Looks of the Week - 14/06/14

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

Jennifer Morrison's Monte Carlo Closet

Jennifer Morrison graced the Monte Carlo Television Festival in a triad of beautiful feminine looks.
Left: Jennifer is swirled in a cafe au lait shaded Romona Keveza tulle gown with sheer neckline and embellished waistband.
Middle: She was pretty in a mint green fishtail gown by Georges Hobeika with sheer beaded bodice and a braided crown.
Right: The Once Upon A Time actress looked stunning in a lavender beaded Georges Hobeika midi dress with a flaired skirt, decorated by dainty floral appliqués and a belted waist.


Denim Daze

Dakota Fanning looked cute in a summery denim Current/Elliott romper with elasticated waistline and metallic colourblocked Saint Laurent sandals.
Naya Rivera is sleek in a figure-hugging white Missguided mini, teamed with a Helmut Lang denim jacket, white and nude sandals and a black tote.
Elisa Sednaoui's patchwork denim shirt is paired with a layered white asymmetrical skirt, black sling bag and chunky black heels. Her savvy ensemble is by Altuzarra.
Maria Menounos gave her denim shirt retro styling with a petal pink mini skirt, hair bow and red and rose sandals.


Bend it Like Beckham

Victoria Beckham had a spectacular style run this week, pictured out in New York City wearing three impressive street ensembles.
Left: She wears an ink blue floral printed sleeveless shirtdress with contrast printed lining and sheer neck insert. A burgundy leather belt, heels and clutch accent her outfit.
Middle: Queen V was vividly dressed in a poppy red midi dress from her own collection with chain detail on the waist, matched by Manolo Blahnik heels.
Right: Victoria looked sophisticated in a classic light blue pinstriped shirt tucked into a floral printed pencil skirt, completed by nude pointy-toe pumps.


Crimson or Coal

Jessica Alba picked out a charming crimson red low-neck cropped top and A-line skirt by Preen, styled with silver Brian Atwood sandals.
Laura Vandervoort smoldered in a sexy black Asos cut-out cropped top with Pamella Roland maxi skirt, accented by red lips and a red clutch.
Laura made another chic appearance during the week, pictured in a slinky red long-sleeved cropped top and slitted pencil skirt by Alice + Olivia.
Jessica showed off her edgier side in a black corset midi pencil dress by David Koma with mesh and leather banded bodice and strappy black sandals.


Monochrome

Zendaya was striking in a black and white striped Sportmax dress with high-low hemline. A multitude of gold bangles and tie-up heels finish off her outfit.
Lily Aldridge brings a certain allure even to the simplest little black dress, seen here in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam look with gold accessories.
Olivia Palermo's white embroidered summer dress with scalloped hem and belted waist is by Red Valentino. She wears flat metallic loafers and Westward Leaning sunglasses with her outfit.
Kiernan Shipka is all grown up in an elegant white silk tank and black leather Max Mara skirt, styled with chain linked heels and a yellow Louboutin clutch.


Bridal Inspired

Portia Freeman channeled a vintage bridal look in this beautiful flutter sleeved ivory lace gown by Valentino, styled with a red Lulu Guiness lipstick clutch. 
Allison Williams was radiant in a fitted white lace corset dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
Daisy Lowe's white Valentino dress features a myriad of yellow floral appliqués, adding a neon bag for a pop of bright colour.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor looked demure in a long-sleeved, high-neck Valentino lace gown, with red nails and a red clutch bag.

Who is your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

*We celebrate a National Holiday (Youth Day) this weekend, so I will be back on Tuesday.

Friday Frills - Differences

Some people do things completely differently from the way you would do them.

 It does not mean that they are right or that you are wrong. 

 It just means that people are different. 

 There are things that people say which you would probably say

in a different way, at a different time. 

 It does not mean that people are wrong to speak up, to speak out, or to speak their minds. 

 Nor does it mean that you are wrong for choosing not to do so. 

 It means that people are different.

Different is not right or wrong. It is a reality. 

 Differences become problems only when we choose to measure ourselves

by our differences in an effort to determine who is right and who is wrong.

All people are different from one another. 

 Our different points of view shape our vantage point and our vision. 

 Where we sit is a function of where we have sat.

What we can see is a function of what we have seen.

No one person's experience, point of view or view point is more accurate,

more acceptable or more righteous than another. 

 It is simply different...and that is perfectly okay.

Quote by Iyanla Vanzant. Image by Lynsie Roberts.

Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue China 2014

Cover Girl Magdalena Frackowiak
Vogue China Collections
June 2014

Magdalena Frackowiak's natural beauty is captured by famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier for a chic fashion spread in the June 2014 edition of Vogue China Collections. Entitled 'Northern Muse', the blonde model is showcased in stunning looks from Spring/Summer's high end collections.

Magdalena Frackowiak graces the cover of Vogue China Collections in a printed Gucci gown and a a brown mesh oversized hat by Ann Demeulemeester.

The 29-year-old model is styled in an off-the shoulder silhouette with flaired frilled skirt by Balmain, which is quilted in powder blue and white.

Engaging in the metallic trend, is this shimmering bronze and fiery red knife-pleated jersey gown with extreme low neckline by Givenchy.

The Polish model brings a sense of subtlety to this dark Spring dress by Marc Jacobs, fitted with sheer tiered sleeves and a plum and grey sequined leaf design.

This elegant lace paneled Elie Saab halter neck column dress is given unique and unexpected styling with an ice blue embroidered cropped top by Balenciaga and flat sandals. 

This striking red foliage patterned look is adapted from the runway of Ann Demeulemeester.

Magdalena wears an adaptation of this whimsical woodland inspired runway look by Antonio Marras with lace and stripe-patterned inserts and a patchwork printed top.

Bringing forth the vivacity of Summer, Magdalena is pictured in a pretty pink and green printed tent dress with ruffled strapless neckline, which is by Mary Katrantzou.

Magdalena is swirled in a dark sea of pleated ruffles in this beautifully layered black Dries van Noten dress. Her flat gold sandals are by Valentino Garavani.

Regality is outlined in emerald green as Magdalena is poised to perfection in this organza  embroidered Valentino gown with sheer long-sleeves. 

I love the looks form Valentino and Dries van Noten, both on the runway and in editorial.
Which are your picks?

Who Wore Alexander McQueen Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Alexander McQueen black and gold gowns

The impact of a timeless black Alexander McQueen gown is never lost...no matter how many times it has been worn out on the red carpet. These are two exceptionally crafted crepe dresses from the British design label that have graced red carpets the world over a multitude of times. But who holds up the value of an Alexander McQueen original best?

The first gown is a black crepe long-sleeved silhouette with fluted skirt and high neck keyhole cut-out collar that is beautifully decorated by gold leaf embellishings. The dress, which is sold out online, retailed for $7000.

Round One

1. Kate Hudson was exquisitely dressed in this Alexander McQueen frock with decadent gold beaded neckline at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. She was the first to wear the design and added a leaf motif belt to clinch in her waist. Rolling blonde waves style her look.
2. Russian beauty Victoria Bonya brought this popular dress to the Cannes Film Festival this year, the silhouette fitting her to perfection, with an embellished belt highlighting her narrow waist.
3. British actress Emma Rigby picked out this regal gown for the Berlin premiere of her movie 'The Physician' back in December 2013. A slicked back hairstyle completed her look.
4. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone stunned at the 2014 Screen Awards in India wearing the famed McQueen fishtail gown with embroidered gold neckline. Deepika opted not to wear a belt with her look and slicked her hair back in a style similar to Emma's.

These four ladies were not the only ones to be enamored by the allure of this Alexander McQueen dress. Middle-aged Reality TV stars Lisa Vanderpump, Kris Jenner and Alexia Echevarria all have been photographed wearing the exact same look. (Click the links to see their versions).

This stunning second look from Alexander McQueen is a slinky black crepe strapless gown with gold metal leaf crystal encrusted peplum, which retails for $4 485.

Round Two

1. Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra was beautifully outfitted in the curve-hugging Alexander McQueen gown at the 2014 Filmfare Awards in Mumbai, India. Side swept waves styled her look.
2. South Korean actress Jeon Do Youn wore the same elegant gown with beaded peplum at the 2014 Asian Film Awards in Macau, China. As radiant as she is, the gown seems slightly big on her.
3. The first to wear this McQueen creation long before anyone else in December 2013 was British actress Naomie Harris, at the London premiere of her movie 'Long Walk to Freedom'. Naomie's svelte frame is elongated in this polished column gown.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', in Round One my pick is Victoria Bonya, the gown was tailored to fit her flawlessly and her sophisticated upstyle suited the high neckline of the gown. In Round Two, I prefer the hourglass shape of Priyanka's dress over the slimmer fitted dresses of Jeon and Naomie.

Who Do You Think Wore Each McQueen Dress Best?

Looks of the Week - 07/06/14

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

Modern Style Icons

Olivia Palermo makes dungarees a must-have in this refined black pair, styled with ruffle-sleeved white shirt, mesh Christian Louboutin heels and an orchid shaded bag.
Alexa Chung turned to Chanel for this charming countryside couture look, with a sandy tweed skirt, white ruffle-tiered cropped blouse and black ankle boots.
Daisy Lowe channels 50's glamour in this vintage little black Dior dress with flaired A-line skirt and peach clutch.
Troian Bellisario was striking in white, wearing a sheer paneled Three Floor dress with marvelous cut-out leather sandals by Alexandre Birman.

Blue-girl

Karolina Kurkova excels at the sports luxe trend in this cobalt blue streamlined vest with white tee, black leggings and rubber soled sneakers.
Kendall Jenner is electric blue in this quilted cut-out dress by Camilla & Marc.
Cara Delevingne supports Stella McCartney by wearing a jazzy printed long-sleeved jumpsuit with yellow clutch by the designer.
Fearne Cotton pulls a royal blue jacket over her cotton embroidered shirt, styling it with black skinnies and wooden platform sandals. 


Street Smart 

Vanessa Hudgens makes a sophisticated stride in this black Rachel Pally dress, styled with all black accessories - a River Island hat, Celine bag and Saint Laurent sandals.
Emma Roberts was modish in a black lace trimmed midi dress thats nipped in by a brown leather belt and worn with suede Isabel Marant ankle boots.
Diane Kruger wears an inspiring Parisian chic look with three-quarter sleeved tweed coat, a cropped striped top and ankle-grazing black trousers paired with ballet flats.
Nicky Hilton gives us bag envy with this modish nautical striped, pearl-handled Chanel piece, smartly teamed with a demure black collared dress by The Reformation.


Summer Salad

Swimsuit model Kate Bock picked out an aptly summery outfit in this simple white tank and floaty tangerine maxi skirt, with beachy blonde waves to match.
Solange Knowles is colour-happy in an elegant cerise pink pants suit by Gucci, accessorized with an aquamarine clutch and gold ankle strap sandals.
Kate Bosworth picked out a stunning rose printed cocktail dress in shades of blush and coral, with draped skirt by Giambattista Valli.
Cassadee Pope went for a youthful look, pictured in a ribboned cropped top and full fuchsia skirt, both by Theia.


Leg Room

Alessandra Ambrosio never has a dull moment on the red carpet, pictured in a sultry black cropped top and slitted skirt by Carmella.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw bared her legs in this voguish strapless black romper with origami folded bodice by Martin Grant.
Jaime King put her best foot forward in a black bow-decked skirt and long-sleeved cropped top by Katie Ermilio. A white clutch and Christian Louboutin pumps style her outfit. 


Train-Spotting

Paloma Faith made a bold statement in this sheer Nicholas Oakwell couture gown with feathered shoulder detail, and trailing skirt fitted with floral appliqués. 
Jana Kramer was eye-catching in a remarkable watermelon pink Michael Costello gown with low neck, and a fitted bodice which fanned out into a sweeping skirt.
Amber Le Bon brought out the best of this white vintage-inspired and bohemian beaded Roberto Cavalli gown that features a long train.

Who is Your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills - Being Thoughtful

You Are Thoughtful When...

You are guided by the facts,

no matter how unpalatable they may be.

You realize that the right way

and the expedient way are not always the same.

You learn from the mistakes of others,

without rejoicing in their failures.

You put the needs of others before your own,

and tend to their wishes before they ask.

You consider the personalities

and feelings of others when searching for solutions.

You know that doing the little things for others

will occupy the biggest part of their hearts.

You know when to speak and when to keep silent;

When to act and when to wait.

You do good for the benefit of others,

without expecting anything in return.

You are humble enough

to acknowledge wisdom in others.

You are careful in your use of words,

and think sensibly before saying them out loud.

When you admit that reality is greater

than the sum total of your own experiences.

Have you exercised thoughtfulness this week?

Original quote unknown, edited by me.

Red Carpet - CFDA Fashion Awards 2014

Red Carpet Roundup
The CFDA Awards 2014

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) held their annual awards evening in New York last night, with a studded lineup of designers, models and celebrities in attendance. This is the roundup of last nights most prominent looks, minus the scandalous gown worn by Rihanna, which is still giving me hives. Please click on each image for a larger view.

Cut It Out 

Jessica Stam looked polished in a white peplum suit with keyhole cut neckline by Guilietta. Joan Smalls had all eyes on her sultry midnight hue chiffon cut-out gown by Prabal Gurung. Keri Russell donned a black and white plunge-neck gown by Rosie Assoulin which features a mint draped scarf around the bodice. Jennifer Hudson was elegantly dressed in a black one-shouldered Kaufman Franco gown.

After Dark

Olivia Palermo brought her unique sense of style to the event in an Ann Taylor ensemble with fringed skirt and feathered Aquazurra heels. Olivia Wilde also went fringed, in a one-shouldered gown by Decades Vintage. The Olsen twins matched up in roomy black looks from their own label, The Row. Chanel Iman was exquisitely fitted in a long-sleeved beaded Monique Lhuillier gown.

Flaired Affair

Bridget Moynahan wears a radiant orchid strapless sweetheart neck satin ballgown by Lela Rose. Emmy Rossum's olive green dress with black beaded tulle neckline and layered pleated skirt is by J.Mendel. Heidi Klum was swept away in an apricot halter neck kaftan dress by Donna Karan. Beth Behrs was brightly decked in a Kelly green cropped top and full high-low skirt by Alice + Olivia.

Short on Formalities

Zoey Deutch looked chic in this teal and black floral painted Rebecca Minkoff fit-and-flair dress. Kate Foley was patterned in a blue and white high-neck Suno midi dress with Louboutin heels. Blake Lively showed off her pins in a pink and sage green sequined scallop-hemmed mini dress by Michael Kors, along with pink suede Casadei pumps. Anna Chlumsky wore an ice blue floral skirt & white printed cropped top by Cynthia Rowley.

Model Behaviour

Coco Rocha's dramatic black and white off the shoulder gown with sequined mermaid skirt is by Christian Siriano. Dree Hemingway was safari chic in a paneled animal print Diane von Furstenburg dress. Karlie Kloss had on a white pageanty Band of Outsiders gown with inappropriate footwear. Liya Kebede kept her outfit simple and more suitable for the office, wearing a white shirt and printed pencil skirt by Wes Gordon.

Wearing the Pants

Lupita Nyong'o was geometrically printed in a cropped top and shorts suit by Suno, along with red Sophia Webster shoes. Anja Rubik displayed class in a timeless black Stella McCartney jumpsuit. Anne V went urban luxe in a sporty top and grayscale shorts by Jonathan Simkhai. Jenna Lyons was modishly put-together in a blue tuxedo blazer, white crew-neck tee, floral printed pants and an orange satin clutch. 

Metallic Moments

Model Karen Elson glimmered in a gold wide-neck Michael Kors midi dress. Rachel Zoe was glamed up in a custom-made one-sleeved gown from her own label. Solange shimmered with beauty in this molten silver Calvin Klein gown with hot pink lip. Brie Larson donned a black and gold star-specked Diane von Furstenburg dress. Naomi Campbell made a glittering appearance in a charcoal sequin dipped DvF dress.

Summer Romance

Marion Cotillard's embroidered lace Christian Dior dress placed all focus on exaggerated peplum design. Jaime King presented a sheer white Calvin Klein gown with tier fringed skirt. Bee Shaffer was dressed by Dolce & Gabbana in a coin & floral print mini dress. Miroslava Duma was prettily poised in a soft peach Delpozo empire-line dress with embellished bodice. Sophia Bush played to the ladylike tune of this cream lace Marchesa frock.

Catching Fire

Busy Philipps picked out a cherry red ruffled high-neck gown by Honor, accessorizing with a bold white Irene Neuwirth necklace. Hilary Rhoda looked resplendent in this coral lace J.Mendel gown with structured low-V bodice and paneled mermaid skirt. Alessandra Ambrosio was radiantly dressed in a fitted strapless poppy red Nonoo gown. Greta Gerwig made a graceful entrance in a crimson long-sleeved Zac Posen creation with cropped top, draped floor-grazing belt and a trailing skirt. 

My worst dressed of the event is Rihanna in that distasteful sheer dress and my favourite looks were worn by Joan Smalls and Hilary Rhoda.

Who was Your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards?

Dina Jsr Spring/Summer Collection 2014

Lebanese designer Dina Jsr's keen interest in art and architecture led her down the creative path, choosing to study jewellery design at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London and then fashion design in Beirut. Dina's aesthetic strongly focuses on precision and geometry and how these techniques can be applied to fashion and fabrics.

Dina's Spring/Summer range is entitled 'Crystal Waters', which reflects the majesty of gently rolling waves through her origami folded designs. Ripples of delicate powdered pink lace and swishes of olive green satin gazaar billow into exquisite evening gowns and cocktail dresses. These sculptural artworks are brought to life with concentric 3D cut-outs and voluminous drapery. Serene shades of soft mauve and faded blue emulate the aquatic drift of a crystal stream via muslin crepe gowns. 

Crafted with excellence and imagination, these sea-inspiring gowns capture the essence of the ocean with the utmost femininity. Dina Jsr's dresses have graced Cannes, French celebrities and the Middle Eastern socialite set, as well as many international magazines. 

This is a view into Dina Jsr's ethereal Spring/Summer 2014 Collection.


1. Powder Pink

2. Olive Green

3. Olive Green

4. Tender Mauve

5. Tender Mauve

6. Faded Blue

7. Faded Blue

8. Stellar White and Black

9. Jet Black

What are your thoughts on Dina Jsr's stunning SS14 Collection?


All images found via www.dinajsr.com