Divas and Darlings - The Academy Awards

Red Carpet Fashion
The 83rd Academy Awards Show


The biggest names in showbiz strolled the red carpet last night at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. I was slightly disappointed from a fashion front, as no particular dress stood out to me as striking. There were some Highs however, as well as a few Lows. 
Here is the Oscar Fashion Assembly.


Red Alert

Blending into the background, red was a popular choice. On the left, Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence wears a Baywatch-swimsuit-turned-gown by Calvin Klein. It's simple & streamlined and shows off her fantastic figure. Last year's Best Actress winner, Sandra Bullock chose a strapless Vera Wang gown with red clutch bag. Oscar host Anne Hathaway wore a strapless taffeta Valentino Couture gown decorated with unflattering fabric roses and train.

Colour on the Red Carpet

Amy Adams shimmered in a deep blue sequined dress by L'Wren Scott with cap-sleeves and high neck. She accessorized it with $1.35 million worth of Cartier emeralds and diamonds. Mila Kunis looked lovely in this romantic lavender chiffon and lace gown by Elie Saab. This year's Best Actress Winner, Natalie Portman played it safe in a plum off-the-shoulder dress by Rodarte. TV presenter Shaun Robinson wears a bold shade of blue in this one-shoulder dress with mermaid silhouette by Christiane King.

Nudes and Metallics

Another trend of the night was nude and metallic dresses. Michelle Williams wears a beaded Chanel column dress. It isn't spectacular, but a major step up from what she usually wears. Mandy Moore looks stunning in a nude off-the-shoulder gown with sequined bodice by Monique Lhuillier. Gwyneth Paltrow wears a slinky silver dress by Calvin Klein. Singer Florence Welch sticks to her vintage and whimsical sense of style in this long-sleeved chiffon and Chantilly lace tiered dress by Valentino. 

Dramatic Silhouettes

Hilary Swank is covered in glitter and ostrich feathers (which I prefer to see on the bird itself). Her silver sequin dress with ombre feather skirt is by Gucci. Camila Alves looks gorgeous in a black Kaufman Franco ballgown with plunging neckline and full skirt. Halle Berry steals the limelight in this ethereal beaded dress by Marchesa with silk tulle ruffle train.

Wanted : A New Stylist

From the front, Cate Blanchett's lilac pleated Givenchy Couture gown is quite interesting and pretty. I changed my mind once I saw the back, which is harshly contrasted by the armoured sleeves and a curious yolk-yellow coral design. Scarlett Johansson may be a classic beauty, but this burgundy lace tea-cosy gown by Dolce & Gabbana is just awful. Nicole Kidman in Christian Dior Couture - maybe if they omitted the strangely shaped hip-enlarging panels, it would have been a lot better. Penelope Cruz wears a glitzy wine-red L'Wren Scott gown. It's really not a bad dress, but you could get one exactly like it from any Asian Bazaar in Joburg - 10 years ago.

Who was your best and worst dressed at this year's Academy Awards?

Wise Words

by George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense. More knowledge, but less judgment. More experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. 

We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often.

We've learnt how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We've conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway mortality, overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember,

Spend some more time with your loved ones, they are not going to be around forever.

Say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with all your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

No one is in charge of your own happiness, except you.

Images from Weheartit

Declarations Of A Drama Queen

The BlackBerry Brigade

Are You A BlackBerry Addict?

I am seriously starting to worry. I am in danger of losing All my friends. They barely speak to me or msg me anymore. They have stopped filling me in on what's going on in their lives. I've even forgotten what most of them look like, as they don't send me any photos via MMS.

All this because I don't own a BlackBerry.

I have been ostracized from this pervasive group of smartphone users, which I have nicknamed, The BlackBerry Brigade. I realise now why this phone was so aptly named CrackBerry, in reference to the highly addictive nature it has amongst users, much like a drug-user's dependency on crack cocaine. People have this communication device permanently attached to them wherever they go. They live, breathe, walk and talk Blackberry.

I bet you know exactly what and who I'm talking about. You've seen them, you may even know them personally. Perhaps, you too are one of them. The BlackBerry Addicts. If you're not too sure whether you're an addict or not, here are a few tell tale signs to help you find out.

Signs That You're A BlackBerry Addict

• You don't go to places that have signs saying "All Cellphones Must be Turned Off". You simply won't compromise your BlackBerry usage.
• You have convinced the majority of your friends and family to get this phone so you can freely communicate with them via BBM. You have lost contact with all those who didn't listen to your ten page speech on the benefits of BlackBerry. (Like me)
• You've learnt how to drive with your knees. Actually, you have forgotten how to drive without texting.
• You've only joined Facebook so you could become a proud member of the BlackBerry South Africa group.
• You have been dragged off a flight (more than once) because you adamantly insisted in sending just one last message while taking off. If you do make it on the flight, once you land, the first thing you do is switch your BB back on and check for updates - before you inform your family you've safely arrived.
• No one knows your phone number. They only know your PIN.
• You send instant messages and emails while getting dressed in the morning. Then when you get to work, you realise that you have two mismatched shoes on.
• You can't remember the last time you actually spoke to someone while looking at them, as your head is permanently down, glued to the screen.
• You send BBM's to the people you live with to exchange important information like: 'Dinner's ready' or 'Going to buy milk' or 'Have you seen my charger'. It's much easier than walking ten steps to the next room and having to actually speak to them.
• Your knees weaken and heart rate increases at the sight of the latest BB model.
• You take your BlackBerry absolutely everywhere you go. Even to the bathroom. You stress that you will miss out on the BB action while you're in the shower. Because of this, you even consider buying a waterproof case for your phone.
• When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you grab is your BlackBerry. Or maybe it's still in your hand from the night before.
• Not only do you type in abbreviated form, you have begun to talk that way too...LOL, OMG, BRB, etc.
• You have BlackBerry ADD when you change your status and profile pic more than 30 times a day.
• When someone says something bad about your BlackBerry, it actually hurts your feelings.
• If you haven't received a BBM, email or update for 10 minutes, you start to panic that the network may be down. So you send yourself an email to make sure your connection is in working order. Oh c'mon, you know you do.
• You're reading this blog post on your....?

Cover Girl Mila Kunis in Hervé Léger Dress

Lausanne Beaded Bandage Dress
by Herve Leger

The March 2011 issue of South African Cosmopolitan magazine has just been released, and everyone is talking about the stunning dress that actress Mila Kunis wears on the cover. 
The bronze toned dress is by French fashion house, Hervé Léger, founded by designer Hervé Leroux, whose 'bandage' or 'body-conscious' dresses gained fame for it's foundation, which shapes and moulds it's wearer's figure with signature bandage-like strips. Hervé is now part of the BCBG Max Azria design group.


The strapless, dune coloured dress glistens with intricate beading and sequins and features the trademark bandage detail in a crisscross design. I think it looks better on Mila than the catalogue model. This beaded bandage dress is available from BCBG at $5200, which works out to a staggering R37 170. That's a lot of money for a little dress.

Bold In Blue - Blake Lively and Jessica Alba

Blake Lively (right) won the award for Best TV Star at the Elle Style Awards held this week in London. She accepted the award wearing an electric blue Emilio Pucci gown with tiered layer skirt. The magenta Louboutin peep-toe heels add an unexpected finish to the look. Jessica Alba (right) was also bold in blue, wearing a silk tulle gown with empire waist by Atelier Versace at the British Academy Film Awards. Which dress do you prefer?

Printed Dresses - Jameela Jamil

British TV Presenter Jameela Jamil wears the printed dress trend beautifully on the red carpet. At the Elle Style Awards (left), she wore a flirty printed Hussein Chalayan dress with nude tie-up heels and bag by Alexander McQueen. At the Bafta Awards (right) she wears this gorgeous red and black printed gown by Dolce and Gabbana. I love this dress, but I'm not so keen on the lip-shaped clutch bag.

Ladies in Red - Cheryl Cole and Emma Stone

Cheryl Cole (left) looks radiant at the Elle Style Awards, wearing a floor-length red dress with plunging neckline by Alexander McQueen. At this week's Bafta Awards, Emma Stone (right) wore this two-tone red block coloured dress by Lanvin, complemented by a metallic bronze belt and clutch bag.

Haute Couture - Noomi Rapace

Noomi Rapace
in Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2010

This look is certainly not for everyone, but Swedish actress Noomi Rapace shines in this exquisitely detailed dress by Givenchy. The metallic gown from Givenchy's Fall 2010 Couture Collection is completely covered by ornate gold sequins and crystals. Noomi wore this art piece at Sunday's Bafta Awards. The intricately beaded gown was enhanced by a gold spiked belt and Givenchy heels. It may be glitzy but it's definitely a show-stopper.

Divas and Darlings - Grammy Awards

Red Carpet Fashion
The Grammy Awards 2011


The Grammy Awards is an event where stars have the opportunity to take major fashion risks on the red carpet. Sometimes they work, but a lot of the time, flamboyant experimentation turns into total disaster. These are my best, worst and weirdest choices from last night's show.


Wonderful

Lea Michele's gorgeous black ruffle-tiered dress with lace detail is by Emilio Pucci, with heels by Christian Louboutin. I adore this frothy lavender frock with satin bow that Kelly Osbourne wore. It's by Tadashi Shoji, with peep-toe pumps by Alexander McQueen. I am always a fan of whatever Eva Longoria wears on the red carpet. Here she's dressed in a voluminous black and white Ashi Studio minidress with satin shoes by Brian Atwood. Julianne Hough wears the printed dress trend beautifully in this floor length gown by Malandrino. Grammy winner Hillary Scott (of Lady Antebellum) proves that simplicity equals elegance, in this black strapless Roberto Cavalli gown with embellished waist detail.

Worst 

Jennifer Lopez is wrapped in designer tin-foil by Emilio Pucci. It's far too short but I can't fault her for the fabulous spiked Louboutins. Paramore's Hayley Williams in a see-through Cabaret-meets-flamingo-ballet-dancer dress by Jeremy Scott. Miley Cyrus in a gaudy, shiny, ill fitting tiger-print gown by Roberto Cavalli. Ciara wears the most popular designer of the evening, Emilio Pucci. I can't figure this dress out - the spacesuit/tribal inspired cut-out bodice with flowy floral skirt and high slit is harshly paired with black gladiators.

What were they thinking?

When did Armani Privé start designing for Victoria's Secret? Oh, it's just Katy Perry wearing a cling-wrap gown with bejeweled brassiere and Angel wings. Florence Welch adds her quirky vintage touch to the red carpet in a wing-sleeved, swan-print sheer dress by Givenchy Couture. The Christmas stand decorated with white garlands is actually Rihanna in Jean Paul Gautier. If Nicki Minaj wore this top-to-toe leopard print outfit in the African wild, it would be great camouflage. On the red carpet - it's just scary. I would have put a photo of Lady Gaga walking the red carpet, accept she didn't walk, she was carried in a weird life-size dinosaur-like egg. I kid you not.

Cover Girl - Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian
Harper's Bazaar March 2011

The gorgeous Kim Kardashian graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar March 2011 issue. Kim looks red-hot on the cover and did a Cleopatra-inspired photo shoot for the magazine. The fashion shoot pays homage to Kim's idol and the original 1963 Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor. The liquid gold dress (pictured right) is by Moschino. When beauty was bestowed upon women on earth, I think Kim got an extra share. An extra large share at that too.

'Cleopatra with a K' - Kim befittingly plays the the part of Egyptian Queen, with dramatic fringed bob, kohl-lined cat-eyes and ornate hairpieces. Kim's leopard print dress (top left) is by Dolce & Gabbana, with headpiece by Alexis Bittar and heels by Gucci. The gold gown (top right) is by Ralph Lauren, turquoise and gold headpiece by Lynn Bay and sandals by Casadei. The midnight blue grecian gown (bottom left) is by Salvatore Ferragamo. She wears it with a gold belt by Gucci, which is the exact same one Katy Perry wears on the cover of Elle magazine. (See this on my post below). On the bottom right photo, Kim wears a black jumpsuit by Gucci. 

I wonder if we'll see a remake of Cleopatra starring Kim in the lead role? With her magnetic appeal and dynamic ambition, you never know...

Return of The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries
Season 2

They're back! Well almost. We just have to find some way to get through this weekend until Season Two of one of the most captivating TV series is back on our screens. For those of us who didn't obtain bootleg copies of the show, the wait has been a long and agonizing one, as the Season One finale left us with many cliffhangers and unanswered questions. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...It's The Vampire Diaries, one of the best supernatural series on television in a long time. If you haven't yet seen it, I suggest you stop reading right this minute and get out there as fast as you can to beg, borrow or steal a copy of Season One. In this case only, stealing will not be considered a crime. This series is a serious addiction. Not since the end of the extremely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer (almost 10 years ago), has a show of this genre had such a huge impact on viewers, obtaining a large cult following the world round. Season One was screened last year in SA, and received with much praise. With just about 3 and a half more days to go for the premiere of Season Two, I thought you may need some visual inspiration to get you through until then.

The story is centers around the life of the beautiful Elena Gilbert, who's life is in disarray after the death of her parents. She struggles to move on from this, aimlessly going through the motions of high school life in small town Mystic Falls. Then walks in the mysterious and compassionate Stephan Salvatore, who sweeps Elena off her feet and brings back light and happiness to her life. As caring and kind as Stephan is, he hides a dark secret, he is a vampire. But the good-hearted, non-vicious kind. If this wasn't enough to confuse Elena, Stephan's older, evil vampire brother, Damon enters the picture, with a fascinating interest and growing affection for Elena. She lis the splitting image of the enchanting Katherine, a wicked vamp that both brothers were in love with...since 1864. As the series unfolds, we see wholesome Stephan's slight transition to the dark side and devilishly handsome Damon's softer side appears. I am still on Team Stephan, will have to wait and see if Season Two changes that. One single hour-long episode of The Vampire Diaries has more intrigue, drama, great dialogue, twists, suspense and better acting than all the Twilight movies put together. It may be categorized as a drama, but bad-boy Damon's hilarious, snarky and sarcastic one-liners definitely steal the show. I won't give anymore away, but it's a must-see, even if you're not into the whole supernatural genre, watch it for the 'drop dead' (mind the pun) gorgeous Salvatore Brothers. Edward who?

Here are some scenes from Season Two that we can look forward to watching. Can't Wait!

You know that a show must be really good, when you never hear anything about the actors personal lives in the media. A media frenzy occurs around actors off-set to take the focus off a really bad show, as their personal lives prove more interesting than the actual series itself. That's why you won't hear anything about the cast of VD off-screen - it's brilliant. To all you Damon and Stephan fans, feel free to right click on the pics and save it as your screensaver - you know you want to :) Drop me a line for more cool posters of the show.

Set your PVR for Monday, 14 February at 8:30pm on Vuzu and join a world of thrilling entertainment like you've never seen before.

Cover Girl - Katy Perry

Katy Perry
US Elle March 2011

The US version of Elle Magazine features Katy Perry on their March 2011 issue.

Katy is bright and bold in an ensemble hot off the Gucci runway. She wears a vivid green satin jacket, turquoise satin shirt & purple tapered trousers, which are all part of Gucci's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. The outfit is accented by a gold metallic waist belt with braids & tassels. Love these vibrant colours for Spring, but I prefer them worn one at a time.

Awards Show Anatomy

Awards Season is well underway in all it's glittery, frivolous glory, where actors, directors and producers are made out to be far more important than they really are. I cannot bear to watch another 4 hour dreary display of dull humour and lengthy speeches, endured by bored audiences, who senselessly applaud every spoken word.


You don't need to keep track of every awards show to realise that the formula has stayed exactly the same since the 1920's. VIP guests get dressed up, interviewed and photographed by worldwide media, then proceed to the exclusively designed auditorium. I wonder what it would be like if they didn't spend hundreds of thousands of wasted dollars on creating the show, decor, food, gifts and gowns. Can you imagine celebrities dressed in organic, natural fiber non-designer dresses, surviving in an un-airconditioned community hall, with specially carved wooden planks as awards. Definitely not.


Every year, the chosen presenter will try to entertain the unamused crowd with terrible jokes, and they are always terrible. The funniest thing about these shows is when the winner of each category in announced. Each of the 5 nominees will sit on the edge of their seats, wishing and praying that it's their name called out. When it's not, they will smile politely, gritting their teeth and fighting back the urge not to scream or even whisper any curse words - especially since the camera focuses directly on their disappointment. When the winner goes on stage to collect his/her award, the first thing he/she always says is, "I can't believe this! I never expected to win!" Followed by, "I haven't even prepared a speech..." but then they suddenly burst into a 10 minute perfectly prepared paperback novel, thanking every person (by name, nickname and title) of their 500-member team "who have made this possible." Throw in some tears and you have tomorrows front page entertainment news story. It's always the same, trust me. 


Award ceremonies are just an excuse for the rich, fake and famous to get fabulous free gowns and parade around, waving at crazed fans and posing for the camera with wide smiles pasted onto their faces. That's why I only watch them for the fashion ;)

Atelier Versace Evening Gowns

Atelier Versace Spring/Summer Collection 2011

Versace have released their Atelier Spring/Summer 2011 Collection in sublime designs and a palette of pretty colours. I love the array of soft frills, intricate ruffles and interesting use of colour fading. Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw looks doll-like in this ultra-feminine range. My favs are the asymmetrical gray-to-black tiered frill gown (middle left) and the sugary shaded pink ruffle-bottom dress (bottom middle).

In a perfect haute couture world, I would be able to own each one of these enchanting evening gowns and have some somewhere fabulous to wear them to. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world, but a girl can always dream.

Roger Vivier Heels

Rendez-Vous Collection 2011
by Roger Vivier


Rendez-Vous is an opulent collection of couture accessories from French fashion-house Roger Vivier. This high-fashion brand specializes in luxury handbags and exquisitely crafted leather shoes, headed by creative director, Bruno Frisoni. The limited edition Rendez-Vous Collection will be showcased around the world at Vivier's seven boutiques, traveling from Milan to Miami. These high-end items will only be available at each store for just one week, at a specified date. Only ten to twenty pieces of each accessory has been made. Exclusive and expensive - these shoes range from $995 to $10 300 and bags from $1275 to $8600.


Spring Collection 2011

The Spring Collection is inspired by mid-century French art, and made from natural materials like wood, woven straw, cord, leather and tea-stained canvas. The silk organza, beads, wooden petals, organic lace, roses and hand-painted effects add dimension and whimsicality to these spectacular designs.

Fall Collection 2011

The Fall Collection exudes pure luxury in elaborate black and gold designs. Inspired by refined Rock 'n Roll with a 1930's twist, this fierce range features stilettos adorned with gold chainmail, beads, feathers and sequins. For more of these stunning shoes and accessories, visit Rogervivier.com

Passing Youth

Birthdays may celebrate all the years that have made your life beautiful, but it also indicates that you've grown a year older. Another year signifies that our carefree, idealized youth has passed and we unwillingly have to settle into responsible adulthood. As if trying to cram 20-something candles on a cake wasn't bad enough, there are many other signs out there that prove you're getting old. 

"Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Satchel Paige 

You Know You're Getting Old When...

• The songs you listened to when you were young are now referred to as 'Classics' on the radio. When did Genie in a Bottle and Britney's One More Time become 'Classics'?
• All your friends have kids old enough to call you Aunt or Uncle. After all, they were taught to speak to their elders with respect.
• Chatting to the above-mentioned kids, you begin all sentences with, "When I was your age..."
• You've not only had to invest in an anti-wrinkle cream, but the entire anti-wrinkle, collagen boosting, skin-tightening, cell renewing, line eliminating product range.
• You have to ask a 13 year old to interpret abbreviations & slang used in emails, IM's and sms's you've received.
• You have no idea who Willow Smith, Justin Bieber, Taylor Momsen or Selena Gomez are. You've heard their names before and just assume that they are part of that Twilight movie or The Jonas Brothers.
• You avoid going to places where the music's too loud and the crowd's too rowdy. In fact, you're appalled by the behaviour of 'Today's Youth', forgetting that 10 years ago, someone was appalled by your behaviour.
• You don't use the newspaper as a floor-mat anymore, you actually read it.
• You don't stay out later than 9pm on a Sunday, any later and you won't be able to wake up early for work the next morning.
• You don't need to show your ID anymore to prove you're over 18. However, you need it to prove that you're still under 35. Ouch.

Declarations of a Drama Queen

Under Construction

Any homeowner or flat-letter would know that a house is never really complete. There's always something to be done - new furniture to be bought, redecorating, recolouring, redesigning and renovating. Those are redevelopments that we willingly choose to do. We put our creative ideas forth, start a home refurbishment fund and set a systematic plan into action. The outcome is (usually) what we imagine it to be. And then there's the unplanned upgrades. You know, the ones that sneakily spring up on you, like the leaky roof, cracked tiles, chipped paint and broken window. It happens when you least expect it and has to be fixed without delay, or else the problem worsens. The cycle of repair and restoration never seems to stop, whether it's by choice or mere bad luck.

These little household fractures require you to hire a hard-to-find construction team, buy all sorts of expensive building material you've never heard of and have your home turned into ground zero. The site of construction is a nightmare, covering all your belongings in a desert of dust and dirt. The end result takes weeks, sometimes months to become a reality and by the time it's done, you will discover that there's something new to be fixed. 

With all the torrential rainfall recently, we had to have our roof redone, as it was turning our upper level into somewhat of an indoor swimming pool. It took ages to find a reliable contractor in Small Town, SA and when we finally did, they could barely work a day a week due to the storms. They got ahead eventually and retiled the roof; however in the laborious process, the ceilings were badly affected by the leakage and fell apart. I had a skylight in my room without even asking for one. This meant we had to redo our ceilings - another unplanned event with many more woeful weeks of building. We were knee-deep in rubble and wreckage; displaced from most of our rooms and needed to wear safety helmets, as the 'sky' literally fell down onto our floors. It was a stressful and straining experience and I thought Hurricane Home-Improvement would never end. 

When it was time to put up my new ceiling, I had an interesting design idea. I thought, why not use this predicament and turn it into something beautiful. I had my eye on a crystal chandelier I'd seen in a catalogue and always wanted but never had the appropriate opportunity or reason to purchase it. Since my lights were slightly damaged by the fall, this was the perfect time to get it. The agonizing months of decor disaster was actually worth it in the end, as with a flick of a switch, my room (and day) was lit up by the grand chandelier. Sometimes, all it takes is a small significant change to uplift your home-space and spirits.

Renovating your home is a lot like renovating your life. We too go through break-ups & breakdowns, crumbling complexities, splintered emotions and shattered dreams. We feel so despondent and down in the dumps during the difficult times, that we often can't see past it. With a little ray of hope, revived vision and some constructive thinking, you can mend your mindset and you will realise that something better and more beautiful is destined for you. It may sound cliché, but there is light at the end of every tunnel, or in my case, a chandelier.

The Scent of Radiance

Radiance
A Fragrance by Britney Spears

I am quite a fond (and closeted) fan of Britney Spears fragrances. I say closet fan, because it's not something a 20 something girl is proud to admit. When someone asks you what fragrance you're wearing and you answer 'It's Britney Spears', they just look at you strangely, as though you stole a squirt of perfume from a 12 year old. But for some reason, her fragrances always smell really pretty. They must be extremely popular, as this is the ninth perfume endorsed by the Pop Princess.

Radiance is milder and more mature than previously sweet-smelling releases Curious and Fantasy. The base notes include soft musk, cashmere woods and luminous amber. A white floral bouquet of jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose and iris make up the heart notes, while top notes include delicate dewy petals and luscious red berries.

Britney's perfumes are always creatively packaged, and this bottle covered in pink, white and blue crystal rhinestones does not disappoint. Try this alluring scent for something subtle, sensual and girly. It is available from Red Square stores in 30ml Eau de Parfum for R345 and a 100ml bottle for R455.

Present-ly Surprised

February is Birthday Month, and (hopefully) that means that there will be exciting presents in store. There are 3 different types of presents: The gifts we spend the whole year wishing for, the gifts that we get in reality and finally, the gifts that we'd rather 'return to sender'. Still, you have to smile, say thanks and pretend you like it anyway, secretly wondering whether the tag is still on, so that you can return it to the store. I find that the simplest presents are always the best & most thoughtful, but there's no harm in making a Birthday Wish List, right?

This is my Birthday Wish List for 2011

• A weekend getaway to a luxury spa resort
• A Louis Vuitton bag or 2
• A perfectly straight smile worthy of a Colgate advertisement
• The entire charming collection from beauty brand Benefit
• A Ragdoll. It's actually a cat
• A Carrie Bradshaw inspired walk-in closet
• A year's subscription to all local and international fashion magazines
• The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Now that's Wishful Thinking.

The Presents I Hope I Don't Receive

• Birthday cards. Besides not being sentimental, have you seen the price tag on some birthday cards? Instead of buying a R50 piece of cardboard, please donate the money to Save the Trees Foundation
• Teddy bears or any stuffed toys. Do I really look 3 years old?
• Anything made from exotic animal hide. I am a serious supporter of Animal Anti-Cruelty campaigns
• Novelty gifts - that means anything from Cardies. Like weird balloons, boxes, badges, ornaments, frames and t-shirts with silly sayings on them.
• Gold & Silver jewellery. Believe or not, I really dislike precious metal jewellery. I may be the only girl in the world who does.
• Anything in polka dots. Serious phobia. Don't laugh
• Crocs - Tractors for your feet. Enough said.
• Flowers. They barely last a week and look best in a garden.

Happy Birthday to everyone also celebrating their birthday in February. 

May it be present-ly surprising!