sometimes 

it will be hard for you to realize it.
 

Life is your classroom in which you are being tested, tried and passed.

 

Always try to stay in the midst of life and activity.
 

Don't isolate yourself from the action.
 

Be among people and things, among troubles, difficulties and obstacles.


Learn to face your fears and you will be able to overcome anything.

Your character develops itself in the stream of life.

 

Life expects you to make progress in reasonable time.
 

You will realize the setbacks and griefs that you endure actually

help you in your march forward to success.
 

We learn from our past mistakes, mishaps and failures.

Mistakes have the power to turn you into a better person than you were before.

Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you.

Remember that every winner has scars, and that

The world was built to develop your character. 

*Author unknown, edited. Image via Tumblr.

The Metallic Trend 2014

Trendspotting

Metallics

Spring/Summer 2014

One way of updating your wardrobe this season is with glossy silver and gold metallics that have been all the rage from runways to fashion editorials and red carpet events. This is your guide on Spring/Summer 2014's major metallic trend.

Gold Metallics on the Runway

It all began on the SS14 runways, where we were treated to lacquered gold looks in rich lamés, liquid silk dresses and foiled pleated skirts. Christopher Kane and Blugirl kept it subtle with pale shades, whilst DvF, Altuzarra, Reem Acra, Givenchy and Saint Laurent turned up the volume with high gloss looks that glistened like melted gold metal.

Silver Metallics On the Runway

Designers provided an alternative to gold with polished silver dresses, seen at Altuzarra, Thakoon and Rochas. Roberto Cavalli presented slick metallic leather biker jackets, whilst Christopher Kane went holographic. Rachel Zoe and Zero Maria Cornejo took the pants route with laid back luxe. Proenza Schouler and Versace glimmered on with eye-catching evening gowns.

Celebrities and Silver Metallics

Cate Blanchett (in Prada), Kate Bosworth (in Topshop) and Giovanna Battaglia had a head start in this popular trend, pictured out in gleaming silver leather. On the red carpet, Taylor Swift (wearing Gucci) and Kate Mara (in J.Mendel) were statuesque in fluid silvery gowns.

Celebrities & the Gold Metallic Trend

We recently saw Lea Michele go molten gold in a glazed Altuzarra gown at the Met Gala. Sarah Hyland kept it short and shiny in Sass & Bide. Cate Blanchett (in Givenchy) and Jennifer Lopez (in Lanvin) both experimented with mixed bronze and gold coated outfits. Zendaya tried the metallic trend in a lustrous Gucci pantsuit. 

 Metallics in Editorial

Fashion editors have also been endlessly promoting the metallic trend around the globe. From Top: Beth Edwards in a gold foil ruffled skirt by Dries van Noten for Cosmopolitan France. Marikka Juhler in chainmail Versace for Harper's Bazaar UK. Kate King in a gold lamé look for How to Spend It. Magdalena Frackowiack glows in Givenchy for Vogue China. Anja Rubik is varnished in Altuzarra for Vogue Russia. Joan Smalls dons a gold Givenchy gown in Elle Italia and two glossy Lanvin looks are showcased in Elle Russia.

Get With the Trend

Try out the trend with a few of these well-priced looks which is sure to add a spark to your wardrobe. A glossy metallic dress or skirt can be toned down with a simple t-shirt and black biker jacket. Or start with simpler pieces like gleaming bags, flats and heels.

1. Metallic gold skater dress $34  2. Contessa gold brocade dress $58 Nastygal.com  3. Y.A.S bronze leather biker jacket $210.  4. Eleven Paris faux gold leather skirt $135.  5. Mink Pink silver metallic smock dress $72 6. Gold foil pleated skirt $30. All looks besides 2 are available via Asos.com

Metallic Inspiration

From Top: Gold asymmetrical slip dress $30 and Two-tone crossbody bag $32, both River Island.com. Steve Madden flat gold Mary-Janes $80. Gold wrap skirt $30 from H&M.  Silver shimmer jumpsuit $44, Paisley print silver top $35, Silver faux leather metallic pencil skirt, $49, all three by Dorothy Perkins.com. Two-tone caged metal box bag $60 and gold jeggings $80, both from River Island.com. Watches by Michael Kors. Bottom Row: Gold wedge heels $90, River Island.com. Matt gold embroidered shorts $50 from H&M. White and Metallic heels $110 by Dorothy Perkins. White and Metallic clutch $4o from River Island. Silver flat loafers $35 from NastyGal.com

Will you be trying out the Metallic Trend?

Luisa Spagnoli Spring/Summer 2014

In my experience as a fashion blogger, I have found that every designer fulfills and gratifies a different niche in the market. Italian Brand Luisa Spagnoli has carved its own unique métier within the realms of industry, one that is decisively classic with a strong sense of poise and sophistication. Finding its origins in 1928, the label was created by Luisa Spagnoli, whose refinement and self-assurance can still be seen in every new collection.

This Spring, Luisa Spagnoli serves up modern office wear that will be the envy of every coworker and command attention in the boardroom. This is a range that emits power without pride, and confidence without attitude. Elegant knit shift dresses are enhanced with gold buttons and trims, the bouclé jacket is given a modern update, stretch cotton and silk georgette tops and trousers offer comfort and function, while vibrant ethno-chic prints provide a beautiful summer escape. 

Poppy red, chartreuse, emerald, coral and yellow add colour to this timeless range, whilst a nautical themed navy and white section appeals to one's more modest side. For your weekends, Spagnoli has patched pretty white lace onto denim jeans and jacket, alternated with feminine peasant tops and breezy embroidered white cotton dresses.

This is Luisa Spagnoli's elegant and tasteful Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Which of these Luisa Spagnoli sets would fit into your current work style?


For more looks and shopping information, head to Luisaspagnoli.com

Looks of the Week - 10/05/14

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

Roses & Rouge

Katharine McPhee looked poised in a coral Paule Ka midi pencil dress with beaded orange neckline, accented by a red clutch and red Bionda Castana heels.
Emmy Rossum strikes all the right notes in a beautiful cerise lace embellished Elie Saab cocktail dress, styled with a printed clutch and matching sandals.
Naomi Watts went the pants route in a fuchsia Roland Mouret ensemble with cropped trousers and a structured strapless top. She added blue sandals to her outfit.
Marion Cotillard showed off a timeless little red Christian Dior dress with V-neck and pockets.


NYC Outings

Blake Lively made a stylish dash out in NYC, wrapped in a floral printed Valentino trench coat and glimmering Christian Louboutin heels.
Zendaya Maree was rock n' roll in a black leather biker jacket with cut-out panel sleeves worn over a lilac and red flaired mini dress and snazzy tri-tone Ruthie Davis heels.
Jessica Alba stepped out in an eye-catching floral silk Aqua bomber jacket paired over all black and accessorized with a blue clutch and white pointy-toe pumps.
Victoria Beckham surprisingly wore something that was not from her own collection, a black ribbed Céline top striped in red and yellow, with skinny jeans and ankle boots.


Black & White Boulevard 

Karolina Kurkova went all white in this contemporary street look, wearing a white jumper over a white shirt with skinny jeans and two-tone Oxfords.
Olivia Palermo displayed her usual level of chic in a black and white paneled pair of Hudson jeans, along with a Rachel Zoe jacket and mesh top. Printed slippers style her look.
Mena Suvari paired a printed black Paris tank top with a sheer white midi skirt and flat sandals for a spring day stroll.
Taylor Swift lends her grace to NYC, seen in a checked top and black pencil skirt by Oscar de la Renta, adding a pop of colour with her red bag.
Jourdan Dunn looked modish in a white embroidered boho tank and dark wash skinny jeans, accessorizing with a trendy fringed bag and black ankle boots.


Spring Fling

Kiernan Shipka looked winsome in a white flaired tank with powder blue high-waist embroidered skirt, both by Peter Pilotto. Silver Stuart Weitzman sandals finalize her look.
Harley Viera-Newton was pretty in a glossy white Christian Dior frock, nipped in with a metallic belt.
Emma Roberts opted for the lingerie look in an aubergine lace bustier and lilac lace sheer hem skirt by Alexia Ulibarri. A pair of Bionda Castana pumps compliment her outfit.
Gemma Chan wore a vintage inspired lemon drop-waist dress with chiffon pleated skirt and beaded bodice by The Gathering Goddess.
Elle Fanning makes an endearing style statement in this white cropped bustier and ruffled hem skirt by Ellery.


Basic Black

Nicola Peltz was sophisticated in a Christian Dior coat dress, worn with nude pumps.
Irina Shayk stunned in a shimmering beaded black Atelier Versace pants suit, fitted with a cape and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Alessandra Ambrosio exuded elegance in a black diamond cut-out Vionnet maxi dress.
Adele Exarchopoulos continues her high fashion week in a form-fitting black pencil skirt and glistening grey cropped top, both by Christian Dior.
Brooklyn Decker polished up in a strapless black Martin Grant jumpsuit with leather belt and wide trousers.


Vanilla Cream

Laura Vandervoort looked exquisite in a white embellished strap gown by Badgley Mischka.
Elle Fanning brought her character from Maleficent to life in a princess worthy ivory cream strapless couture gown by Georges Hobeika. A floral crown completed her fairytale look.
Sofia Vergara never misses an opportunity to show off her amazing curves, fitted here in a gold and white Romona Keveza gown with fishtail skirt.

Who is Your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

How To Create A Happy Life

How to create a truly worthwhile and happy life: 

1. Be good, and do good. That is simple enough.

2. Know what is right, and do what is right. 

3. Live each day in such a manner that, when you go to sleep each night, you do so with a clear conscience. 

4. Never do something you won't be proud of.

5. Never become someone you won't be proud of. 

6. Do not search for riches, fame, or material wealth. Live your life the best way that you can, and if you do, you will attain the most valuable possession there is: peace of mind.

7. Realize that there is no substitute for being a good person.

8. Work hard at developing meaningful, genuine relationships. 

9. Help make other people's lives a little better and more pleasant than they might otherwise be. Care for others as much as you can, and show appreciation to the important people in your life as often as you can. 

10. Learn to forgive, and actually practice forgiveness. 

11. Learn to ask for forgiveness.

12. Learn to control your emotions. Learn to think before you speak and act.

13. Learn to control your anger, or else it will control you.

14. Never judge anyone. Be kind and respectful to everyone; you never know what someone might be going through.

15. Keep an open mind. Accept the fact that you may not always be right. 

16. Keep an open heart. Understand that what you want in life, and that what you are called to do may change as you gather more knowledge and experiences.

17. Do not fear change. Embrace the exciting opportunities that come with the future.

18. Always be positive. Remember, you can be realistic and positive at the same time.

19. Enjoy the life you have, because it's the only one you're going to get.

20. Don't always take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself and at your circumstances.

21. Don't waste time complaining. Find something to be thankful for, and make the most of the good things you have in your life. Focus on the positives, and you will find that everything else seems to disappear from view.

22. Appreciate what you have. Pursue what you want.

23. Always do your best. If your best is good enough, then enjoy the rewards. If your best isn't good enough, then keep working and keep giving your best until one day it is. 

24. Be humble; it is better to be humble of your own choosing than to be humbled by other people or by circumstances.

25. Find out what you have a passion for, and then do it. And don't just do it for your own benefit; find a way to use your gifts and your passion to help others. 

26. Hold on tightly to your sense of self-worth and your dreams. They belong to you, and you alone. No one can take away any of those things unless you allow them too. 

27. Don't wish for better circumstances. Go out and make them. 

28. Make the most of your talent and your opportunities, and find a way to do it in service to something that is greater than your own immediate self.

29. Realize that we are all part of something larger than ourselves, and that we are called to do as much good in this lifetime as we possibly can.

30. Live with honour and integrity, live a life that matters.

...In other words: Make Your Life a Masterpiece.

*Images via Neiman Marcus

Red Carpet - The Met Gala 2014

Red Carpet Fashion

The Met Gala 2014

With a red carpet turn out bigger than the Oscars, the 2014 Met Gala lured out a host of stylish celebrities last night in New York City. The theme this year was based on who is known as America's first couturier, Charles James : Beyond Fashion. This is the roundup of the most exhilarating gowns from the years biggest fashion event. Please click on each image for a larger view.

Berry Haute

Selena Gomez captured the best of her curves in a deep plum plunge neck Diane von Furstenburg gown. Reese Witherspoon stood out in a cerise pink Stella McCartney corset dress. Anne Hathaway wore a simplistic chic red midriff-baring column gown by Calvin Klein. Emma Stone was pretty in a candy pink cropped tank and fuchsia slitted skirt by Thakoon. Zoe Kravitz wore a slinky cranberry hued Topshop slip dress with low neck. Allison Williams was elegant in a tangerine Oscar de la Renta gown with long train.

Styled in Chanel 

Anna Wintour hosted the Met Gala in an ice blue, white, pink and black ruffled organza Chanel gown. Chloe Moretz looked delightful in a collared white Chanel look with lace tier frilled skirt and black tie detail. Kristen Stewart was decked in an edgy black and gold sequined Chanel dress with sheer tulle midi skirt and wide belt. Lily Allen wore a ribbon paneled pink and grey Couture gown from the French brand.

Two Tone

Hailee Steinfeld looked modernistic in a Prabal Gurung ballgown. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a voluminous black and white Oscar de la Renta gown. Anna Kendrick was graceful in a monochrome J.Mendel mermaid skirted gown. Charlize Theron wowed in a distinguished black paneled Dior Couture trailing gown with capelet. Greta Gerwig took a fashionable risk in a gradient high-low Theory by Olivier Theyskens dress with sheer one-shoulder. Naomi Watts was dressed by Givenchy in this ombré embroidered dress with see-through skirt.

Yellow Fever

Jourdan Dunn was vividly attired in a low neck dress by Topshop. Emmy Rossum gave us a refreshing summer look, outfitted in a beautiful floral printed Carolina Herrera ballgown. Katie Holmes seemed to be overwhelmed by this saffron yellow Marchesa gown with ruched embroidered neckline. Olivia Munn was a ray of sunshine in a primrose Diane von Furstenburg long-sleeved V-neck dress.

Short Story

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore an edgy leather & leopard Balmain dress. Imogen Poots picked a futuristic cut-out Proenza Schouler dress. Stacy Martin went against the style grain, wearing a sheer azure wrap top and bralet with red bejewelled brocade pencil skirt by Miu Miu. Elizabeth Olsen picked a powder blue ice-skater dress with crystal neckline by Miu Miu. Michelle Williams opted for a more casual look in a printed Louis Vuitton mini. 

Black Magic

Kate Upton was frilled in a black Dolce & Gabbana gown with whimsical hat. Maggie Q made a marvelous entrance in a this classic black ballgown. Gisele Bundchen looked sultry in a velvet lace Balenciaga gown. Beyonce was netted in a theatrical sheer beaded Givenchy dress with plunge neck and slitted skirt. Ashley Olsen wore a modest Gianfranco Ferre military inspired gown and Mary Kate was pinstriped in vintage Chanel. Felicity Jones was decked in a silk corset Theory by Olivier Theysken's gown with dramatic skirt.

Poised in Zac Posen 

Zac Posen was one of the premier designers of the evening, dressing supermodel Liu Wen in voluminous emerald green and Dita von Teese in a retro cream fitted gown with pleated fishtail skirt. Sarah Silverman and Karen Elson also wore outstanding sculpted gowns by Posen.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Lupita Nyong'o was fringed in an eccentric green Prada ensemble. Kate Mara looked gracious in a printed Valentino gown. Sarah Paulson wore a green Prada number with embellished midi skirt. Dianna Agron was dressed in a black tulle beaded Miu Miu dress with purple V-neck. Amanda Peet wore a lace Marc Jacobs dress. Michelle Monaghan went haute hippy in a burgundy leather fringed Altuzarra dress. Shailene Woodley tried on a bohemian themed Rodarte gown. Florence Welch wore a floral embroidered Valentino coat with her grey gown.

Navy Nights

Jason Wu dressed Dakota Johnson in a navy blue shimmer bodice gown with flaired skirt. Zooey Deschanel wore a deep blue Tommy Hilfiger dress with contrasting white waistband and train. Kim Kardashian redeemed herself from last year's Met Gala, looking poised in a midnight blue Lanvin strapless gown. Marion Cotillard represented Dior in this laser-cut cropped look with interesting fascinator.

Printed Out

Printed black and white gowns were trending at the Met, with Jessica Pare and Zoe Saldana both in Michael Kors. Margot Robbie wore a monochrome Prada ensemble and Gugu Mbatha-Raw was debonair in an abstract patterned Lanvin A-line dress.

Pale Tale

Victoria Beckham was her sophisticated self in a column gown by her own label. Kylie Minogue opted for a feminine gold and white embroidered Marchesa gown. Rihanna brought her street savvy to the red carpet in a Stella McCartney cropped top and maxi skirt. Naomi Campbell picked out an ice pink cut-out Givenchy dress with feathered cape. Supermodel Lily Donaldson looked sleek in Burberry. Idina Menzel was glamourous in an embellished Donna Karan Atelier dress with ruffled skirt.  

Greyscale

Lily Aldridge stunned in a draped silver lamé Michael Kors gown. Alexa Chung wore an understated strapless gunmetal grey ruched Nina Ricci dress. Amy Adams glimmered in a molten silver silk Oscar de la Rena gown. Chrissy Teigen had on a ruffled neck smoke grey Ralph Lauren column gown. Nicole Richie was dressed in a sheer grey and velvet patched Donna Karan look.

Glamour Models

Karlie Kloss wore an richly embroidered gold and black Oscar de la Renta gown. Arizona Muse looked ravashing in this striking red strapless Ralph & Russo Couture gown with colossal skirt. Karolina Kurkova was dramatically fitted in an architectural indigo floral patterned Marchesa gown.

Fit for a Fairytale

Bee Shaffer wore a one-shouldered ice blue satin Alexander McQueen gown with tulle skirt. Claire Danes was pretty in a dark maroon velvet bustier and rose pink satin skirt by Oscar de la Renta. Taylor Swift chose a romantic shell pink embroidered Oscar de la Renta gown with trailing skirt. Hayden Panettiere charmed in a subdued pink and blue floral painted Dennis Basso ballgown. Burberry created an incredible tier frilled ballgown in blush and nude for Suki Waterhouse. Toni Garrn exuded grace in this powder blue Topshop gown.

Golden Tones

Jessica Alba was radiant in a matt gold lace Diane von Furstenburg low neck gown. Leighton Meester looked engaging in a beaded gold Emilio Pucci gown. Giambattisa Valli brought out Amber Heard's demure side in this long sleeved lace dress. Rita Ora was over the top in a nude and gold beaded and tulle confection by Donna Karan Atelier. Lea Michele positively glowed in a metallic gold Altuzarra gown. Joan Smalls was exquisite in a countered pleated bodice dress with sheer chiffon skirt by Vera Wang. 

Pastelletics 

Rachel McAdams played it chic in a petal pink Ralph Lauren column gown. Diane Kruger wore a lilac embellished Hugo Boss gown with pleated chiffon panel skirt. Blake Lively was breathtaking in a this rose pink silk chiffon beaded Gucci Premiére gown with flowing cape attached. Kate Bosworth seemed far too waifish in a clingy coral pink Stella McCartney gown with gold spaghetti straps. Adele Exacharpoulos impressed in a blush pink corset dress with mirror and crystal encrusted silver skirt by Prada. Kendall Jenner made a surprise appearance, wearing a figure-hugging strapless pearl pink Topshop mermaid gown.

My best dressed was the stunning Blake Lively in Gucci Premiére and I also liked the beautiful red gown worn by Arizona Muse and the out of the box outfit by Adele Excharpoulous. My worst dressed had to be Rita Ora, her look was too costumey.

Who was Your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2014 Met Gala?