Eva Mendes and Rose Byrne in Prabal Gurung

Eva Mendes and Rose Byrne
dressed by Prabal Gurung

I've began to sit up and take notice of Nepalese-American fashion designer Prabal Gurung. His bold designs are pretty and feminine, yet abstains from being too girly. Eva Mendes and Rose Byrne wore two dresses from his Fall 2011 Collection this week.

Damages actress, Rose Byrne is striking in a fuchsia stretch wool dress with black straps and leather belt. She gets the colour-blocking trend correct with the addition of a red clutch bag and red, black and white peep toes. Love this look from the heavy fringe to the Christian Louboutin heels.

Eva Mendes chose a strapless white overlay dress with sheer pleating on the bodice. The frock features a black bandeau inset and signature leather waistband. Eva accessorized with a large black clutch and chunky Casadei pumps.

Royal Wedding Hats

Elaborate hats and fascinators were the essential accessory at today's Royal Wedding. 

VIP guests wore many versions of the headpiece, from the stylish to the outright insane.

Top Row:

• Princess Eugenie wears a bold blue headpiece with purple flowers and a spray of white feathers. Princess Beatrice wears an outrageous structural hat in beige. Did she borrow it from Lady Gaga? Both royal disasters are by milliner Philip Treacy.
• Spain's Princess Letizia matches her dress to her sweet pink tulle-topped hat.
• Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece wore a light blue Marie-Antoinette inspired headpiece, decorated with rosettes.
• Victoria Beckham opted for an oval pillbox hat with twisted accents in navy blue.
• Princess Victoria of Sweden looks classy in a simple coral wide-brimmed straw hat.

Bottom Row:

• Lady Frederick Windsor dons a sculpted navy blue hat with loops and twirls.
• Spanish beauty Miriam Gonzalez Durantez wore an exotic floral creation in orange. She is the wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
• British socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson looks ridiculous in this bright blue tear-shaped hat. Can she even see properly? She is accompanied by her sister Santa,  who wore a flamboyant floral nest.
• Royal bride-to-be Zara Phillips holds on to her larger-than-life black hat with large flower attached to one side.
• Chancellor George Osbourne's wife, Frances wore an elaborate black and white feathered fascinator.

A Royal Wedding Gown

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

After months of speculation, the royal wedding gown was finally revealed at Westminster Abbey today. Kate Middleton was exquisite in an ivory and lace gown by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The long-sleeved bodice with sweetheart neckline was beautifully adorned in French Chantilly lace. The skirt was hand-embroidered by the royal school of needlework at Hampton Court. The gazar satin train measured over 2 metres, adding to the wow-factor of the dress. It is simple yet stunning and thankfully not overelaborate. She wore her hair down with a short veil and a 1936 Cartier tiara. Prince William wore a traditional red military uniform, with gold buttons and blue garter sash, signifying his position as Colonel of the Irish Guards. 

The bride's sister Pippa Middleton (right) wore an ivory satin crepe cowl neck gown with lace trims, also designed by Sarah Burton. For the evening reception, Kate chose a white satin McQueen dress with beaded waistband and cropped mohair cardigan.

Kate looked like a true fairytale princess in her wedding gown. It was elegant and demure - an instant classic that we will see in photographs for years to come.

Friday Frills

Wise Words from Helen Keller

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.

Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.

What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.

Divas and Darlings - Us Weekly Party

Red Carpet Fashion
Us Weekly's Hot Hollywood Party 2011

Us Weekly held a Hot Hollywood Style 2011 Issue event in LA earlier this week. The young and beautiful were honoured for their personal sense of style, which they proudly showed off on the grey carpet. 

Sleek and Stylish

Prada to Nada's Alexa Vega wears a midnight blue dress with assymetrical ruffles by Ali Ro, teamed with nude Steve Madden pumps and a metallic clutch. Whitney Port opted for a one-shoulder white dress with colourful insets by GUiSHEM. She wore it with electric blue lace up heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. My favourite look is worn by Odette Yustman. She's gorgeous in an off-the-shoulder black dress with sheer beaded bodice by Versus. Her peep toes are by Giuseppe Zanotti. Czech supermodel Petra Nomcova is sweet in a soft pink strapless dress by Tommy Hilfiger. She accessorised with black pumps, a black belt and Dolce & Gabbana bag. Hayden Panettiere wore a Helmut Lang blazer over her black and blush Camilla & Marc lace dress. I am closet craving her stunning Jimmy Choo heels with crystal ankle straps.

Bright Colours

Actress Caroline D'Amore wears a long-sleeved silk jumpsuit in burnt orange. I love the sea green colour of Zelda Williams' 50's style dress. Camilla Alves is ravishing in a ruby red bustier dress by Dolce and Gabbana. American Idol's Pia Toscano dons bright blue BCBG dress with Christian Louboutin heels. TV actress Kelsey Chow chose a simple deep pink tunic dress with striking sandals.

Could Have Done Better

Katerina Graham takes on rock-goth style in this black dress by Dimepiece. Rachael Leigh Cook's horizontal stripe dress looks like a sleep shirt. Everything about Madeline Zima's look is bland and dowdy. Jessica Simpson in a tribal print Etro dress - I don't like the fit or the busy print or the high neckline. It makes her look shorter and wider. Jessica Szohr wears a black dress by Style Stalker - like the full skirt but the sheer lace top with bra looks a bit trashy.  

Blake Lively in Zuhair Murad

Blake Lively
dressed in Zuhair Murad Couture

Blake Lively stuns in this beautifully draped chiffon gown by Zuhair Murad. The actress was honoured at the Times 100 Most Influential People Gala this week (I'm guessing for her stylish fashion sense). The ombré aqua gown is from the designers' Hymne au desert Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. It was modified from the original runway look to include a beaded decolletage. Her turquoise and diamond statement ring is by Kimberly McDonald. Blake also showed off new shorter red locks - love the radiant colour on her. This is what I'd imagine Disney's real life 'Little Mermaid' to look like.

Friday Frills

Best selling author Regina Brett became an internet sensation when she wrote a list of 45 lessons life had taught her. Ten years on and these lessons continue to light up inboxes around the world. Here are a few that have inspired me.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
4. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
5. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
6. Get rid of anything that isn't beautiful, useful or joyful.
7. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
8. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
9. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
10. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
11. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
12. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
13. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
14. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

Wishing you a lovely long weekend,
Filled with stacks of chocolate Easter eggs!

Dolce & Gabbana - Winter Collection 2011

Dolce & Gabbana
Autumn/Winter Collection 2011

I had stars in my eyes (literally), when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana runway show on FTV. Stars and musical notes have never looked this grown up. The Italian designers have turned this unexpected punk-rock print into high-end fashion. Add the essential D&G animal print and sparkle, and you have an exuberant, sexy and harmonious collection for Winter 2011.

Masculine vs Feminine

The two main themes of the show alternated between masculine and feminine designs. The colours were basic black and white, with some grey thrown in. Suits had tailored or oversized coats with large collars and lower-rise, slimmer-fitting pants. The masculine looks were enhanced with trilbies, suspenders, vests and ties. Feminine dresses were form-fitting in stretch charmeuse, lace and sheer star-print fabrics.

Chiffon and Shimmery Shades

Long chiffon dresses in yellow, turquoise and orange with pussy cat bows elevated the feminine theme. Another prominent feature on the runway was sequins - sequined dresses, tuxedo jackets, trousers and blazer lapels. Vivid purple, deep teal, gold and metallic grey added some colour to the catwalk.

The Accessories

The jewellery was a continuation of the pop-rock music theme with star-shaped earrings and neckpieces. Miniature pouches were worn on waistbands. Animal print, paillettes, chains and piano keys adorned clutches and leather handbags. Pointed-toe heels in bright shades and prints were worn with ankle socks. Brogues were given a make-over with neon colours, leopard print and sequins. 

3 Cover Girls for Glamour Magazine

US Glamour May 2011
featuring Emma Stone, Freida Pinto & Ashley Greene

The May edition of US Glamour puts a spotlight on Spring style, with three up-and-coming movie stars. There's the 'Cool' blonde Emma Stone from the new Spiderman movie. The 'Goddess' Freida Pinto, who currently stars in Miral. And brunette 'Bombshell' Ashley Greene from Twilight. The cover girls all wear floral prints in cute retro designs for each of their covers. The fashion for their photo shoots feature Spring's coolest colour, white.

Emma Stone looks bright and cheery in a floral dress by D&G. Freida Pinto is ready to hit the beach in this retro-cut bikini by Peter Som. Ashley Greene is pretty in a rose-print Nanete Leporre two-piece with pink cardigan from J.Crew.

 Inside the Mag:

Top Row:

Ashley looks sweet in a Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2011 anglaise dress
Freida wears a white tank top with satin pants by The Row
Emma is chic in a white self-embossed shorts-suit by Helmut Lang

Middle Row:

Ashley wears a D&G floral top, with pink high-waisted shorts by Louis Vuitton
Freida dons a hot pink bustier by Gaby Basora, paired with Lela Rose shorts
Emma looks cute in a red Tory Burch cardi and Erdem shorts, with Louboutin heels

Bottom Row:

Ashley wears a shorts and shirt ensemble by Ralph Lauren, with brown boots by Isabel Marant
Freida rocks wine-red lips and a fringed dress by Prabal Gurung
Emma wears a white belted shirt dress by Viktor & Rolf with heels by Alexander Wang

Tuesday Thrills - Tashkaya Clothing

Tashkaya 
Winter 2011 Collection

When I think of comfortable, beautiful and laid-back fashion, Tashkaya comes to mind. Talented South African designer, Natasha Teplitsky launched her clothing brand 2 years ago, which she continues to nurture with care and dedication. The eclectic Tashkaya line represents Natasha's international influences and her passion for high-quality, timeless pieces of clothing.

This winter, Natasha combines luxurious fabrics with simplistic designs; creating a collection that is wearable and stylish without being fussy. I admire her design aesthetic, which remains true to her individuality and Boho-mod sense of style. Natasha doesn't emulate international runway trends, she creates her own. 

The latest Tashkaya collection embodies casual elegance, with versatile clothes that can be worn on any occasion. Each item can be styled in different ways. Accessorize with cute woolly berets, chunky scarves and a skinny leather belt.

1. Bell-sleeve dress. R550. This casual light grey babydoll dress has a black braided trim on the neckline and voluminous sleeves.  
2. Pocket dress. R430. This pretty printed pocket dress is one of my favourite pieces. It has a loose, comfortable fit, which will suit all figures and age groups. It can be taken from sleeveless in summer to layered in winter. 
3. Lace dress. R495. A romantic lace dress that can be worn both casually and formally. Dress down with leggings and flats. Dress up with heels and some bling. Available in Charcoal grey and a calming Cloud Blue.
4. Floral pinafore. R490. The relaxed-fit pinafore is paired with a cosy wrap knit jersey, also from Tashkaya.
5. Shift dress. R520. A loose fitting, mid length shift dress that can be worn over skinnies or with stockings. Add a belt to accent your waist.
6. Button babydoll dress. R495. A 3/4 sleeve babydoll dress with button detail. Wear it with a cropped jacket on chilly days.

You can purchase these lovely pieces and more from Tashkaya.com. Postage is free anywhere in South Africa! Or visit one of the stockists countrywide, as listed on their website.

Happy Shopping!
xoxo

Design-a-Bedroom

This weekend was spent scurrying around Joburg, looking for new bedroom furniture. I thought it would be as easy as going into a design store, finding exactly what I liked, buying it and having it delivered within a week. Unfortunately, it's not that easy; there's much more to consider when buying furniture. 

Firstly, you have to decide what style of furniture would suit your current room decor. Contemporary, vintage, eclectic? Then the size and colour; mahogany, maple, cherry or oak. When you find something that fits all three categories, you have to look at the finer details with a critical eye. This was the first time I took an interest in anything decor-related. I had no idea how important the height of a pedestal and the design of a drawer handle actually were. 

Woodmead and Fourways are the go-to places for home decor in the city. After several stops, I ended up at the 'Most inspiring décor destination in Jozi', Design Quarter. It was nominated by CNN as the one of the 'must-see' places in South Africa during the World Cup. This exclusive shopping centre is an interior designer's dream, and for me, it took the tedium out of furniture shopping. The beautiful open-air piazza has a dozen decor stores, each trading in trendy and unique designs. In between store-browsing and decision-making, you can stop and chill out at one of the many divine restaurants or coffee shoppes in the plaza. I made the customary stop at Vida e Caffé. 

My favourite find at DQ was a white vintage-inspired chest of drawers with metallic ring handles and a high-gloss finish (pictured below). I also adore the intricately carved room divider behind it. @Home had some lovely lighting options and throw cushions in luxurious fabrics. Bedroom Basics is the best place for modern and minimalistic designs.

After hours of browsing and contemplation, I still haven't made a decision. There are so many different sets to chose from. I photo-documented my top picks of black and white furnishings. It's going to be quite a mission narrowing it down from the choices below.

If you're in need of design inspiration, new ideas, fab furnishings and frills, I recommend visiting the Design Quarter. While you're there, enjoy the relaxed environment, continental food and great restaurants. Did I mention there's also a Lindt Chocolate Studio? 

Red Carpet Trend - Dark Blue Dresses

Red Carpet Fashion
Dark Blue Dresses

Starlets stepped out in a deeper shade of blue on the red carpet this week. Blue cocktail dresses are making a big impact, with navy being hailed the 'new black' this stylish season. 

Model and actress Brooklyn Decker combines two big trends - Navy and lace, in a 'Zarita' dress by Diane von Furstenberg. She adds a flash of red with pointy-toe heels by Manolo Blahnik. I really like her modern short hairdo.

Emma Roberts is ruffly in a textured halter-neck dress by Burberry Prorsum. Her black suede sandals are by Elie Saab. She kept her hair simple in a high ponytail.

Sophia Bush wears a deep blue metallic and mesh dress with horizontal stripes by Chris Benz. Her electric pink heels are by Alexander McQueen. The pale blue Judith Leiber is an odd addition of colour.

Kristen Bell attended the 'Scream 4' premiere in a silk cowl neck Vanessa Bruno frock with reversible tie. Her cute tasseled heels are by the same designer.

Alexis Bledel is elegant in a mid-length, midnight blue tweed dress with navy belt by Oscar de la Renta. She paired it with black Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe heels.

Off The Catwalk - Emma Stone & Camilla Belle

Emma Stone
dressed in Preen

Emma Stone attended the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List party wearing a pretty pale blue dress from the Preen Spring 2011 Collection. The chiffon and crepe cocktail dress has a delicate beaded bodice and simple skirt. Emma accessorized with a skinny white belt, Calvin Klein clutch and Christian Louboutin 'Bretelle' slingbacks. I like that she added a pop of colour with bright pink lips. Her voluminous waves complete this soft and romantic look.

Camilla Belle

dressed in Alberta Ferretti

Camilla Belle is captivating in a coral halter dress by Alberta Ferretti. She wore it to the Annual Shine On Awards in New York. It's such a refreshing colour and features beaded tiers and a tie-up bow around the neck. She wears nude 'Luxura' ankle-strap shoes by Christian Louboutin. I'm not fond of the maroon-coloured Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag.  Her hair could have been a bit more polished too. That said, I still like the dress. 

Friday Frills

Celeb Style - Black & White Dresses

This Week's Trend

Black and White Dresses

I don't think there was ever a time when the Little Black Dress wasn't a trend. It's a look that remains timeless and fashionable. This season, the Little White Dress competes with the LBD for it's space in the spotlight. The LWD is modern and looks saintly and sexy at the same time.

These are few LBD's and LWD's worn by stylish stars this week.

Top Row:

Ashley Tisdale wears a black silk crepe dress by Australian design team Camilla and Marc. It has a wide neck, grosgrain waist band and a cut-out back. Her 'Nita' platforms are by House of Harlow 1960. I am closet craving this dress; it also works well with the stand-out turquoise necklace.

The lovely Jenna Dewan wears a sheer long-sleeved white dress by Halston Heritage. 

Lucy Hale chose a black sequined dress by Georges Hobeika. It has mesh detailing on the sleeves and a keyhole design at the center. Her adorable sandals with large satin bows and crystals are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Bottom Row:

Aimee Teagarden wears an Emporio Armani LWD. It kinda looks like bandage strips were incorporated into the design. Her accessories included a Judith Leiber 'Fizzy' clutch bag, Kimberly Mcdonald earrings and satin pumps by Brain Atwood.

Eva Longoria stays true to her mono-tonal style in a black strapless Monique Lhuillier dress with suede pumps.

I've been admiring Arielle Kebbel's simple and classy style of late. Here she wears a draped white dress with open back by Gomez-Garcia. Both her silver heels and clutch bag are by Lauren Merkin.

Black or White dresses? Which trend do you prefer?

Dream Jobs

I am considering re-entering the working world, as the novelty of 'a luxe student life' has worn off. In Small Town, SA, job opportunities are very limited, unless you're an engineer of some sort. I would have to move to The City in order to pursue a career in my field. Even then, the world of fashion journalism is a very fickle and competitive one. 

There's great disparity between the job you want and the job you get. We usually end up in a job we didn't really want, but settled for anyway. Only a few of us get to have a career that we absolutely love. A job that makes waking up at 6am every morning something to look forward to. A Dream Job. 

However, as glamourous as some dream jobs may seem, there are pros and cons to consider.

Jobs I Can Only Dream Of...

The Coffee Connoisseur 

It's no secret that I am a coffee-addict, so being a gourmet coffee expert would suit me perfectly. A barista has to learn the taste profiles of different coffee beans from around the world and then try out various flavour combinations to create the perfect blend.

Up Side: Drinking copious cups of coffee all day long.

Down Side: Not being able to ever fall asleep due to the constant caffeine high.

A Fashion Stylist for Gossip Girl

Styling the Queen Bees of the Upper East Side on the set of the uber-popular Gossip Girl.

Up Side: Initiating ingenious fashion trends and working with designer clothing and exquisite couture. I would love select the on-screen wardrobes of Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen; whose style is admired all over the fashion world.

Down Side: Not being able to keep any of the clothes or having to fight Blake Lively and Leighton Meester for them.

A Travel Presenter

The job requires you to be an insightful tourist who travels all over world on a never-ending vacation. Who could turn this down?

Up Side: Free flights to exotic locations, fabulous food, getting to meet interesting people and exploring new cities and cultures.

Down Side: Some of the food may not be all that fabulous, as the cuisine in some countries can be stomach-churning. In remote regions, the accommodation may be no more than a leafy mattress underneath the stars. Also, you may have to face your worst fears - bungee jumping, claustrophobic caves, deep sea diving, cockroach-infested hotel rooms,etc

A Professional Photographer

A photographer has to have a great amount of skill and dexterity as well as a great eye for detail. Gain fame in the field and Vogue could come knocking on your door.

Up Side: Taking pictures of beautiful surroundings and working on artsy magazine shoots. All you have to really do is aim well and click. Not much exertion required.

Down Side: The long hours it takes to get the perfect shot and working with difficult subjects (aka temperamental supermodels).

Creator Director for MAC

Creating new colours and ranges for this popular makeup brand would be a fun and exciting career. MAC constantly updates their vast makeup range with delightful and desirable collections. You can invent unusual shades of eyeshadow, try out new lipgloss formulas and conjure up fantasy themes.

Up Side: Bringing your colourful imagination to life and adding your original touch to the brand. With access to free make up & MAC makeup artists - you would look amazing and airbrushed all the time.

Down Side: Testing new make-up concoctions on yourself may cause severe allergic reactions and side-effects. Ouch. A Masters in chemistry is probably also required.

The Best-Selling Author

Just one brilliant book idea could earn you millions. 

Up Side: Your start up costs are low. All you need is a computer and a good imagination. You can work from the comfort of your own home, far away from office politics and demanding bosses.

Down Side: If your book turns out not to be the best seller you hoped for, you will be dropped by your publisher and have to look for another job. 

It is said that 'No dreamer is ever too small and no dream is ever too big'.

So I will dream big and work hard...you never know when the job you actually want will become the one you get.

Tuesday Thrills - Supré Clothing

The Supré Fashion Brand

Supré is a fun and flirty fashion brand that was founded in Australia in 1984. Their vast clothing range is a mix of wardrobe essentials and vibrant trendy pieces. The online shopper can chose to view clothes on the Supré website according to different styles - there's 'Party Vixen', 'Bohemian Chic' and 'Preppy Queen'. 

Their online store offers basics like simple tanks, sports wear, jeans, tights and quite a few foxy dresses. The current range includes a lot of African inspired prints, florals and fitted mini's. All the clothes are surprisingly affordable and shipping to South Africa costs Au $30. With so many options, it was difficult for me to select just these few to share with you.

The Basics

1. Denim Jeggings. The dark stretch denim leggings with back pockets can be worn with any tee or blouse. R287.15
2. The Cropped Denim Jacket. This jacket with studded pockets comes in dark and light wash denim. It's cute over plain and printed dresses. R382.88
3. The Puff Shoulder Top. This fitted long-sleeved top comes in black, white and cream. The puffed effect widens narrow shoulders. Wear it with skirts, shorts and jeans. R159.54
4. The Lace Skirt. The Lina lace flare mini skirt is dressy for a night out, without being overdone. R204.18
5. The Long Knit Cardigan. The super long sung-fit cardigan is a great winter warmer in 5 neutral shades. R191.41
6. The Fitted Black Blazer. There is nothing more chic than a perfectly tailored black blazer. This one-button version is worn with a grey tank and distressed skinny jeans. Blazer - R287.15. Jeans - R319.01
7. The Military Jacket. This double-breasted fleecy trench coat with high collar and cuffed sleeves pays homage to this winter's military trend. R319.01
8. Faded Skinny Jeans. These great-fitting faded skinny jeans come in 3 shades of blue denim. R319.01


Pretty Prints and Dresses

1. The Swing Dress. The Congo printed viscose swing dress can also be worn with a skinny belt to accentuate the waist. R287.15
2. The Strapless Floral Dress. Celebrate the end of summer in this bright floral-print mini with ruffled bodice. R510.49
3. The Maxi Kaftan. Poolside glamour can be attained with this stain-print chiffon maxi kaftan. R350.95

4. The Rose Print Dress. The chiffon crinkle rose-print dress with elastic waist can be paired with the cropped denim jacket shown in 'The Basics' above. R350.95
5. The Country Print Frill Dress. The sheer chiffon smock dress in flowy viscose is girly and boho chic. R242.51
6. The One-Shoulder Dress. This relaxed fit dress can be worn with or without a belt. It's 100% spun rayon and is available in 6 colours. R191.41
7. The Printed Racer Back Dress. The Darling print dress with racer back comes in Paris pink and grey. R287.15
8. The Animal Print Smock Dress. This simple loose-fitting black dress has just a hint of animal print on the neckline. R204.18


If you liked these outfits, visit supre.com.au to see volumes more. There is also an accessories line featuring printed scarves, headbands, belts, bags and jewellery. While you're there, check out their sales for bargains under R80. Happy Shopping!