Friday Frills

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to let ever us down, probably will. 
You will have your heart broken and you too may break a few hearts. You will learn that being your own best friend is far more rewarding than being your own worst enemy. You will realise that some things are worth fighting for and others are better left alone. You will say things you didn't mean, make mistakes and lament over how fast time is passing by. So take too many pictures, laugh a lot, apologize willingly, forgive freely, do what you love and love like you've never been hurt. Tell someone what they mean to you, dance in the pouring rain, speak your mind, comfort a friend, listen more, complain less, stay up late, fall asleep watching the sunrise, eat more ice cream, be fearless, worry less and smile more. You get what you give, so give the world the best you have to offer. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith, learn to find the beauty in everything and let go of the things you cannot change. 
Appreciate the past, plan for the future and relish in the present, after all, it is a 'Gift'.

*I rewrote this from the original first few lines. Image found via Tumblr

Pop Your Collar

The Collar Neck Wear Trend

The gold Cleopatra collar necklace has become a phenomena in the accessories department over the past two years, and from it stemmed a whole new genre of jewellery. Models to celebrities and bloggers alike, we have seen collar and bib necklaces in every shape, colour and style. With so many options available, it is the easiest way to add instant glamour and flair to any outfit. This trend continues to thrive even as the seasons change. Here some statement making neck pieces, budget and designer, to introduce to your Fall wardrobe. 

Metallics

1. Dannijo 'Hilde' crystal covered Peter Pan collar in shades of bronze, pewter & gold. $745
2. Silver tribal styled geometric cut-out piece by Dorothyperkins.com £14
3. 'Lyn' metal necklace with tiered leaf design. Aldo, $25
4. Crystal tipped collar in rose gold from Asos. $25.55
5. Fully sequined gilded Peter Pan collar from Topshop. £14
6. Belle Noel gold plated multi-strand and beaded collar necklace. $190 from endless.com
7. Gold tone Cleopatra neck collar from International Concepts, via Macys.com. $30
8. Rounded multi-chain and draped collar necklace from Asos.com. $20.44
9. Orlay Genger by Jaclyn Mayer statement neck piece, hand crafted in twisted velvet rope, suede and black metal chain. $336 online via glam-net.com
10. Spiked rhinestone encrusted collar from JuicyCouture.com $148
11. Stainless steel 'Polli' collar in a delicate Danish lace and velvet ribbon design. £84 from hannahzakari.co.uk
12. Sparkly crystal Peter Pan collar perfect for a glam night out from MissSelfridge.com £17


Celebrity Inspired Metallic Collars

Troian Bellisario, Abbie Cornish & Kendall Jenner wear embellished collars for a glittering evening look, while Jessica Alba & Cobie Smulders keep things simply elite with gold and silver toned Cleopatra collars. Leighton Meester goes tribal with mosaics, Alicia Keys points to a bold angular style & Holland Roden pretties her look with a crystal Dannijo Peter Pan collar.

Colourful

1. Blue and green gemstone studded crystal bees necklace from Zara. $30

2. Prettily painted enamel plate bib with turquoise hanging beads. Noir Hacienda via endless.com. $210

3. A dazzling prismatic neck adornment by Dannijo. This Swarovski covered 'Galapagos' collar is priced at $995. Dannijo.com

4. Multi-coloured tribal inspired Shiko necklace from Fiona Paxton's 'African Sushi' collection. $338 online via endless.com

5. 'Grace' silver linked chain, embellished with neon stones, $300 from Baublebar.com

6. Luminous layered yellow 'Mulholl and Drive' necklace by Kate Spade. $278 via endless.com

7. Inspired by the more expensive Dannijo design, this vividly coloured crystal beaded collar is by Boho for $11.99, available from Gofavor.com

8. 'Princess Pink' & yellow bib that stuns with gleaming neon stones. $85 from Baublebar.com

9. 'Sunset Chandelier' neckpiece in varying shades of orange. $28 from Baublebar.com 

10. Ropes and coloured red stones add drama to this striking Zara collar. $30

11. Geometric mosaic neck piece in contrasting jewel tones. $35.95 from Modtoast.

12. A colourful floral bouquet is set upon this enamel 'Darling Buds' bib from Asos. $51 

Celebrity Inspired Colourful Collars

Olivia Palermo's multi-hued bejewelled bib makes a eye-catching style statement. Carly Rae Jepson, Lily Collins and Indian beauty Lisa Ray accessorize their outfits with vivid neon neck pieces. Sophia Bush and Emma Stone add a coil of turquoise around their necks and supermodel Anja Rubik takes the trend up a notch with a diamond and emerald Chopard collar. Miroslava Duma adds even more colour to her printed look with a tiered Dannijo bib necklace.

Have you tried out the collar trend yet? Which do you prefer, the metallics or brights?

Karla Spetic - A Pop HeArt Fall 2012

Pop Art has navigated its way from gallery walls and comic strips onto the skirts, shirts and dresses of Karla Spetic's Fall 2012 collection. The Australian designer takes an unconventional and tongue-in-cheek approach to the cooler season with her blithe designs, inspired by the 60's art works of Roy Lichtenstein.  Aptly named 'Heart', the collection was released to an Australian audience, but its mass appeal and quirkiness has transcended borders. 

A bold palette of contrasting colours are washed across this whimsical range - powder blue, acid yellow, dove grey and cherry red. Silhouettes find their foundation in the flirty 50's, while the chic cuts and detailing linger on modern times. We are presented with flaired A-line skirts in sheer organza, boxy military coats, the unexpected overall, chunky knit neons and stripes, cut-out shoulders and retro comic print frocks, all flavoured with the allure of leopard print and a bag full of charm. Karla takes her effervescent range one step further by animating high heels with quirky cartoon sketches. The looks are also styled with brogues, a defined cat-eye and side swept bed head hair. 

Whist this collection may not be everyone's cup of fashion tea, I love that it is infused with imagination, bold expression and a very good sense of humour.

Cute or Kitsch? What are your thoughts on Karla Spetic's Fall 2012 'Heart' range?


*All photos found via Karlaspetic.com

Who Wore Georges Chakra Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Georges Chakra Spring 2012 Dress

On this fashionably Blue Monday we have a battle between two stunning singers-turned-talent-show-judges. We just saw Jennifer Lopez steam up Las Vegas in a fitted blue dress from Lebanese designer Georges Chakra's Edition Spring 2012 line. However just days before, songstress Nicole Scherzinger wore the same dress in a promotional shot for her new role as judge on 'The X-Factor UK'. Which of these dazzling divas wears this cobalt blue dress best?

Jennifer Lopez gained publicity for her world tour at Pure Nightclub, Caeser's Palace in Las Vegas on 19 August 2012. The Latina beauty wore this electric blue strapless crepe mini dress with snakeskin peep toe heels by Christian Louboutin. She carried a matching clutch bag and kept her hair in a wavy half-upstyle.

Nicole Scherzinger showed off her svelte figure in the Edition by Georges Chakra dress on a poster promoting the new season of The UK's X Factor TV series. The dress features rows of horizontal white stripes on the bodice and on the back of the skirt. Nicole put on a pair of nude satin ankle strap platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti. She styled her hair slick and straight.

The model wears the cobalt blue figure-hugging dress with strappy colour blocked heels and a selection of well-coordinated blue and white bangles.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', both singing sirens allured in the foxy blue dress, but my favourite pick is the Chakra model, I loved the styling of the pink heeled sandals and matching striped arm candy. What are your thoughts?

Looks of the Week - 25/08/12

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

Pop Goes The World

Kendall Jenner gives us a kaleidoscopic cute look with a turquoise Rag & Bone cotton blend blazer, a printed Versace blouse and pink tweed shorts by Zara. Her playful outfit was teamed with bubblegum pink patent leather wedges by Vera Wang Lavender.

Ashley Tisdale submits to summer in a colourful tropical butterfly print playsuit by Motel Rita. She styled it with tan Steve Madden sandals, a Louis Vuitton backpack and Raybans.

Jessica Alba is on our 'street chic it list' once again, wearing a cobalt blue skinny jeans with black side panels by Current/Elliott. My favourite part of her look is the floral printed Stylestalker blazer and black mesh Prada sandals.

Mena Suvari was snapped on the streets of LA in pretty and floaty coral pleated skirt, simply paired with a white tee and flat sandals.

Syrup & Honey

Bella Thorne plays it sweet in an airy vanilla cream lace dress by BCBG Max Azria, clasped by a bejeweled belt. I find her BCBG animal print ankle boots out of place with this girly look.

Jordana Brewster looked peachy in a silky sleeveless top with gold flecked jacquard print pencil skirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Her grey triple strap heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Caroline Sunshine is slowly but surely gaining interest on the style front. She is pictured here in an endearing pastel pink cap-sleeved sequined ombré dress by Topshop. The teen starlet opted for studded white pointy toe pumps.

Giuliana Rancic looked lovely in a drape pleated mini by Turkish designer Cengiz Abazoglu. Her all nude accessories included a leather clutch and pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Out Of The Blue

Jennifer Lopez showed off her curves in a sultry marine blue Edition by Georges Chakra dress, with white striped design on the bodice. Louboutin peep-toes were her choice of heel.
Olivia Munn was out on a publicity run in New York City looking chic in a midnight blue Raquel Allegra cotton and voile pleated dress with racer-back. Wooden platforms complete her look.
Kirsten Dunst made an energetic appearance on the red carpet in a sapphire blue maxi gown with wrap over buttoned and belted bodice by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Jessica Chastain exhibited sophistication in a teal blue Yves Saint Laurent dress with A-line skirt. The colour compliments her hair colour and skin tone beautifully. A pair of nude YSL pumps were added to her look.
Jamie Chung tried out the cut-out trend in a cobalt blue Cushnie Et Ochs dress, which sits wonderfully on her tiny frame. I am style stalking those cream cap toed pumps by Zara.

Rock And Rollicking 

Nicole Richie picked out in an intriguing laser-cut leather skirt from her own collection, Winter Kate. She dressed it up with a black Thierry Mugler jersey knit blouse, orange quilted Chanel clutch and nude Jimmy Choo heels.

Nina Dobrev is a knockout in a fitted strapless Guishem by Guillermo graphic print black and white mini with contrast side panels. Nina walked in tasseled black platforms by Rachel Zoe.

Lucy Hale launched her custom designed collection for Bongo, wearing a winsome look from the label - It included a black crinkle lace camisole, high-low striped skirt with large rose motif and studded belt. Red suede heels by Kurt Geiger accompanied her outfit.

Cranberry & Coral

Sophia Bush proves that simplicity is often the best option, in an electric orange Olcay Gulsen halter-neck gown, styled with gold jewellery and a metallic Judith Leiber clutch.
Ashley Greene and Donna Karan are a match made in fashion heaven. The Twilight actress stunned in a vivid fuchsia gown with strapless draped bodice and gathered skirt that revealed a high side split. Nude patent Jimmy Choo heels complete her ravishing look.
Jaime King lured cameras in a sexy coral silk dress with daring cut-out sides. Strappy black sandals & embellished clutch bag were added to her outfit, all of which are by Jason Wu.
Maria Sharapova displays her incredible style off the court in a cranberry red laser-cut leather long-sleeved Valentino dress, worn with glittery Christian Louboutin 'Pigalle' pumps.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Allow yourself to dream...and when you do, dream big

.



Allow yourself to laugh...
and when you do, share your laughter

.

Allow yourself to cry...and when you do, let it be the solace to your sadness.

Allow yourself to be determined
...and when you do, you will find success.


Allow yourself to set goals...
and when you do, reward yourself as you move forward

.

Allow yourself to believe in yourself
...and when you do, you will find self confidence.



Allow yourself to lend a helping hand...
and when you do, a hand will help you.



Allow yourself relaxation...
and when you do, you will find new ideas.



Allow yourself to learn...
and when you do, learn all you can.

Allow yourself love
...and when you do, you will find love in return.



Allow yourself to be happy...and when you do, you will influence others around you.



Allow yourself to be positive
...and when you do, life will get easier.

*Adapted poem by C.Pulsifer. Image via weheartit.com

The September Issues 2012

'The September Issue', as we have learnt from the movie of the same name, is the most pivotal edition in a magazine's year. It's a change of season, advertising is at its peak before the holidays and new beauty and makeup lines are being released. Therefore editors try to get maximum exposure with covers that are dynamic, topical and trendy. Here are some of the most striking September Issues for 2012 from the world's biggest magazines. 
Warning : Image overload ahead.

Stunning model turned actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dons a floral cherub print playsuit by Dolce & Gabbana for her stint on the cover of Elle UK.

Vogue Japan goes dark and edgy with Karlie Kloss wearing a gunmetal grey mesh dress and black leather belt by Yves Saint Laurent.

Supermodel Constance Jablonski covers Harper's Bazaar Australia in a shimmery purple look with whimsical hat from Louis Vuitton's Fall 2012 collection.

Coincidence or copy crime: Both the Spanish versions of Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire feature the same black and gold embroidered sheer corset bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana. Left: US Model Guinevere van Seenus and right is Belgium's Delphine Bafort for Marie Claire.

These two magazines will probably rank in the highest sales because of their iconic cover girls. Victoria Beckham makes a splash as guest editor in Glamour USA, while Lady Gaga makes a fresh-faced and rather understated (for Gaga standards) appearance on the highly anticipated cover of Vogue. She looks almost animated in a rich magenta patchwork gown, custom designed by Marc Jacobs for the editorial.

South African beauty Candice Swanepoel turns on the heat in a deep plum tulle and floral appliqué gown by Gucci for Numéro Tokyo. 

Making a double impact in this radiant long-sleeved red embroidered dress by Christian Dior is Bella Heathcote for Vogue Australia, and actress Milla Jovovich for Tatler Russia. I think that Bella's beautiful display on Vogue Oz has become my favourite pick of the month.

Katy Petty strikes a pose in pink for Elle Magazine USA, looking pretty in a dusky mink and glitter embellished Bottega Veneta dress. 

Both Vogue España & Marie Claire China picked out an orange infused geometric print dress from Prada's Fall 2012 collection for their covers. Spain placed Belarusian belle Maryna Linchuk on their cover, while China put actress Cecelia Pak-Chi Cheung in the spotlight.

Vogue Paris took a unique route for their September 2012 issue, channeling the supermodel powers of three legendary ladies - Kate Moss, Lara Stone and Daria Werbowy. All of the renowned catwalk queens wear the same black sheer dress by Dolce & Gabbana. My favourite here is Lara (top left).

English Rose Keira Knightley makes a welcomed cover comeback, for Harper's Bazaar UK, commanding attention with a smouldering stare in a feathered coat by Chanel. This is my second favourite cover for September 2012. Love the burgundy rose colour, font & layout.

Fashion's current most famous face, Karlie Kloss graces Vogue UK in a multi-hued silk digi-print menswear inspired look from Jonathan Saunders Fall 2012 range. Her shirt could not be seen on its own on the runway.

Our favourite damsel in distress, The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev suits up in a navy and white belted geometric print coat and trousers for her feature on Canada's Fashion magazine. This look is from Prada's very popular Fall 2012 collection.

Jennifer Lopez adorns the cover of Instyle Magazine USA, wearing a scarlet red and black lace insert slip dress by Givenchy. I am least thrilled by this cover.

Prior to her shocking short blonde emo crop, Miley Cyrus made a demure appearance for Marie Claire USA in an ecru satin embellished look from Christian Dior's Fall 2012 range.

And finally, making an impression with not one but six cover girls, Vogue China presents two versions for September 2012. From left: Xiao Wen Ju dons a blue Miu Miu suit, while Liu Wen and Lindsay Wixon both wear masculine looks from Prada's Fall range. Then we see a host of Louis Vuitton ensembles, worn by Marie Piovesan, Daria Strokous & Tian Li.

If all these September 2012 Issues were on the same magazine stand, which one would you buy first and which would you rather borrow?

Clover Canyon Fall Collection 2012

If you have never experimented with prints before, like myself, this season would be the ideal time to start. From recent runway inspiration, prints are slowly taking over, finding a place on the rails of department stores and with labels like Clover Canyon. Their Fall 2012 collection precipitates a torrent of creative & fascinating prints, all in accord with one of the season's most significant trends. The Californian brand's intrepid & graphic designs are not for fashion's faint-hearted, they are boldly eye-catching and command attention from head to toe. 

Bodycon dresses, flowy tunics, primly buttoned shirts, tailored blazers and chicly cut pants have all been painted on with a pastiche of colours and innovative prints. The label sights its inspiration from classic and contemporary art, with each piece individually hand cut and sewn. Clover Canyon's unique and floridly patterned Fall range has been designed with a masculine-feminine theme in mind, the artistic details is a manifestation of trailblazing style in motion.

Sophisticated and fashion forward, one can embrace this shift towards prints with a single skirt or shirt or you could push all style parameters by opting for a fully printed suit. 

Are you overwhelmed by this inundation of printed pieces, 
Or is this a trend you could warm up to?

*All images belong to Clovercanyon.com

Looks of the Week - 18/08/12

The weekly roundup of celebrity style on and off the red carpet. 
This was a great week for Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale who went across the Atlantic to promote their over-publicized new movie, 'Total Recall'.

Pretty in Pink

Nikki Reed was delightful in a cerise pink Loft mini dress, which she contrasted with a slick black leather jacket, rounded clutch and ankle-strap sandals.

Jennie Garth, who hasn't a spot on LOTW before, looked lovely and vibrant in a Loft bubblegum pink and coral colourblock chiffon dress, accented by a neon yellow collar and belt. Jennie's look was completed by nude sandals.

Shay Mitchell looked ultra chic and trendy in a shocking pink satin Rebecca Minkoff blazer, worn over a white tshirt and glossy leather shorts, also by Rebecca Minkoff. She finalized her outfit with a colourful statement necklace and cream Armani heels.

Snapped in Style

Mollie King oozed vintage charm while out shopping in Los Angeles. 'The Saturdays' singer (who I always seem to confuse with Sienna Miller), wore a sandy beige and white collared shirt dress by Oasis, clinched in by a braided belt and further accessorized with brown strappy Ralph Lauren sandals and an orange MCM tote bag.
Jessica Biel went upscale and high-styled on the streets of London, refined in a romantic ivory lace jumpsuit by Valentino. Jessica added her own colour twist with a pair of vivid orange pumps and carried a Fendi baguette bag.
Vanessa Hudgens displayed her bohemian chic style at a music festival this week. The 'Spring Breakers' actress looked adorable in a white crochet tribal fringe tunic dress by Nightcap, paired with black tights, cowboy boots and a wide-brim fedora by Free People.

Summer Brights

'Modern Family' actress Ariel Winter brought out a bold blue Jay Godfrey halter-neck dress to an LA event, cutely paired with multi-coloured 'Hayden' heeled sandals by ASOS. 

Kate Beckinsale tries out the neon trend in a jazzy acid green jacquard print dress by Preen, worn with white pointy toe Walter Steiger heels and her never failing sunnies.

Miranda Kerr took her fashionable style back home to Australia, looking pretty in a tropical print Lisa Ho mini dress, which she teamed with black Manolo Blahnik heels.

Kate Beckinsale once again goes for brights in this sweet two-tone ensemble consisting of an H&M coral top and turquoise Diane von Furstenburg pencil skirt. Her spiked nude shoes are Christian Louboutin.

Return of the Red Dress

We recently saw a surge of red dresses in celebsville and it seems this is a trend that will hold its ground for some time to come.
Eva Longoria looked dashing while out in LA in a crimson red v-neck ASOS pencil dress, which she matched with a pair of Charlotte Olympia 'Dolly' platform pumps.
Ariel Winter once again impresses with her flirty and enthusiastic style, in a cherry red and purple draped Jay Godfrey dress with frilled hem, paired with nude platform pumps.
Jordin Sparks showed off her svelte new figure in a fiery red peplum dress by Alice + Olivia. Like Eva, Jordin opted to match her dress with her shoes, in heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
'Jane by Design' actress, India de Beaufort was elegant in a ruby red vintage dress, with longer hemline. India added aqua blue hoops and sparkly Jimmy Choo sandals to her outfit.


Total Fashion Recall

Jessica Biel looked resplendent in this frothy white frock by Giambattista Valli, which she wore to the the London premiere of her movie. The dress features a sheer sleeved shirt, feathered peplum and floral embellished pencil skirt. Jessica added a pair of on-trend neon 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin. 
At yet another premiere for her new movie (this time in Germany), Jessica dazzled in a fully beaded black halter neck gown by Elie Saab. 
Kate Beckinsale also thrilled in Germany, looking utterly graceful in a cream and gold long-sleeved, rose swirl printed gown with v-neck by Naeem Khan. 
Kate went for black swankiness in London, donning an exquisite strapless gown with giant waist bow and glittery detailing by Donna Karan. Her pumps are by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

P.S. I am off for the long weekend, so I will catch up with you again on Tuesday. 
Ciao for now!

Friday Frills

After a while you learn the subtle difference 

Between holding a hand and chaining a soul. 

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning, 

And company doesn't mean security. 

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts

And presents aren't promises. 

You begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, 

With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child. 

And you learn to build all your roads on today 

Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for your plans. 

After a while you learn that even sunshine 

Burns if you have too much. 

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul 

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. 

And you will learn that you really can endure 

More than you ever thought you could. 

That you really are special 

And that you really do have the grandest worth. 

So live to learn and know yourself 

And in doing so, you will learn to live.

*Poem by Veronica Shoftshall, with adaptions. Image via weheartit

Fall Shoes by Alexander McQueen 2012

Alexander McQueen
Fall/Winter Shoe Collection 2012-13

Whoever said that shoes had to be practical and actually wearable, obviously did not see the supermodels strutting down Alexander McQueen's Fall 2012 runway in those outlandish heels. Or should I say - no heels? Some of the unconventional pairs on show had no heels at all, but instead featured a curved metal 'horse shoe' sole. One would need to take a class to walk in them, I presume.

We can't deny the creative brilliance and virtuosity that Sarah Burton has harnessed when constructing these phantasmic pieces of shoe art. Ostrich feathers, shaggy fur, ruffles and rosettes, leather and suede all play a role in making this shoe collection one that surpasses anything we have ever seen before. In this fashion realm at least. 

The Fall/Winter 2012 shoe collection has been toned down from the ostentatious looks displayed on the runway, to a more - dare I say it 'sensible' range. The uber sexy sky-scraping ankle boots and nude shaded sandals will harmoniously fit in with a voguish winter wardrobe. However the sharply sculpted, frilled and fur-covered pairs may only find its place in the closets of the Lady Gaga's and Rihanna's of the world. Whatever your fancy, this collection does makes for captivating viewing.

I would secretly love to try on the pastel pink or red ruffled organza pair. 
I don't think I would get very far in it though. 
Are there any of these fanciful McQueen pairs that you would like to try on too?