Who Wore Gucci Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Gucci Evening Gown

There is no better way to cure the Monday Blues than with a good Fashion Faceoff, and this week we pair off two television stars, Olivia Wilde and Kelly Ripa, who were both photographed in the same black evening gown, tailor-made by Gucci.

On The Left:

Olivia Wilde first donned the jet-black silk georgette evening gown to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2012. The strapless dress also features a crystal embroidered bow waist band. The House actress polished off her look with hints of gold - a choker neckpiece, bracelets and Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag. She kept her hair up sleekly in a high bun and went for a smouldering smokey eye.

On the Right:

Kelly Ripa picked out the same figure-moulding Gucci dress for a charity ball held last week, on 25 April 2012. The blonde TV host wore the spaghetti strap version of the gown, pairing it with a black clutch and heels. Kelly had her hair styled in soft waves, with soft make-up.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', with a dress that's made to outline the feminine form like this one, it's almost impossible to go wrong with it. But I have to give it to Olivia Wilde for the impeccable styling. The gold accessories added that Midas touch. What are your thoughts?

Looks Of The Week - 28/04/12

A round-up of the week's most impressive celebrity style.

Keeping It Casual

Taylor Swift tried out the nautical trend in a navy and blue wide striped jersey dress with 3/4 sleeves by Gorman. Taylor added a splashes of red with a Lauren Merkin satchel bag, Frye slingback sandals and ruby lipstick.
Cara Delevingne dressed down for a Vogue media event in an avocado green Burberry duffle coat, worn over an ivory blouse, leather leggings and chunky tie-up boots.
Ashley Tisdale displayed her grungy street style with a heart-studded sweater By Chance, black tights, slouchy Frye boots and a leather fringed CC Skye satchel bag.

The Beckham Effect

Victoria Beckham granted us three amazing ensembles this week, all from her own design label. Starting with a tri-coloured grey, aubergine and black strapless dress, worn with leather knee-high Tom Ford boots. Victoria styled up the same pair of peep-toe heels with a slick and sophisticated red and black v-neck dress - the pencil skirt silhouette a standard. She carried a hexagonal crocodile chain-handle clutch from her handbag line. For her last look, Victoria sugared up her style in a chic white form-fitting VB dress with pretty minted blue Miu Miu cardigan. Nude Louboutins complete her outfit.

Brights and Belted

Christa B Allen stunned in beautifully crafted Donna Karan dress with delicate origami folds placed on the strapless neckline, and a full flaired skirt. She tied it up with a black Hermés belt, gold clutch and black pointy-toe Louboutin pumps.

Byrdie Bell wore an unusual, yet endearing combination from Christian Siriano's Spring 2012 collection. I liked the idea of the simple coral and white striped tee, paired with a more upscale silk chartreuse skirt. Byrdie added a black buckle belt to her look.

Coco Rocha was winsome in a charming Jason Wu ensemble, featuring a white self-print houndstooth top, skinny black belt and bubblegum pink peplum skirt. Coco brought in her own unique edge with a pair of black ankle boots.

Evening Glamour

Dakota Fanning picked out a dreamy gauzy ivory Elie Saab dress with gold embellished bodice. The dress itself is a beautiful piece, but Dakota doesn't seem to sell it well enough due to dull styling. Do you agree?
Odette Annable looked glorious in a matt gold metallic lace dress with three-quarter sleeves, by David Meister. This is simple elegance at its best.
Heidi Klum showed off her supermodel physique in a silver lilac Temperley London gown with deep plunge-neck and high split. The gown was drizzled with floral embroidery and beads. A pair of sparkly Christian Louboutin heels polished off her look.

Friday Frills

Don't wait for time. Make it. 


Don't wait for love. Feel it.


Don't wait for money. Earn it.


Don't wait for the path. Find it.


Don't wait for opportunity. Create it.


Don't go for less. Get the best.
 

Don't compare. Be unique.


Don't fight your misfortune. Transform it.


Don't avoid failure. Use it.


Don't dwell on your mistakes. Learn from it.


Don't back down. Go around.


Don't close your eyes. Open your mind.


Don't run your life. Embrace it. 

By Bigvai Volcy

A Ray Of Style #5

Cobalt Blue & Black

Outfit Post By Ray

I am lucky to have my cousin Ray on 'Outfit Post' duties once again. She mixes bold colours and trendy pieces to form this savvy look.

She Wears:

Electric blue button back blouse - Zara

Black Leggings

Black and leopard print ballet flats - Zara

Saffron yellow satchel bag - Charles & Keith

Steal Her Style:

*Special Thanks to Ray for the photographs.

No Marchesa Dress Is Complete Without A Matching Clutch

Marchesa had us spellbound at their Fall 2012 showing, by weaving a enchanted tale of gilded gowns in the finest metallic thread, and dreamlike dresses ornamented by intricate beadwork and delicate wisps of snow white feathers. To add to the magic and glamour of Marchesa's ethereal appeal, the design team have released an exquisite set of clutch bags that idyllically compliment the unique looks.

Skillfully crafted from exotic materials and sparkling jewels, these precious bags enhance the beauty of the fairytale gowns. Each ornate piece has been designed to echo the style and luxurious fabrics of the different ensembles. Celestial couture and clutch bags...this is a match made in fashion heaven.

*Runway photos via Style.com

Tuesday Thrills - Forever Unique

Searching for the perfect prom/party/bridesmaid dress and no Fairy God mother in sight? Well then, strike your own magic wand and have your Cinderella moment with one of Forever Unique's glamourous gowns and cocktail wear. Or, pick out a bridesmaid dress that will be worth remembering in photographs. Punchy colours, floaty fabrics and delicate embroidery meet to create pretty party frocks that will guarantee you being the belle of the ball.

1. Evie. A coral one-shouldered dress with lace detailing and netted skirt. £275/ $442
2. Kerry. A chiffon bubble hem dress with embellished shoulder in zesty lime with a fuchsia waistband. £220/ $353
3. Alisha. Flirty fuchsia prom dress with green waistband and layered net skirt. £165/ $265
4. Mia. Grecian draped V-neck cape dress with laser cut waistband. In striking coral and purple. £120/ $193
5. Hattie. A cute black and white striped dress with large front bow. £190/ $305
6. Vianne. Sugary pink and ivory frock with embellished bustier and layered skirt. £275/ $442
7. Holly. A chic black and white fitted mini dress with narrow belt. £220/ $353
8. Jacqueline. Strapless animal print dress with embellished bodice. £330/ $530

9. Judy. A slinky black jersey dress with striped bow detail on the bust. £275/ $442
10. Maggie. A blush chiffon bridesmaid dress with silver embroidered bustier. £300/ $482
11. Kimberly. An elegant ivory cut-out gown with silver and gold beaded detail. £330/ $530
12. Ashley. Halter-neck jersey dress with ruched waist and gathered skirt. £190/ $305
13. Jewel. A multi-tonal printed maxi dress with crossover mesh waistband and pleated skirt. £330/ $530
14. Lucinda. Shimmery aqua blue strapless gown with high-low hemline. £275/ $442
15. Mila. A colourful satin printed gown with sequined waist embellishing. £330/ $530
16. Sara. Chiffon coral dress with bejewelled waistline and floaty hi-low skirt. £250/ $402

Forever Unique is a favourite amongst some of the UK's biggest celebrities and singers. Whether soft and subtle or dramatically vivid, Forever Unique frocks are not just an overelaborate one-dress-wonder. They can easily be worn again and made optimal use of. 
The stunning range can be purchased on ForeverUnique.co.uk or via Asos.


Happy Shopping!


*All photographs are from the Forever Unique website. Dollar prices converted using today's exchange rate.

Which Snow White Star Wore It Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Mulberry Resort 2012 'Neely' Dress

Two 'Snow White' stars spotted in one Mulberry dress...but who is the fairest of them all? Lily Collins and Kristen Stewart have both recently acted as the fairytale character 'Snow White', in two very different adaptions of the legendary story. Lily stars as Snow White in the lighthearted and cutely romantic 'Mirror Mirror', while Kristen plays the lead in the slightly darker version, 'Snow White and the Huntsmen', due for release in June.

The fair maidens now face off in the same hazy blue Mulberry 'Neely' dress, which is from the label's Resort 2012 collection.

Lily Collins showed off a more feminine side to the blue watercolour print dress, at the Coachella Music Festival held last weekend (15 April 2012). Lily went for a more casual look, pairing her dress with beige Mulberry bow-stiched ballerina pumps and a black 'Lily' tassel bag, also from the British brand.

Kristen Stewart was the first to wear the 'Neely' dress, back in September 2011 at London Fashion Week. The raven-haired actress accented her waist with the belt from the original look, which also lifts up the hemline. Kristen added her usual edge with a pair of black buckle ankle boots, courtesy of Mulberry. Both ladies wore their hair down similarly.

Dutch model Patricia van der Vliet is pictured in the dress for the Mulberry Resort 2012 presentation. She is styled with a black Mulberry Alexa oversized satchel, printed ankle-strap wedges and black pull-up socks.

As for who wore it better, it's difficult choice...and I'm not trying to get out of picking a side, but I actually prefer this dress as it was shown originally on the model. I liked the quirky appeal of the socks and sandals and the striking buckle bag. The Mulberry 'Neely' dress costs £550 / $865 and can be purchased from mulberry.com

Who do you think wore it better, and more importantly...which actress do you prefer as 'Snow White'?

*Pictures found via Google images.

Looks Of The Week - 21/04/12

This was a more than a good week in the land of style & celebrities...

Pretty in Prints

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley took a stroll in a printed Stella McCartney frock with burgundy asymmetrical lace hem. Black Alexander Wang ankle-stap sandals and a dressy white Jason Wu bag finalized her look.
Olivia Palermo was pictured in this winning combination, made up of a floral print tulip skirt from Zara, forest green colour-blocked cardigan, statement fringed necklace and purple silk Giuseppe Zanotti cap-toe pumps.
Nicky Hilton picked out a multicoloured floral digi-print dress by Topshop, worn with strappy black Jimmy Choo sandals and a Proenza Schouler bag.
Emma Watson graced Coachella with her cuteness in a tiger print Mulberry romper, accented by a gold belt, black cardi and tan floppy hat. She carries a Mulberry sling bag and wears beige Alaia sandals.
90210's Gillian Zinser mixes rock chic with rose print in a red Blu Moon dress with high-low hemline. She contrasted the feminine look with a black leather biker and ankle boots.


Savvy Chic

Emily Blunt looked graceful in a strapless Jason Wu dress with flair skirt; the bodice adorned with apple green embroidery. Emily styled it up with a matching pair of green Alice + Olivia pumps, black belt and black Valentino clutch.
Nicole Richie takes all-black to a new level in a laser-cut Winter Kate top, Helmut Lang leather leggings and suede heels by House of Harlow.
Mena Suvari was dolled up in a cherry red and black embroidered lace dress by Tadashi Shoji, worn with Brian Atwood 'Contessa' sandals.
Scarlett Johansson walked 'The Avengers' red carpet in an engaging black Nina Ricci dress, with 3D ribbon & lace detailing on the bodice. Her shoe of choice is by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Glitzy

Kim Kardashian caught my eye in this textured metallic strapless silver dress, with high waist and front-slit, which is by Catherine Malandrino. Love the pop of neon pink brought in with the pointy-toe Casadei pumps.
Irina Shayk dazzled in a silver and gold heavily embellished Carlos Miele mini, paired with Christian Louboutin peep-toe sandals.
Camilla Belle looked polished in a shimmery gold Jason Wu dress with mandarin collar and keyhole cut-out neckline. Her heels are by Sergio Rossi.

Red & White

Cobie Smulders set the cameras alight in an exquisite Alexandra Vidal dress in vivid red. The long-sleeved long features a cut-out neckline and full mermaid skirt with ruffled hem. 
Australian singer Delta Goodrem was a picture of elegance in a white Grecian-inspired off-the-shoulder Ralph Lauren gown with chain belt.
Elizabeth Olsen looked radiant in a vermillion red Valentino gown with sheer long sleeves and a tiered skirt. She opted for a black case by The Row in place of a clutch.
Leelee Sobieski displays the beauty in simplicity by wearing a pristine white Jil Sander short-sleeved dress with voluminous skirt.

Friday Frills

I hope that I will always be for each person 
what he or she needs me to be.

I hope that my love for those whom I like will never lessen 
my love for those whom I do not.


I hope that another person's love for me will never 
be a measure of my love for him or her.


I hope that everybody will accept me as I am, 
but that I never will.


I hope that I will always ask for forgiveness from others...

but will never need to be asked for my own.


I hope that I will always recognize my limitations, 
but that I will construct none. 


I hope that loving will always be my goal,
 but that love will never be my idol.


I hope that everyone will always have hope. 

Henry Nouwen

Vogue Sets The Trends For Spring 2012

Zooming in on some significant trends for this Spring, Vogue has artfully brought together the year's biggest models and designer threads for an editorial called 'Eternal Optimism'. 
Your Spring 2012 style inspiration starts here...  

Rose Tinted
An affiliation of sexy cut-outs and softly shaded pink. From left: Frida Gustavsson wears a pretty floral print Nina Ricci dress with scooped out back. Caroline Trentini dons a silky blush pink Calvin Klein slip dress and Karlie Kloss is enchanting in a rose-hued Alexander McQueen ensemble with key-hole cut-out top and ruffled skirt.

"Open Minded"

A modern focus on delicate and traditionally crafted fabrics. From left: A powder blue Dolce & Gabbana dress suit adorned with floral appliqués. Caroline is seated in a turquoise cropped leather jacket with ivory pencil skirt by Marc Jacobs. The Prada domination continues with Karlie in an ice blue lace coat and bandeau top, worn with a red pleated eyelet skirt. Jourdan Dunn is ladylike in a sky blue lace A-line Valentino dress.

"On Notice"
Vibrant and graphic prints meet with flashes of vivid red. From left: A red and white canvas print Miu Miu coat with tie-up velvet bow and pointy-toe mules. Aymeline Valade wears a geometric floral print dress with cut-out back by Marni. A radiant crimson red silk gazar dress with voluminous bow-draped skirt by Dior.



"Pure Motives"
White takes on a more romantic feel for Spring 2012. From left: Aymeline wears an innovative blocked and textured Fendi dress. Jourdann is beautiful in a dainty lace embroidered Oscar de la Renta frock. Caroline holds onto her cloche in a crisp white Ralph Lauren dress with box-pleated skirt. The longer-length slip/underskirt is a recurrent feature throughout the shoot.

Lightness
Wispy dresses in airy shades as light as a Summer breeze. From left: A gauzy ivory embroidered Philosophy dress with square hem. A whimsical look by Louis Vuitton with textural 3D floral motifs. Frida wears a diaphanous, café au lait coloured Rochas trench coat with floaty dress underneath. A sand shaded Chanel suit reminds one of days on the beach.

"Upward Mobility"
It's all about interesting shapes and structure this season. From left: Frida is 'caped' under a printed trapeze coat by Yves Saint Laurent. Karlie is modish in a black and mint Balenciaga dress with linear design and structured metallic skirt. A chic black Jil Sander knit dress worn over a collared white shirt and slip.

*Photographs and titles courtesy of Vogue.com

Declarations of a Drama Queen

"When life makes you have to put up with mean and hateful people, just think of them as sandpaper. They may scratch you and rub you the wrong way time and time again...But eventually, you end up smooth and polished. But the sandpaper, it’s just going to be worn out and useless."

Don't let the criticism of others bring you down. Instead use their harsh words to build yourself up. In the end, you will become stronger, braver and wiser. And they will be left with nothing more to harm you with.

*Adapted by me from Fighting Temptations

Tuesday Thrills - West Coast Wardrobe

With Coachella fever running high, West Coast Wardrobe is the ideal brand to inspire your own sun-kissed desert doll look, in ode to one of the world's most famous music and arts festivals. Taking heed of the laid back, bohemian chic approach of this Californian carnival, West Coast Wardrobe offer pieces that are fun, easy-to-war and playful, while keeping in tune with the latest trends. The line is not just limited to charming casual wear, but also caters to your sophisticated side. Not to mention their splendid collection of accessories guaranteed to jazz up any outfit. 

1. Compleat Colour Block skirt. $32

2. Love Games Sweater in red. $38

3. Banged up Bandage bustier in yellow. $28  Holiday in the Sun striped skirt. $29

4. Rio de Janeiro ruffled shorts. $38

5. Colour Block Trapeze Tank. $28

6. English Garden floral pleated skirt. $30 

7. Lucky Strike black and white blazer. $42

8. Swing dress in scarlet. $45

Adorable and affordable, you can shop the entire West Coast Wardrobe collection on Boutique to You. They do ship internationally, for a flat rate of $49.95. I have my eye on the Lucky Strike Blazer, what about you?


Happy Shopping!

Celebrities Style Up in Stella McCartney

Red Carpet Fashion
'My Valentine' Video Premiere

A string of celebrities shared their support for designer Stella McCartney and her famous dad Sir Paul McCartney, at the premiere of his new self-directed video, 'My Valentine'. Naturally, all the exclusive guests wore outfits by Stella, some a hit and few a miss. It's interesting to see how different stars wear the same designer. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Singer Gwen Stefani struck a pose in a sexy cut-out top with sheer neckline, back and sleeves. She daringly paired it with a black skinny pants featuring sheer side-panels. Black pointy-toe Louboutins complete her look. Reese Witherspoon was elegant in a black sheath dress with floral eyelet cut-outs on the sleeves and hemline. Her heels are by Manolo Blahnik. Supermodel Miranda Kerr turned up the heat in a foxy black Stella McCartney number with mesh swirl inserts and a tulip skirt.

Ginnifer Goodwin looked retro-cute in a finely printed long-sleeved dress with burgundy collar, black cuffs and a double wrapped tan belt. She brought in a bit of blue with a Stella McCartney clutch bag and wore wooden soled platforms. Rumer Willis selected a duo print maxi dress with mesh cut-outs, from McCartney's Spring 2012 line. She oddly threw over a black cardigan. Liberty Ross also opted for a duo print dress, hers in a shade of deep red, with white mesh inserts. She added a pair of black Sam Edelman ankle boots.

Gwyneth Paltrow went for a more casual look in a pair of grey wash skinny jeans, white shirt, gold box clutch and black tailored blazer, worn with white soled black ankle boots. Zooey Deschanel looked lovely in a black and white strapless lace dress adorned with a large black satin bow. Token pair of black tights and platform heels polished off her look. Stella herself took a minimalist approach in a black crew-neck top with extra-long trousers.

Kristen Stewart made an appearance looking quite office-y in a royal blue A-line skirt, white blouse, black blazer and flat loafers. Amy Smart donned a pretty cream bow-specked blouse with a pair of cobalt blue skinnies. Her printed clutch and sandals are also by McCartney. Jordana Brewster picked out a two-tone navy and royal blue SS12 dress with embroidered trim, matched with a blue clutch and ankle-strap heels, all by McCartney. Something about this look says 'nightdress'. Glee's Jayma Mays brightened up a simple black shift dress with a pair of neon yellow sandals and a electric blue trimmed clutch.

My favourite Stella McCartney ensemble is worn by Gwen Stefani, she pulls this look off with charisma and confidence. I also liked Jayma Mays' clever use of accessories. My least favourite is Rumer Willis, that cardi killed the dress. What are your thoughts?

Looks of the Week - 14/04/12

The weekly round-up of celebrity style

Posed with Poise

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes brings back the monotone pants suit, dressed up in a royal purple ensemble by Rachel Roy. The cut-out tunic is clinched in with a wide black waistband.

Jessica Alba shows us that a little black dress needn't be bland and predictable. She added a spark of panache to her tiered Giambattista Valli frock with a pair of yellow, white and black Prismick sandals by Roger Vivier.

Emily Blunt was polished in a navy blue and black horizontally striped Carolina Herrera dress with sheer hem and half sleeves. Black Louboutin peep-toes complete her look.

Reality star Audrina Patridge faultlessly mixes red with pink, wearing a slender fit and long-sleeved Thatcher mini, brightly accompanied by neon pink Jimmy Choo shoes and an oversized magenta Phlox clutch.

Emma Roberts uses a glittery black Joe's Jean jacket to liven up a simple white tee and black trousers. Brian Atwood pumps fit her feet.

Street Chic

Jessica Alba does not fail to impress with her chic street style yet again. She casually slings a black blazer over a floral dress, black tights and worn out boots, upping the cool factor with a black fedora and Tory Burch sunglasses.

Kate Bosworth isn't afraid to experiment with different styles. She pairs a grey gym sweater with a wispy mint green pleated skirt and a silver JewelMint bag. She added a sporty element with suede high tops by Isabel Marant that stand out with their colourful straps.

Alexa Chung covers up in a classy navy blue duffle coat with large pockets, worn over a collared dress, tights and flat brown moccasins. 

Kristin Cavallari's breezy Spring style includes a floaty white maxi dress, accented with a leopard print belt, and worn under a light wash cropped denim Levi's jacket. She carries a tan Foley & Corinna sling bag and strides in Havaianas.

Evening Elegance

Victoria's Secret model Erin Heatherton donned a yellow chiffon Carolina Hererra spaghetti strap gown with interestingly embroidered grey and black printed inserts.

Lake Bell is my favourite 'look of the week'. The brunette actress was gorgeous in a mint green chiffon Marchesa gown with gold embellished detailing on the strapless bodice.

We've seen Brooklyn Decker's style develop over the past few weeks. On this occasion, the 'Battleship' actress opted for a more edgy evening gown, by J.Mendel. It features a fitted black mermaid skirt, black and white triangular cut-out bodice and dissonant shiny gold sleeves.

Coco Rocha looked fit for a fairy tale in a spectacular apple mint Zac Posen gown, with sheer winged cap sleeves and a beautifully embroidered tulle train.