Who Wore Proenza Schouler Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 Dress

I first saw this kaleidoscopic jigsaw print Proenza Schouler dress on 6 June this year, when Liv Tyler wore it to the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Liv represented the Proenza Schouler fashion brand at the awards show, where the team took home the award for 'Womenswear Designer of the Year'. Five months later, style darling Olivia Palermo was spotted on the streets of NYC wearing the same dress. It's interesting to see that Olivia would wear this dress on a random day out, while Liv savoured it for the red carpet.

Olivia Palermo takes a moment to pose in the puzzle print halter neck dress. She wore a long black coat over it, with ankle boots by Bakers Flare.

Liv Tyler wore the belted dress as it was seen on the catwalk. The folded detail on the front of the dress is more visible on her. She carried a black clutch and stood in strappy heels, both by Proenza Schouler.

Canadian model Kelsey van Mook walked the runway in the multicoloured silk dress, wearing it with black multi-strap sandals.

I prefer this look on Olivia, simply because of her styling. The print and colours are very bold and I think she simmered it down well with the black coat and boots. What are your thoughts?

Tuesday Thrills - Finders Keepers

The Finders Keepers fashion brand is like a spoonful of sorbet on a hot summers day. It's zesty and refreshing, flavored with shades of peaches and cream; that quenches one's fashionable thirst with youthful relish. The Australian label began just 2 years ago, but already has an avid following. Their clothes have been seen on many celebs and featured in magazines such as Grazia, Company, Cosmopolitan and InStyle.

The Finders Keepers range varies between two styles; airy dresses with a vintage, girlish charm, and modern body-enhancing silhouettes. Their signature look for this season includes asymmetrical hemlines, maxis, playsuits, and interesting shoulder details. These are few palatable pieces from their Summer 2011 collection. Each item has it's own quirky name, that defines it's unique appeal.


Peaches and Cream

1. Santa Monica Dream playsuit in caramel. $99.95

2. Fallen Angel playsuit in grey. $109.95

3. A Thousand Kisses dress in buff orange with ivory crochet neckline. $49.95

4. Pretty Things dress in buff orange. $159.95

Neutrals

1. Heartbeat ivory dress with tan leather straps. $79.95

2. Shake It dress with cutouts in black or white. $149.95

3. Second to None stone dress with hip frill. $89.95

4. Baby Can Dance white shirt. $89.95 Magic Dance Shorts in black lace. $79.00

 New Lengths

1. Shining Star maxi dress in mustard and taupe. $159.95

2. Magic Dance black lace top. $69.95 All the Lovers terracotta skirt $89.95

3. Ziggy Stardust pleated maxi dress is salmon and beige. $139.95

4. Brilliant Adventure maxi dress. $129.95

This affordable range can be purchased online from many different shopping sites. Visit the Finders Keepers website to find a stockist with international shipping rates that's best suited to you. The prices of the clothes also vary from site to site, so shop around to seize a bargain. I'm on my way to secure the Ziggy Stardust dress, it's almost sold out everywhere!


Happy Shopping!

The Best Advice Ever Received

Some Good Advice
From the Friendship Files

We're constantly getting advice from the people around us, regarding different things. But there'll always be one special piece of advice that we treasure above all the rest. Heartfelt words that someone has said to us which struck a note, inspired a dream or changed our lives for the better. Today, my friends and I share the best advice we've ever been given. 

What Is The Best Advice You've Ever Received?

*When ever I'm afraid to try something new, my best friend always says to me, "You have nothing to lose. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
*Some opportunities only come around once, seize them so as to avoid a life of regret.
*Don't walk away from negative people - RUN!
*"No one can diminish you but yourself". A friend said this to me and it's my favourite advice.
*Forget all the negative comments people give you. Cherish the compliments.
*You're not always going to be the skinniest, smartest or prettiest girl in the room. But don't let that intimidate you. Take the best of what you have and learn to work with it.
*Chocolate is the cure to everything!
*Don't try so hard to fit in. Your differences make you stand out. How will you make your mark in the world if you're exactly like everyone else.

*My mother said to me, "Remember that one day may be hard but the next day gets better.' Those words have carried me through the toughest moments in my life. 
*Don't lose hope if you fail at something. Next time, just have more faith and work harder. But most importantly, make sure that there is a 'next time'.
*Listen to your parents, they always know best. (This was said to me by my parents, naturally).
*A lecturer once said to us in class, "Don't ever be afraid to ask questions. If you don't ask, you will never know. A curious mind is the key to a better education."
*If the shoe fits, buy two pairs!
*I was told: sometimes in difficult times or tasks you have moments when you think you can't do this, it's too much. Just hang on, those moments will pass and you will look back from a better place & think - lucky I didn't give up because its all ok now & so worth it...and it will be.
*Be thankful for all that you have because there's always someone out there who has less than you and who will give anything to be in your shoes.
*I've realised in life, that nothing worth anything is easy to come by...nothing. You have to work at it or for it.
*Don't sit around and wait for something great to happen to you. Get off that couch and make it happen yourself.
*Don't change for anyone, if they can't accept you for who you are then they certainly don't deserve you.
*The most important asset a girl has is her reputation. Its like having a flawless complexion - once its scarred it will always be there every time you look in the mirror.
*Be true to yourself, only then will you enjoy life.
*A work colleague told me, "Your career isn't everything. Make time for your family, friends & self. Because at the end of the day, if things get tough, who's more likely to be there for you?"
*Live each day like it was your last.
*If you don't believe in yourself no one else will, so stop feeling sorry for yourself, dream big and you will achieve much.
*Never judge others because you don't know when you will be in their shoes.
*Leave the past where it is...in the past.
*The best advice I've ever received is from my friend, who told me, "Don't cut yourself short. If you don't have respect and appreciation for yourself, no one else will."
*"Everything you get out of life is what you've settled for." This taught me to not to settle for less than I deserve.


Thanks to all my friends for passing on their favourite bits of advice to us. 

Dear Lovely Reader, I would love for you to also share the best advice you've ever received.

Looks Of The Week

A round-up of my favourite (and not) outfits of the week.

Cocktail Wear

Blake Lively was suited up in Elie Saab for the "Gaga Holiday Workshop' at Barneys. The tall blonde sizzled in a bright blue suit with lace shoulder detail. She may be missing a shirt, but still manages to pull it off with poise.

Nicole Richie wears a loose-fitting Halston dress, fully coated in silver sequins with flashes of red. Her matching red clutch, jewellery and heels are from her own line, House of Harlow.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was in Paris for the opening of Marks & Spencer. The model wore a black and white colour blocked dress by Autograph for Marks & Spencer. So chic & clean. There's nothing much to this dress, but she makes it look far more than it's worth.

Street Style

Daisy Lowe in her hometown of London wearing a red and white tie-up shirt, black zip jacket and cropped grey schoolboy trousers. She added a large red tote and black biker boots.
Taylor Swift strolls New York City in a navy blue Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater, paired with a mustard pleated skirt by ModCloth. She carries a blue Fendi bag, with ruby slippers by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Got to love her unique colour combination.
Pippa Middleton takes her sophisticated style to the streets of London, wearing a black and grey tweed coat, over a feminine cream lace shift. Black tights, a nude quilted bag and ballet flats complete her work-day outfit.

Evening Wear

Doutzen Kroes attended a movie premiere in Amsterdam, wearing an extraordinary ebony gown by Giambattista Valli. The strapless bodice is lined with bows, while the sizable skirt is covered in layers of tiny ruffles. As huge as it is, I don't feel that the dress overwhelms her.

Kristen Cavallari impressed me with her choice of evening gown for California's Marine Corps Ball. The reality star looked stunning in a vanilla mint strapless pleated gown by Maria Lucia Hohan. She accented her waist with a shiny gold Chloe belt.

Gillian Anderson (who I haven't seen in ages) is fine example of simple sophistication in a pristine white gown with pockets and belt, which is vintage Christian Dior.

Crimes of Style

I know Blake Lively is on my best dressed list, but this fringed affair pulled the rug from right under me. Fringing in moderation is fine, but this superfluous shroud is too much, even for a cabaret dancer. Sorry Blake, I love your style (on most occasions) but not this one.
Yasmin Le Bon in a see-through sequined artifact, trimmed with orange PVC. It's so disjointed and if that's a genuine fur coat (which I suspect it is), then I loathe this look even more.
Jessica Szhor, what happened from last week to this? There's enough fabric on her sleeves to make a whole other dress, maybe two.

A Triple Shot of "Who Wore It Better?"

It has been a week of repeats in the land of the famous and fashionable. Six celebrities, three different dresses. Who started the trend and who followed? Let's have a look.

Who Wore Thomas Wylde Better?

Firstly, we have two singing stars wearing the same dress by Thomas Wylde. The black silk dress has a pleated asymmetrical shoulder, decked with matching stones.

Left: X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger opted to wear the LBD to the GQ 'Men of the Year' awards last week. She paired it with black peep-toe pumps and a high ponytail.  

Right: It was Miley Cyrus who wore the dress first - all the way back in March 2010. The teen actress donned the dress for the premiere of her movie 'The Last Song'. She added Salvatore Ferragamo heels and an updo. Both ladies wore arm jewellery.

My Verdict: I like Nicole in this dress, she fills it out better and the shoulder pleats seem to set better on her.

Who Wore Chagoury Couture Better?

Left: Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere wore this crimson dress with strapless sweetheart necklace by Chagoury Couture on November 17, for the 'Robert Verdi Jewellery' event in New York City. Hayden mixed it up with a black leather biker jacket, a few necklaces and black suede Christian Louboutin boots. She wore her hair up with a slight tease.

Right: Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort first wore the little red cocktail dress in June of this year, to the premiere of the 'Green Lantern' in LA. She elegantly paired it with a nude clutch bag and peep-toe heels. Laura had her hair done in a neat ponytail.

My Verdict: I prefer this dress worn simply, as on Laura.

Who Wore Versace for H&M Better?

Left: Chinese megastar Fan Bingbing adds her own unique twist to this black and gold ensemble by Versace for H&M. She wore it to the 'Chen Man Photography Exhibition' in Shanghai on 23 November. A winged biker Jeremy Scott for Adidas jacket, chauffeur's hat and wide-rimmed glasses complete her look.

Right: We recently saw Jessica Alba wear the same studded top and skirt by Versace for H&M, at the label's launch party on 8 November 2011 in New York. Both ladies opted to wear black tights and heels with their matching outfits.

My Verdict: I have a preference for simplicity this week, so I am choosing Jessica's look as my favourite.

Who do you think wore each of these looks better?

Friday Frills

The Savvy Girl's Guide To A Fishtail Braid

The hottest hairstyle for this summer is the fishtail braid, as seen on numerous stars, runways and magazines. The fishtail braid is a more complex take on the regular braid that we all wore to mask those school day hair blues. It may seem daunting to try out at first, but according to blogger Akanksha Chawla from Fictitious Fashion, it's as easy as pie. After seeing Akanksha wear a fishtail braid on her blog, I asked her to do a guest post on how to recreate the look. She's written a step-by-step guide, along with corresponding photographs - which makes this hairstyle easy enough for anyone to achieve.

How to Create a Fishtail Braid

In the Words of Akanksha:

A Warm Welcome to Everyone. I wanted to share my favourite hairstyle, the fishtail braid.

Step 1. If you’re doing it yourself then I’d suggest making a side braid or one at the back. Tie up all of your hair to the side with the help of any rubber band.

Step 2. Divide your hair into two sections. Hold each piece separately.

Step 3. This step is very important - Take a thin bunch of hair (see picture) from the end of one of the divided sections.

Step 4. Take the thin bunch over to the other half of the hair, making a cross. Hold it tightly.

Step 5. Now, take a thin bunch of hair from the second half of your hair.

Step 6. Take this second thin bunch over to the first half of hair, making a cross.  (This is the equivalent of pulling smaller strands from outside the larger sections, and drawing them into the center).

Step 7. You should get your first Fishtail.

Step 8. Repeat steps 3-6 until you get to the the end of your hair. Secure with a  hairband.

Akanksha's Tips:

*You could spray gel onto your hair for a solid and sophisticated look.

*My hair is a little silky and cut in layers so you would see tiny hair hopping around. Not to worry, long hair wouldn't have an issue.
*Remember to make this hairstyle your own by adding beads, colourful rubber bands, tic-tacs, etc.

Feel free to ask her any questions on http://fictitious-fashion.blogspot.com/

Special thanks to the very sweet Akanksha for sharing this tutorial and tips with us.

Celeb Inspired Looks

Now that you have learnt to do the simple side swept fishtail braid, you can move on to more intricate braided styles, as shown off by these celebrities.

Top Row
Kim Kardashian lets a few strands hang loose from her braid and wears a side-swept fringe.
Wear a blunt fringe and tie a ribbon around your elastic hairband like Bella Thorne.
Hilary Duff used thin strips of black leather to style her fishtail braid.
Ashley Tisdale added some volume to her look by teasing the front of her hair.
Center-part your hair, make two separate French braids then pin them up like Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Bottom Row
Blake Lively's version of an unkempt fishtail braid. She added a pretty gold hair brooch.
Amanda Bynes used her smaller braid as an Alice band, with the rest of her hair loose.
Nicole Richie plaited her hair in two sections from the roots.
Try a high ponytail braid like Diane Kruger.
Mary Kate Olsen combines tousled waves with her fishtail braid.

I hope that this post will inspire you to create your own fishtail braid.
Happy Styling from Akanksha & I!

The Ficksburg Cherry Festival

I first heard about the 'Ficksburg Cherry Festival' in a heritage class that I took in university. 
I was fascinated to learn that South Africa is home to the 'Cherry Capital of the World' - Ficksburg. I also found it a bit strange that we have the world's best cherries right on our doorstep. As, from bitter first-hand experience, I had always thought the idea of a 'sweet-tasting' cherry was just a myth. After that day in class, I knew that someday I had to attend the festival, as this was a myth I had to dispel myself. 

Ficksburg is a small town in the Eastern Free State, situated at the foot of the Imperani Mountain, bordering the neighbouring country of Lesotho. I travelled for 6 hours over 400km, through 3 provinces and 5 painstakingly long road stops to get there. The country's oldest annual crop festival runs over 3 days during the third week of November, and is attended by over 25 000 people. I was thrilled to finally be one of them this year.

One of the highlights of the festival was visiting a cherry farm and going on a tour of the orchards. A tractor pulled us along through the scenic Ionia farm, where one of the farmers explained the entire cherry harvesting process to us - from root to pip. We were left to wander the extensive orchard and pick our own punnet of cherries directly from the tree. We ate cherries to our hearts content (and our tummy's detriment). What most people don't know is that the sweetest cherries you can find are the 'yellow cherries', which are not usually sold to the public. They look like a normal red cherry on the outside, but are a light yellow colour on the inside...and taste like a piece of heaven. Cherries are a rare and expensive fruit and most of them from this region are exported to the rest of the world.

The cherry frenzied festival grounds were abuzz with activities ranging from cooking workshops, game shows, sporting events, a beauty pageant, jazz and rock concerts and a cherry pip spitting competition (which we thankfully missed!). Any cherry-related product you can dream up - they sold it there. Cherry jams, syrups, drinks, cherry liquors, schnapps, cherry chutney, nougat, cherry pie and preserves. Besides for the perishables, there was cherry art to take back home as a souvenir. I was attracted by the pretty pink and red cherry blossom beauty products. Delectably scented perfumes, body butters, foam baths and soaps, all reminding me of my childhood cherry chapstick.


With Ficksburg being so far out in the middle of the country, I don't know whether I'll ever get an opportunity to attend the festival again. It's one of those things that you should do at least once in your life if you're living in South Africa. As you can imagine, I came home with a boot load of cherries - not that they lasted very long. These little red jewels are a rich part of our local heritage, and I hope that more people will become aware of it and also get to experience the joy of picking their own cherries. 

*All photos taken by me.

Divas and Darlings - American Music Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

American Music Awards 2011

The American Music Awards took place this weekend in Los Angeles, where Taylor Swift once again beat out the competition to take home the 'Best Female' and 'Artist of the Year' Award. Other big winners of the night were British songbird Adele and rapstress Nicki Minaj. We only get to see the show a day later here in SA. I waited for one good fashion moment throughout it, but alas, there was none. This is what went down on the AMA 2011 red carpet.

The Short Hemline

Vanessa Lachey (née Minnillo) opted for a white ruched Aje mini dress with bejeweled asymmetrical neckline. She needed shoes with some sparkle and pizazz. Jenny McCarthy wore an adorable aubergine Victoria Beckham dress with flair skirt and black ankle boots. Audrina Patridge showed off her tan in a tiny suede cut-out dress by Joey Tierney. I don't know what's with the stripper heels. Ellie Goulding also followed in the cut-out trend, wearing an LBD by Christopher Kane. It's a very 'boxy' type of look.

The Shiny

Jennifer Hudson waves at fans in a slinky silver number by Jenny Packham. The heavy Daffodil pumps aren't working for me. Sarah Hyland wore a sequined and studded mini by Amen. Katie Leclerc in a nude beaded dress by Collette Dinnigan - it's a pretty dress but the first thing that came to mind was 'figure skater'. Heidi Klum wore a laser-cut metallic mini by Giles Deacon. The intricate detailing of the dress is sabotaged by that conspicuous blue bodysuit she wore underneath.

The Lacy

Kimberly Perry from the 'Band Perry' wears a black and yellow lacey dress by Bottega Veneta, which you may have seen before on Emma Stone. Actress Jane Levy looked sweet in a strapless lace champagne dress. The satin platforms are too bridal. Russian supermodel Anne Vyalitsyna added some much needed colour to the carpet in a red long-sleeved lace dress by Emilio Pucci. Jennifer Lopez wore a black embroidered gown by Zuhair Murad - I'm not so keen on the the contrast of the stark black against the nude illusion bodice.

The Longer Lengths

Katherine Heigl brought out her inner diva wearing a sultry black plunge-neck gown by Roberto Cavalli. Jennifer Morrison wore an ivory Temperley London dress with asymmetrical hemline and peasant sleeves - a very countryside bridesmaid look. I do love her hairstyle. Star of the evening, Taylor Swift is radiant in a fully beaded gown by Reem Acra. Taylor and tinsel can never go wrong. Selena Gomez takes a page out of the 'Great Gatsby', wearing a glossy satin Giorgio Armani gown with fringed sash.

The Quirky

I found these first two looks most interesting on the red carpet. Keltie Colleen wore a black bustier and dusty pink ruffled skirt. The actress added a top hat and chunky tie-up boots to her ringmaster rock-chick look. Karmin vocalist Amy Heidemann was retro-cute in a purple sheer blouse with black striped skirt and red accessories. Red shoulder-bows, crazy heels and pin-up hairdo complete her whimsical look. Katy Perry's pink hair and colourful block headpiece took the attention off her Asian-inspired Vivienne Westwood gown. I don't know how the bright blue heels fit in with it. Fellow pink-tressed singer, Nicki Minaj was rather tame (for Nicki Minaj standards) in a black lace bodice and massive harlequin green taffeta skirt, by Oscar de la Renta. 

What did you think of the outfits at this year's AMA's? All I can add is that there was a major shoe intervention needed. Someone please dial Jimmy Choo.

Closet Confidential With Fash Boulevard

Energetic and aspiring accessories designer Anna Hodge is a former small town girl who has followed her fashion dream all the way to California. Her journey began with an impressive internship at popular clothing brand BGBG Max Azria. Anna's blog Fash Boulevard is an online stage upon which celebrity style and her own personal style collide. With an eye for beautiful jewellery, her incredible collection of cocktail rings is one to be coveted. Anna shares her wealth of voguish knowledge with us on this edition of 'Closet Confidential'.

How would you define your personal style?
Dramatically simple with far too many accessories. Growing up in the south and now living in LA. I've had the pleasure of being exposed to an eclectic mix of fashion. Whether it's classic with a hint of edge or a simple dress with a dramatic heel, I love combining different elements to create a single look.


What is LA street style like?

Well this is pretty much what my blog is all about... When I first moved to LA after graduating from Auburn University I knew I wanted to work in fashion and in order to do that I needed to follow LA's trends meticulously. I quickly realized that in Hollywood street fashion is celebrity fashion. Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe are the women keeping Hollywood on their fashionable toes! And now I'm here to blog about it.


What are your fashion fundamentals? 

My mom has had a fabulous fur that I've played dress up in for
 as long as I can remember so it's a natural obsession. It can dress up anything from jeans to a fancy cocktail dress. I also recommend a blazer because you can wear it to work or throw on a giant statement necklace and wear it out to drinks with the girls. And of course, every closet should have the essential black pieces. Black skinny jeans, blouses, cardigans, jackets, heels, and tights. They match almost anything and are a great base for building a stylish ensemble.


Would you choose comfort over fashion or fashion over comfort?
I love this question. I would definitely choose fashion over comfort. I can't tell you how many times I've worn constricting jackets and blazers or tight tiered skirts that I can't bend in, but at the end of the day it's all about wearing what makes you feel fabulous. And sometimes fabulous involves blisters and car rides that consist of lying in the back seat because the dress it too tight to sit in. As much as it drives my family crazy, I am the girl wearing sky high stilettos to my little brother’s baseball games. That's just me. I'm most comfortable when I feel like I'm wearing a good ensemble. But that doesn't mean I don't have an impressive collection of lounge wear. If you ran into me at the grocery store, I'd probably land on everyone's worst dress list, trust me.


No good outfit is complete without...
A cocktail ring! As a girl who loves to talk with her hands, a major oversized ring is always a fashion must. Whether you have a super expensive Melissa Joy Manning ring or one from Forever 21, no outfit should be deemed complete without a giant cocktail ring.



What designer items are on your fashion wish list? 
Oh this is an easy one! As a fashion blogger it's very easy to build up a sizable wish list because I'm constantly discovering new brands, trends and always finding online purchases to obsess over! Coming in on the top of my wish list is the new Michael by Michael Kors large leopard print Hamilton tote, the Melissa Joy Manning extra large double slice ring and the Boutique 9 dark purple Cesena Wedge Pumps! I'd kill to own all of these pieces. But in all honesty, I'll probably have a fash heart
attack the day I own a Birkin!


What has been your best fashion buy?
I recently bought a Michael by Michael Kors cardigan cape that I'm completely and totally obsessed with. It's stylish while still being seriously comfortable, which is a major perk for me. I travel a lot so pieces that I can wear for comfort while flying and also dress up for dinner with friends are always my most coveted pieces. For me, a good buy isn't a cheap price, it's a versatile item that will stand the test of time... Or at least until my sister takes it for herself!
 

Where would you love to max out your credit card?
As un-posh as this may sound, it would be extremely easy for me to max out a card or two at Macy's. But trust me, I'm not the only one. I've ran into Joanna Garcia, Vanessa Hudgens, Kyle Richards, and Ashley Tisdale while browsing through the racks at Macy's. I love a store that has designer brands, private label brands and amazing deals. My go-to's are Bar III, BCBGenerations, Kensie, INC and Free People. Plus, there's like thirteen Macy's within a twenty mile radius of my home.

Most extravagant fashion purchase? 
A pair of purple satin strappy Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos, which I bought after attending the Vegas boutique’s grand opening party hosted by Giuseppe himself. I had to have them! They were calling my name. Unfortunately now... so are the bill collectors, but trust me... Heels are always worth it.


Three beauty products you can't live without?
 

I can't live without my black Cover Girl crayon eyeliner, which I've 
been using for years. It goes on super easy and always looks perfect. I don't care if I was stranded alone on a desert island, I would still take my eyeliner with me. My fellow blondes will understand. Second would have to be my Chi straightener. It gets my hair flat in seconds which is perfect for those days when I'm running late. And the third beauty item I couldn't live without would definitely have to be bobby pins. They can add a twist or braid to boring hair or fix bumps in your pony tails in seconds. Not to mention they are the sole key to getting the perfect ballerina bun. I never leave the house without a handful of bobby pins in my purse. They're a staple.


Who are your style icons?


Old Hollywood is where I get most of my inspiration. Marilyn Monroe, Edie Sedgwick, Bridget Bardot and Jackie O are massive figures in my style inspiration bubble. As for my present day style icons, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad and Rachel Zoe are constantly impressing and inspiring me with their fabulous looks.
   

Biggest Fashion Do's 
Pile on the jewelry. Every piece should showcase a different side of your personality. Rock lots of sequins and fur for fall and most importantly, don't exit your home without a cocktail ring on your finger.



Biggest Fashion Don'ts 
Don't be afraid to express your personal style. I went to a college that's daily uniform consisted of Nike shorts and UGG boots, but it's important to remember to look further than those around you for your fashion inspiration. It's okay to stand out. No town is too small for city girl style.



Fabulous fashion advice


Too much is never enough. I knew I was going to be gaudy from the day I learned what the word meant. I dream of being that older woman with the super high heels, the fur coat, and layered in tons of bangles and cocktail rings. This is the character in my head I dream of being. She is my fashion dream. Incorporating bits and pieces of that character into my more reserved daily style is what gets me excited to get dressed in the morning. As a girl who grew up in small towns (I've lived in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama) I know what it's like to have bigger style dreams then those around you. That's why I think it's important to build that fabulous character you so desperately want to be and try adding hints of her into your daily style. It'll keep you inspired until the day you decide to whip her out completely. Confidence is key to being and looking the best you possibly can, but perhaps the most important advice I can give would have to be to always remember to dress for yourself... not for anyone else!

*Special thanks to Anna for taking part in this interview. Wishing her all the best with her exciting new accessories line.

Looks Of The Week

My Fashion Highlights of the week.

Casual

A very chic looking Kate Mara attended the Michael Kors store opening in LA. She wears leopard print shorts with a white tee and slate grey jacket, all by Michael Kors. Nude bow peep-toes and a Michael Kors clutch complete her cute outfit. 
Jessica Szhor chose an edgy street look for the Cinema Society/DKNY event. The Gossip Girl actress paired a floaty cream shift with a black leather biker jacket. She styled it with a black fedora, sling bag, sheer black tights and ankle boots.
Olivia Palermo takes on a sophisticated 70's look in a high waisted kick-flare jeans by Reiss Birkin, with a tan tucked-in shirt and Adrienne Landau fur loop. Her statement necklace is by Carerra y Carrera.
The always-stylish Rachel Bilson attended the Nylon November issue party. The Hart of Dixie star wore a glossy metallic Vanessa Bruno jacket over a t-shirt by The Row, along with rolled up Goldsign jeans. She carries a large tan suede Miu Miu clutch and stands in Louboutin Pigalle pumps. A black floppy hat tops off her look.

Glamorous

Spanish model Nieves Alvares does justice to this exquisite Elie Saab gown, which glimmers with black and gold beading and an asymmetrical neckline.
I retract what I said about Kristen Stewart being a one-trick-pony when it came to red carpet dresses. I was floored when I saw her in this Robert Cavalli masterpiece. The sheer black embellished gown is clinched in the waist by an Alexander McQueen belt. It wouldn't be 'Kristen' without an edge. Now, just for the hair and makeup...
Emma Stone looked elegant in a black and white printed dress with 3D shoulder detail by Chanel. A retro updo and red lipstick completed her look. She does New-Age Hollywood glamour well.

Colourful

Natasha Yarovenko was breathtaking at the Marie Claire Moda Awards in Madrid. The Spanish actress wears my favourite look of the week. Her strapless raspberry gown is by Zuhair Murad. The fit is impeccable, it's almost as if he made it with her in mind.
Model Lisa Sednaoui wears a sumptuous ensemble by Haider Akermann. The colour contrast between the rich teal and regal green is splendid. She takes a masculine-inspired outfit and makes it look sexy.

Filipina fashion designer Tamara Falco chose a beautiful royal blue embellished gown by Elie Saab. The colour speaks volumes, although I feel the fur stole was unnecessary.
Nikki Reed wowed fans at the 'Breaking Dawn - Part 1' Los Angeles premiere. Her delectable spearmint gown, edged with gold embroidery is by Marchesa Resort. To me it looks part sari, part Grecian, but pretty nonetheless.

Dress Déja Vu

Take a look at the yellow skirt and blouse worn by Blake Lively and Nikki Reed below. Both have a luminous yellow colour. Check. Three quarter sleeves with rolled up cuffs. Check. Button-up front shirt with collar. Check. Pockets on shirt. Check. Knee-length pleated skirt. Check. So it's the same outfit then? Not exactly...

Blake Lively wore this yellow shirt and skirt by Chloe back in June, to the 'Green Lantern' press conference. She added a skinny belt and black Brian Atwood ankle-strap pumps.

Nikki Reed wore a yellow shirt and skirt by Jenni Kayne to the 'Wired' store launch party yesterday (17 November). She also wore Brian Atwood pumps, in a nude shade.

The difference? The Chloe skirt is slightly longer on the model, and has more pleats. Blake's skirt seems to have the length altered. 
Who made it first? Chloe. The sunny yellow ensemble is from Chloe's Pre-Fall 2011 Collection, while the Jenni Kayne outfit is from the designer's Resort 2012 range. Another case of different designer, same idea. Have you also got 'Dress Déja Vu?

Friday Frills

A Dedication to Friends, Old and New, in the Blogosphere and Here on Earth...

I can't give you the solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you and together we will search for answers.
I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain, nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.
I can't keep your feet from stumbling.

I can only offer my hand, that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, success, and happiness are not mine,
Yet I can share in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge,
I can only support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask.
I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you, step aside and wait for you to change your mind.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.
I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.
I can't tell you who you are.
I can only be your friend.

*Unknown

Gisele Colours The Pages Of Vogue

Spreading the holiday cheer and sprinkling some colourful confetti over the land of Vogue is the world's number one supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. The 31 year old Brazilian beauty stars in a kaleidoscopic fashion editorial for the December issue of British Vogue. 

Gisele is styled in a colourful array of outfits and wears an extensive mix of designers for the shoot, which is photographed by Mario Testino. Leather and lycra team up for the sporty, street savvy theme. Her look is all about fearlessly combining brights with bold accessories. Is this the start of a 'carrying-around-two-cluches-at-a-time' trend?  

Left: On the cover, Gisele wears a satin georgette Gucci blouse with psychedelic metallic lycra leather leggings by Pam Hoggs. Her disco diva look is complete with a Diane von Furstenberg belt and gorgeous gold cap-toed pumps by Christian Louboutin. Gold cuffs by Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton.

Right: Tennis goes glam in a shiny gold dress by Stella McCartney for Adidas, with black leggings by Hervé Leger for Max Azria. A silk wool Marni jacket tones the look down. She carries a chain-strapped leather bag by Prada and smaller studded purse by McQ. Cuffs by Vionnet (gold), Alex Bittar (red) and Hermés (orange). 

Left: A stylish and sporty Gisele wears a turf green Mugler sweater, pink Diane von Furstenberg mini and black and white McQ leggings. The white leather pocket belt is by Michael Kors. Scarlet clutch and yellow pumps both by Jimmy Choo. On her arms, a yellow Hermés cuff and wooden lacquered Jimmy Choo bangles.

Right: Hot in pink, Gisele wears a scuba-inspired neoprene zip-up top by Michael Kors, a bright blue Jimmy Choo clutch bag and perspex bangles by Celine, Vionnet & Cornelia Webb.

Left: Athletic wear a la mode. Gisele is florescent in a mandarin orange Nike top with a green and blue Jonathan Saunders/Escada Sport skirt. The neon yellow leggings are by Cyberdog. Her look is accessorized by a black Hugo buckle belt and clutch bags by McQ and Michael Kors. Yellow cuffs by Hermés & Alex Bittar, gold studded bangle by Tom Binns.

Right: Gisele dons a navy blue skater girl dress by McQ, paired with crimson cycling shorts by Diane von Furstenburg. Her white belt is also by DVF, the black belt by Sonia Rykiel. She carries two clutches - a lime leather one by Michael Kors, red clutch by Jimmy Choo. Bangles by Hermés (yellow), Alex Bittar (pink) and Stella McCartney (gold).

Left: Gisele tries on a motorcycling cheerleader look in a fitted dark blue Zara top and silk-crépe pleated Gucci skirt. Cotton and leather patch leggings by Ground Zero. Belt and white studded purse by McQ. Mustard clutch bag by Burberry, with shoes by Christian Louboutin.

Middle: White cropped cotton jacket by Mugler, worn over a navy zip-up swimsuit. Sunny yellow DVF mini worn over Hervé Léger/Max Azria tights. Lime green leather bag by Emilio Pucci and pink purse by McQ.

Right: Baseball just got stylish with a black & orange raffia top by Roksanda Illincic. Canary yellow silk-crepe dress with pleated skirt by Gucci. She holds a bugglegum pink purse by McQ and black Michael Kors clutch. Her red hot heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Amidst the icy cold winter weather, a copy of this color-blocked concoction is bound to brighten things up. Do you think these vivid outfits would translate well in reality, and most importantly, would you wear any of them?