The Burgundy Dress Trend

Trendspotting
Burgundy Dresses

Burgundy or bordeaux, wine red or rust, merlot or maroon, oxblood or firebrick - there are countless variations on this rich deep red shade that has cast a captivating spell on the fashion world. What began on the Fall 2012 runways of top designers Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Alexander Wang and Gucci has trickled over into Hollywood and chain stores around the rest of the world. So fasten your seat belts, this red hot trend is raging ahead, with no signs of slowing down.

Runway Inspiration

 With so many unique takes on the burgundy dress, there is a style to fit any taste. Haider Akermann showed off chunky wrapped knits, L'Wren Scott brought in the element of velvet deluxe and Isabel Marant kept it cowgirl. Minimilism and oversized was seen at Chloe & Roksanda Ilincic, while Nanette Lepore and Nina Ricci feminized the look with ruffles & lace.

Diane von Furstenburg added her signature wrapped effect to the trend, Herve Leger and Bottega Veneta went strong shouldered and leather bound. Simplicity reigned at Alexander Wang and Christian Siriano, and DKNY focused on cozy textures. Peter Som played the peplum card, Gucci brought in the glamour, while Versus & J Mendel stayed youthful & sexy.

Celebrity Burgundy Style

Emmy Rossum wears a simply sweet street style version of the maroon dress.
Malin Akerman added structure in an Alexx Jae and Milk dress, with black Prada heels.
Emily Blunt contoured the look in a fitted Roland Mouret 'Galaxy' dress.
Emmanuelle Chriqui interpreted the burgundy trend with a chic leather dress.
Krysten Ritter warms it up in a Robert Rodriguez coat dress with wide black belt.

Emma Watson tried on an edgier aubergine Cushnie Et Ochs cut-out dress.

Olga Kurylenko kept it ladylike in a Nina Ricci burgundy lace dress.

Blake Lively glimmers in a sequined merlot Gucci dress.

Alexa Chung adds her spin to the trend in a leather Versus skirt with knitted polo neck top.

Diane Kruger opted for a strappy lace-up Versus tennis dress with pleated skirt.

Elettra Wiedemann adds some colourfully fun styling to her wine draped Rachel Roy dress.


Get With The Trend

A colour that looks good on anyone, there are so many affordable and engaging options out now in stores, which makes this trend an easily accessible one.

1. Fitted dress with pleated detailing and asymmetrical neckline. $59 Dorothy Perkins
2. Sangria shaded skater lace dress with box pleats and mid-length sleeves. $84.43 Asos
3. Te Amo cut-out peplum dress with collar £24.99 from Newlook.com
4. The ideal holiday party harness embellished dress £56 from Houseoffraser.co.uk
5. Short sleeved maroon dress with beaded collar by H&M £29.99
6. Get Blake Lively's look with this bordeaux sequin peplum dress $130 Topshop US
7. A more classic style puff sleeve sheath dress $79.90 by Zara
8. A vintage inspired frock with pretty frilled lace sleeves. £30 Awear.com

Have you found your perfect little burgundy dress yet?

Being Baroque - In Editorial

Revert back to the Renaissance with the seasons most elaborate trend - Baroque. Baffled by this latest fashion fad? Well, "How To Spend It" magazine marvelously demonstrates how to channel our inner Marie Antoinette with an exquisite editorial called 'Ornate Expressions', from their latest issue. 

A bouquet of international beauties are artfully captured by Andrew Yee and impeccably styled by Damian Foxe, with a grandiloquent backdrop of lush upholsteries, sumptuous curtains and throws, antique wall hangings and silver and gold trimmed tableware set amidst floral decadence. Made to look like antiquated oil paintings, this has to be my favourite editorial of 2012 so far.

Icelandic model Edda Oscars' floral daydreams are enriched by a pearl and crystal embroidered Balmain dress with a floral tapestry inset tacked upon the bodice. Her similarly splendid faux pearl earrings are by Oscar de la Renta.

Eleanor Hayes dons a fawn sheer tulle Valentino gown with burgundy and green floral tapestry motifs and decorative silver curlicue embroidery.

British model Sam Rollinson savours her beauty sleep on a pink and gold Regency-styled lounge bed. Her silver grey textured jacquard dress with gathered bodice, lavish ostrich feathered hem and metallic bow belt is by Alexander McQueen.

Irish lass Laura O' Grady is opulently decked in a black silk lace top and matching briefs with ornate gold Arabesque metal embroidery by Dolce & Gabbana. Her florid set of earrings and bejeweled hair piece are also by Dolce and Gabbana.

Kiera is regal in a black and gold lamé and brocade long-sleeved Lanvin shift dress, featuring a V-shaped collar insert and shoulder bands. Further enhancing the old-worlde inspired ostentation is a Swarovski encrusted tiara, a pair of gold and diamond Amrapali earrings and a crystal and brass Tom Binns necklace.

Mary Ballantyne is ornamented in a lilac grey silk off-the shoulder blouse and matching skirt garnished by intricate metallic rococo embroidery, which is by Vivienne Westwood.

English export Nina Porter refines baroque style in a floral & cherub silk print dress with neck tie & bishop frill sleeves by Dolce & Gabbana. Her black silk knee-high socks & lavishly jeweled earrings are also by the Italian label, who were arguably the first to start the trend. 

UK dame Louisa Facchino-Stack exudes extravagance in a two-tone ice grey silk brocade gown with high-low hem and whimsical fauna and flora print by Giles. Her fanciful look is topped off with a teal and pearl embellished cropped coat with fur collar by Oscar de la Renta. The colossal green gem neckpiece and matching earrings are by Lanvin.

Have you been swept away by the Baroque Trend yet?


*Images found via fashiongonerouge.com

Who Wore Christian Dior Better?

Who Wore It Better
Christian Dior Skirt and Top
Fall 2012

Three international starlets battle it out for best dressed in the same violet A-line skirt from Christian Dior's Fall 2012 collection.

Jaime King was photographed in the Dior sheer paneled skirt with waistband last week (October 2012), for an outing in LA. The 'Hart of Dixie' actress wore the same long-sleeved aubergine top and elaborate trio teardrop necklace as presented on the runway. Ballerina style pumps and a gold clutch accessorized her look.
British model Daisy Lowe untangled the original runway look in September 2012. She opted not to wear the bodycon top with the purple textured skirt, but a pale lilac tank instead. An orange printed Mulberry bag and nude peep-toe sandals completed her outfit.
Lea Seydoux was the first to wear the Dior Fall look for a movie premiere in Paris during March 2012. The French actress, like Jaime, paired her flaired over-the knee skirt with the dark purple contoured top from the runway. She added a skinny black belt and matching eggplant shaded wedge heels.

The outfit as shown by Norwegian model Siri Tollerod at the Christian Dior Fall 2012 show. The look was styled with a statement silver neck piece and aubergine ankle strap shoes.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', I find the proportions on the model Siri most appealing, the structured skirt is a better fit on her. I also admire Daisy Lowe for taking a fashion risk with the styling and truly making this look her own. What are your thoughts?

Looks of the Week - 27/10/12

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

Sunshine & Roses

Victoria Justice brightens up the week in a canary yellow mini dress with architectural one-sided peplum by Versace, paired with black pumps by the same designer.
Taylor Swift sticks to her wholesome country girl persona in a pretty yellow floral print dress with sunflower shaded cardigan and cream ankle-strap sandals.
Leigh Lazark also carries a sunny yellow flag for Versace, her rounded-neck dress features tiny leather cut-outs on the hemline, worn with a black clutch and Versace heels.
Emma Roberts was engaging in an orange and white rose print dress with strapless sweetheart neckline, which is by Stella McCartney. Emma added nude Louboutin Pigalle pumps and a Jimmy Choo clutch to her lovely look.
Amanda Seyfried wears a striking cherry red look by Prabal Gurung, boasting a nude paneled corset and drop-waist flared skirt. Her metallic peep-toe sandals are Jimmy Choo.


Different Style Definitions

Victoria Beckham proves that she is the best ambassador for her own brand, in a sophisticated white shirt with sheer sleeve and short skirt, worn with nude Manolo Blahnik for Victoria Beckham peep-toe booties and a white zip-pouch.
Anya Rubik experiments with a more masculine style in a navy blue silk printed Roberto Cavalli suit with a contrast print shirt, metallic gold bejeweled clutch and black heels.
Katy Perry's whimsical black, white and blue swan and feather print dress is by Wes Gordon, accompanied by a stunning pair of tie-up heels by Manolo Blahnik.
Mandy Moore's dashing biker girl style is complete with a chic black leather jacket, cigarette pants and matching heels, adding a bright red envelope clutch and lips for colour.
January Jones takes a laid-back approach to style in a languid blue printed pajama jumpsuit with black trims and a chain detail belt, by Rachel Zoe.

Snapped Out and About

Victoria Beckham brings back flaired end jeans in this indigo J Brand pair, which she teamed with a blue shirt, multi-tonal red and blue Carven knitted sweater top and a burgundy and white envelope clutch from her own range.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley takes on the patterned denim trend in a crimson tapestry pair by Current/Elliott, worn with a black tee, Celine chain-handle bag & blue suede boots.
Kristin Cavallari is back on the style scene, as chic as ever in a white Olcay Gulsen wrap blouse, berry shaded shorts and nude Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps. 
Bar Refaeli was voguish in a sleek Swarovski-studded black leather dress with matching biker jacket and black ankle boots, all by Versace.
Nicky Hilton's suave street look comprises of a sleeveless white blouse with black neck tie and pleated mini skirt. She also carries a Hermes Kelly bag.

Bond Girl Berenice

New Bond Girl Berenice Marlohe struck up the red carpet this week with four exceptional outfits for the release of her movie 'Skyfall'.
*For the London premiere, Berenice was ravishing in a scarlet red strapless and draped-bodice gown by Vivienne Westwood, with voluminous skirt.
*For the after party, the French beauty chose a sexy and fitted Julien MacDonald dress, with a sheer bodice adorned by leather floral appliqués. 
*Berenice wowed in Paris, wearing an exquisite gunmetal grey long-sleeved Elie Saab gown, nipped in with a belt and covered in sparkling metallic beads.
*Going more casual for a photocall, Berenice donned a winsome black feathered peplum top by Alexander McQueen, along with white trousers & black Sergio Rossi pointy-toe pumps.


Belles of the Ball

Irina Shayk oozes sensual glamour in a black embellished Roberto Cavalli halter neck gown with key-hole cut-out, accented by gleaming emerald earrings.
Julianna Hough's serene powder blue and silver beaded gown with embroidered bodice and long train is by Jenny Packham.
Looking every bit a princess, Bella Thorne enchanted in a pastel rose pink tulle gown by Sherri Hill, worn for her Quinceneara birthday event - which explains the elaborate tiara.  


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

As you travel through life, there are always those times when decisions just have to be made, 

When the choices are hard, solutions are scarce and the rain seems to soak your parade. 

There are some situations where all you can do is to simply let go and move on, 

Gather your courage together and choose a direction that carries you toward a new dawn. 

There could be adventures you never imagined just waiting around the next bend

And wishes and dreams just about to come true in ways you can't yet comprehend.

Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new interests, as you challenge your status quo.

And learn there are so many options in life, and so many more ways you can grow.

Perhaps you'll go places you never expected and see things that you've never seen, 

Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds and a few wonderful spots in between. 

Perhaps you'll find warmth, affection & caring, a "somebody special" who'll always be there 

To help you stay centered and listen with interest to the fears and feelings you share. 

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends are supportive of all that you do 

And believe that whatever decisions you make, they will be the right choices for you. 

So keep putting one foot in front of the other and take your life day by day. 

There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road, so 

Don't look back...you're not going that way! 

Poem by June Marie Johnson

Get Alexa Chung's Fall 2012 Style

Alexa Chung for Vera Moda
Fall 2012 Campaign

Model, TV presenter, contributing Vogue editor, DJ, style icon and the face of Vero Moda, British beauty Alexa Chung is multi-talented in all things fashion and PR related. She lends her style and panache to Vero Moda's Fall 2012 campaign, where sophistication comes first in an array of trend-bent looks, with a laid-back classic appeal.

Vero Moda has got you covered this season with bag loads of burgundy, military inspired coats, cozy knits, fitted pants, feminine blouses and a chic medley of black and white looks. Houndstooth makes a comeback, along with sexy pencil skirts and the must-have tailored blazer. Reasonably priced and accessible to all style appetites and age groups, Vero Moda has an abundance of elegant everyday looks to fill up your Fall closet.

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

Look 5

Look 6

Look 7

Look 8

Look 9

Look 10

Look 11

Look 12

All these outfits and more can be purchased via Veromoda.com or check online for your nearest store. Shipping is available to certain European countries, the UK and Ireland. I'd love to shop Looks 6, 8 and 12. Whats your favourite Vero Moda picks for Fall?

*All images found courtesy of Veromoda.com

The Sexiest Shoes of 2012

25 extraordinary nominees from 25 brilliant shoe designers. The votes are in and the sexiest shoe of the year goes to...none other than stiletto maestro Christian Louboutin with an ultra sexy pair of red studded 'Pigalle' pumps. The 'Sexiest Shoe of the Year' competition was held by Saks Fifth Avenue earlier this month, where shoe lovers everywhere got an opportunity to vote online for their favourite pair. 

I am sure you've seen the Top 4 high heels that reigned in the highest results. But, do you agree on them? What about the remaining equally worthy 21 pairs? 

The Winners

First Place: Christian Louboutin's Red studded Pigalle pumps
Second Place: Stuart Weitzman's burgundy patent leather stiletto pumps
Third Place: Jimmy Choo with a suede and silver sequin embellished sandal
Fourth Place: Brian Atwood over-the knee suede and studded boots.

The Rest of the Contenders 

    
The thing about shoes is that we all don't have the same taste, and we wouldn't necessarily crown the exact same pair as top of the footwear pile. 
Which pair would you personally vote as the sexiest shoe of the year?

The Little Things

Sometimes the best things in life may be the simplest but the feeling of joy they create are unmatched. These are Life's Little Pleasures, which we often overlook. Instead of focusing our energy on achieving something bigger and better, let's take the time to appreciate the little things that make us smile everyday.

There's Nothing Quite Like....

*Sleep-in Sundays

*That first sumptuous sip of coffee in the morning

*The smell of freshly baked bread

*Ice Cream on a scorching hot day

*And hot chocolate (with mini marshmallows) in front of a fireplace on a cold one

*Sitting on a swing with the wind in your hair

*Finishing a good book

*Candy Floss

*The feeling you get after doing a good, charitable deed

*Finding that perfect shade of lipstick

*Giving someone a gift you knew they really wanted

*Feel-good movies

*Being appreciated

*Finding a parking space closest to the entrance...on your first try

*Receiving a bunch of flowers when you least expect it

*Vanilla scented candles

*A hug when you really need one

*Trying something new and discovering that you really like it

*Family weekends and home cooked meals

*Girl's nights out

*Ordering your cappuccino with cream, not foam...just this one time
*Spending time with your pets, or if you have a cat - serving him or her ;)

*The adorable and very funny things that kids, nieces, nephews or little cousins say

*The Pantene perfect way your hair looks after having a great salon cut and style

*Cracking the top off a creme brûlée (a la Amelie)

*Trying on a pair of jeans in the change room...and realizing you need a smaller size.

*Rainbows after rainstorms

*The feeling of relief when you've learnt you've passed an exam

*The anticipation of watching the first episode of the new season of your favourite tv series. On my list is Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, Revenge and Once Upon a Time.

*Receiving a thoughtful letter in the post (and not an email) from a long lost friend

*The scent of an uplifting fragrance - mine would be Davidoff Cool Waters

*Staying up to watch a sunrise 

*The romance of a beautiful sunset over the ocean 

*Finding something you thought you had lost

*Hearing your favorite song on the radio while you're stuck in traffic

*Going to pay for something at the counter and discovering it's on sale
*Reading an inspiring blog post 

*Eating something sinfully delicious...without the calorie-ridden guilt

*Trying on a Cinderella worthy pair of heels...and it perfectly fits

*Receiving a great compliment and graciously accepting it

What are some of your life's little pleasures, I would love to hear it.

Looks of the Week - 20/10/12

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


Print Fixation

Brit pop star Pixie Lott look a walk on the wild side in a two-tone leopard print Dolce & Gabbana gown with matching clutch bag. 
Elle Fanning was enchanting in a romantic floral print jacquard ballgown by Rochas, with a mint green sweater casually slung over her shoulders.
Solange Knowles debuted a new sleek do along with this pretty floral & cherub print dress by Dolce & Gabbana, teamed with killer gold embellished heels.
Songstress Marina Diamandis stepped out in a mythical horse and abstract print Mary Katrantzou mini, along with silver grey glittery platforms. 
Karolina Kurkova credits her sophisticated blue and white printed suit to Roberto Cavalli, which she wore with polished silver Christian Louboutin pumps.

Colourific

We can always rely on Emma Stone's style to brighten up our day. The comedic star wears a fluoro pink frock with sheer cuffed sleeves and white collar by Valentino. The perfect finish - Salvatore Ferragamo houndstooth printed pumps.
Lauren Conrad dons a sunny yellow shade in this embroidered frock by Yoana Baraschi. Nude Aldo pumps complete her look.
Kristin Wiig looked chic in a slimline emerald green Calvin Klein dress, paired with a metallic gold box clutch and mustard Nicholas Kirkwood heels.
Upcoming actress Angela Sarafyan stole the limelight in this exquisitely draped asymmetrical suit with harem-style pants by Jean Paul Gaultier. Black accents included a leather bound belt, clutch bag and strappy Jerome C Rousseau sandals.
Glee's Jayma Mays opted for a simple cobalt blue peplum dress by Alexandra Vidal, leaving her stunning multi-hue Brian Atwood heels to do all the talking.


Trendstarters

Fearne Cotton goes incognito in all black on the streets of London, her impressive rock-ish pregnancy style includes a fur-hooded coat, oversized tee, leather leggings, a Mulberry bag and spike heel boots from her own shoe range.
Olivia Palermo mixes a few key Fall pieces including a knitted black sweater, a black and white blazer, khaki skinny pants and metallic brogues by Zara.
Kate Moss dared to wear a military inspired jumpsuit in army green, under a long velvet black coat with gold-trim belt, a croc Mulberry tote and Alaia boots.
Hayden Panettiere showed off her cute and very attainable street style in a denim Topshop shirtdress over black tights, with a tan leather belt, Coach Weslyn boots and a Mulberry bag.


Monochrome

Designer Georgina Chapman took this frothy feathered white Marchesa frock out for a spin in NYC, accented by a black bow belt, beaded clutch and Christian Louboutin Bis Un Bout pumps.

Marion Cotillard premieres a Christian Dior SS13 little black dress with grand finesse, simply styled with a red-trim clutch and two-tone pointy-toe Dior pumps.

Olivia Palermo makes another appearance this week, in an eclectic ensemble comprising of a Dalmatian print blouse worn under a Giorgio Armani jacket, with lace embroidered Tibi pencil skirt. A BCBG clutch and red flecked Manolo Blahnik heels finalize her look.

Gwyneth Paltrow showed of her svelte figure in this figure-hugging Michael Kors dress with sexy side cutouts. Gwen contrasted her LBD with white pointed pumps.

G is for Glamour

90210's Annalynne McCord looked graceful in a beautifully tailored Richard Chai evening gown in a smokey shade of grey, featuring a pleated bodice, waistband and ruby red clutch.
Coco Rocha made an entrance in a burgundy red Zac Posen gown with draped one-shouldered bodice and massive mermaid skirt.
Lea Michele went surprisingly understated (for Lea Michele standards) in a satiny flowing black Giorgio Armani gown with low-cowl neck. This dress will look ageless in photographs for years to come.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others, 

It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important, 

Only you know what is best for you. 

Don’t take for granted the things closest to your heart. 

Cling to that as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future. 

By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. 

Don’t give up when you still have something to give. 

Nothing is really over … until the moment you stop trying. 

Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect, 

It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don’t be afraid to encounter risks, 

It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. 

Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find. 

The quickest way to receive love is to give love. 

The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly, 

And the best way to keep love is to give it wings. 

Don’t dismiss your Dreams. 

To be without dreams is to be without hope. 

To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don’t run through life so fast that you forget where you’ve been, 

But also know where you’re going. 

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored every step of the way.

*Author unknown. Image found via weheartit.com

Decked Out In Dannijo Jewels

Dannijo's latest jewellery range conjures up images of exotic faraway places, tribal dances, rock concerts and glamourous nights out. The dynamic sister duo behind this exclusive accessories brand have us enraptured by their exquisite designs, unique themes, colourful gemstones and sparkling jewels. 

Swarovski laden earrings, bracelets and necklaces have been crafted with expertise and intricacy, denoting modern elegance - a place where bohemian and all that is classic collide. Each handmade piece has been forged from premier materials like oxidized silver and brass, enamel beads and iridescent crystals that beautifully catch the light.

Featured in Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and around the necks of many celebrity fans, Dannijo jewellery allows you to make a significant style statement without saying a word. 

Earrings

Bracelets

 Necklaces

       
All these enchanting pieces and more can be purchased from the Dannijo website here. These bejeweled treasures come at a steep price but check out the 'Sale' tab for some great deals. Which piece would you like in your jewellery box?


*All images belong to Dannijo.com

Jessica Alba's Biker Street Style

Always one to initiate a trend, Jessica Alba's closet staple this fall is a chic black leather biker jacket. The stunning actress takes her sophisticated styling to the streets of New York this October, being photographed in her Ralph Lauren Leather Davidson jacket on numerous occasions. Her luxurious leather coat costs a staggering €3990, and she's demonstrated many different ways of styling it with other high end designer separates. Jessica favors her Proenza Schouler sling bag, vibrant prints in trousers and skirts with tank tops and minimal accessories. Fortunately we can achieve the same look for a lot less. These are some affordable ensembles inspired by the leather biker street style of Ms Alba.

Studded leather jacket, £65/$105 at Topshop.com Electric blue bow belted trousers, £35/$56 by Mango. White French Connection tank top, £25/$40 at johnlewis.com Quilted and studded messenger bag with tassel detail, £35/$56 at riverisland.com Flat studded toe-cap ballet pumps, £28/$45 at Asos.com

Leather biker with gold hardware, £45/$72 at Mango.com Pastel bird print chiffon skirt, £15/$24 at Topshop. Fitted black tank top with sheer mesh yoke, £7.99/$13 at H&M Chain-handle crossbody bag with gold metal motif, £16/$26 at Awear.com Two-tone metallic glitter sandals, $49.95 by Lulu Townsend via dsw.com

Tailored leather look biker coat, $138 via Romwe. Floral ombre print cotton trousers, $37 from she inside.com Black sleeveless ribbon spike peplum top, £22/$35 from bankfashion.co.uk Strappy two-tone leather and double buckle heels by Guess, $85 via heels.com Gold stud mini messenger bag, $80 by Zara.

Collarless cropped leather biker jacket, £55/$88 at Topshop. Multi-tonal floral print pants with slight sheen, $34.95 from H&M Anomalous long-sleeved black top with asymmetrical hem, $44.99 via Romwe.com Classic 'Primrose Hill Little Kaelin' sling bag, $318 by Katespade.com Mossimo Kessa wedge heel ankle boot with decorative leather straps, $35 from Target.com

Are you inspired to try out any of Jessica's outfits? 
How would you style your leather biker look?