The Best Street Style Icons of 2012

Who Would You Vote For?

As the year comes to a close, I've decided to review the 'Looks of the Week' popularity ranks of celebrities that stood out with their stellar sense of street wear. And the nominees are in! Although each of them flaunt an entirely different classification of 'what is style', they all have equally inspired our attention. Let's rewind on the eight best street stylista's of 2012 and vote on who reigns supreme. Please click on each image for a larger view.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio displayed her love for 2012's colour trends with pilings of pastels and neons. She never misses an opportunity to show off her amazing pins, let's not forget that she gave birth to her second baby in May this year. Alessandra expresses her indie city chic style with frayed denim shorts and fringing, colorful tie dye prints, open-toe flat sandals, Chloe wedge sneakers and suede Isabel Marant ankle boots, worn from winter through to spring. She accessorizes with skinny belts, Westward Leaning sunglasses and a Mulberry or Celine trapeze bag.

Poppy Delevingne

One of the breakout street style icons of 2012 has to be British model and socialite Poppy Delevingne. The most intriguing part about her style is that it's unpredictable, you never know what Poppy will impress us with next. She picks out classic pieces from high end designers like Chanel, Temperley London, Dolce & Gabbana and Sass & Bide, which she creatively mixes with her exceptional styling skills. Just the right choice of heel, jacket, bag, hat and belt completely transforms her outfits into something outstanding. And the paparazzi seem to agree as well.

Gwen Stefani

The punk chic appeal of Gwen Stefani is always welcomed, she makes rock star style more accessible. Gwen injects a grand level of verve and vivacity to her savvy street ensembles in the most effortless way. She leans towards dashing blazers, trench coats and attractive jackets, layered over leather, patterned or plaid pants, in either a slim or slouchy silhouette. Gwen wears a pair of pointy-toe pumps as well as she does Doc Martin combat boots. Stella McCartney round frame sunglasses, red rouge & funky hats are an intrinsic part of her look. 

Jessica Alba

One actress who has dazzled us with her street style this year is Jessica Alba. I haven't seen a look of hers that could not be easily reinvented. Jessica owned the coloured denim trend for 2012, having a pair in every colour. She also loves Current/Elliott printed jeans & floral pants. Jessica infuses bright hues into her outfits with flair... she also does an impressive endeavor of wearing neutrals. For winter, Jessica incorporated slick blazers, parkas & leather biker jackets into her covetable wardrobe. Fun coloured sunglasses, cozy Theodora & Callum scarves, every type of designer handbag and heel accessorized Ms Alba's ultra modish looks. 

Miranda Kerr

We can't possibly vote on the biggest style icons of 2012 without mentioning Miranda Kerr. The Australian supermodel had us captivated by her debonair air of intellectual and tasteful style. From floaty feminine summer dresses, figure-loving skinny jeans and sophisticated coats...to sexy stilettos, ballet flats and thigh high boots, Miranda has it covered. She has been rarely spotted without a designer Prada/Celine/Hermes/Givenchy duffle bag over her shoulder and Stella McCartney sunnies shading her eyes. Her contemporary and uncomplicated style has been inspiring to watch during the year.

Olivia Palermo

New York socialite Olivia Palermo brightly shaded in 2012 with her bold employment of trendy colours & complex stylings. Olivia proved that she isn’t afraid to mix different shades, and introduced us to many new colour combinations. Her love for vibrant prints was also evident with numerous pairs of floral pants and skirts. Olivia masterfully blends high & low end brands to create luxe and inventive looks. This year, her style dossier encompassed sharp blazers and tailored coats worn over skinny trousers, along with snazzy heels & a designer tote.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift brings back retro charm of off-duty actresses from the 1950s with her wholesome all-American girl-next-door style. She charmed us in flirty floral frocks with A-line skirts & nipped-in waists, a cardigan casually thrown over. Stripes also remain one of her favourite prints, her collection of black & white sweaters is endless. Taylor comfortably walked through 2012 in Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, brogues & loafers, an occasional peep-toe sandal in between. Even in a pair of narrow-fit pants, Taylor is always utterly feminine and graceful. A bright red lip & Ralph Lauren messenger bag have been her best accessories this year.  

Victoria Beckham

Queen V doesn't need any title to recognize her immaculately chic street style. Victoria Beckham has undoubtedly been one of the most elegant street style icons of the year, never setting a foot or hair out of place. I guess its easy to look this amazing all the time when you can have the luxury of your own fashion line. Posh is always polished in figure-hugging midi-dresses, smartly cut cigarette trousers and flaired-leg jeans, crisp white shirts and pencil skirts. With a crocodile chain handle clutch under her arm, skyscraping heels or peep-toe boots and those distinguishable sunglasses, Victoria defines urban glamour.

Who has been your favourite Celebrity Style Street Icon of 2012?

1. Alessandra Ambrosio
2. Poppy Delevingne
3. Gwen Stefani
4. Jessica Alba
5. Miranda Kerr
6. Olivia Palermo
7. Taylor Swift
8. Victoria Beckham

I would love to hear your vote!


*Please write your vote down in the comment box below. I will tally them up and reveal the final result in my next post. Thank You!

Friday Frills

“I hope you come to find that 
which gives life a deep meaning for you.


Something worth living for -
 maybe even worth dying for.

Something that energizes you,

Enthuses you,


Enables you to keep moving ahead.


Something that makes you smile at the thought of each new day.

I can’t tell you what it might be ~ 


That’s for you to find... 

To choose...

To love.


What I can do, is encourage you to start looking,


Support you in the search,

And applaud as you make your dreams come true.” 

Quote by Ita Ford, adapted by me. Image via Elle Canada.

Holiday Makeup Ideas 2012

Holiday Makeup Trends
Fall Winter 2012/2013

The best time for experimenting with new makeup looks - the Holidays offer many great opportunities where you can apply more than just a swipe of gloss-and-go. Taking beauty notes from the designer collections of Fall 2012, these are a few striking makeup trends which we can achieve from runway-to-reality without much effort or artistry. It will, however, require a little bit of boldness and a summons for supermodel confidence.

Lip Service

Berry shaded lips are an ideal and easy way of adding vivacious colour to your makeup look. Gucci and Viktor & Rolf displayed rich mulberry tones and Jil Sander showed off a pretty rose lip. Michael Kors went glossy cherry red with pink flushed cheeks. Victoria Beckham sold scarlet lips and Nina Ricci played with ruby ombre. All you need a freshly made-up face with foundation or tinted moisturizer and a neutral eyeshadow. Apply your favourite red rouge, a brush of mascara and Voila - gorgeous-to-go in 5 minutes.

Blue Hues

A guaranteed way of grabbing attention, intense electric blue eyes created a stir at Prabal Gurung, Anna Sui & Christian Dior Couture. The bold shade beautifully brings out both blue & brown eyes. If you find it too severe, try out a cobalt coloured mascara a la Stella McCartney.

Walk the Line

The geometric definition of a winged liner draws all focus to the shape of the eye. A perfectly precisioned wide black line requires a very steady hand and some practice, seen at Lanvin, Kenzo and Rachel Zoe. Altuzarra modeled a newfangled double liner. If the strictness of a straight line is not your thing, try smudging black shadow with a cotton bud. Derek Lam makes panda eyes somehow look stylish while Armani takes a duotone approach.

Subtle Metallics

Unlike the Disco era, an entire pot of glitter is thankfully not needed to get a glamourous party look. Alexandre Herchcovitch shares in the holiday flair with twinkling gold-lined eyes. The makeup maestros at Chanel created subtle silver smoked lids, which is a subdued alternative to the usual smokey eye. Valentino and Christian Dior confirm that metallic simplicity with a hint of shimmer is always elegant. 

Vivid Lids

Dive into your 80's archive with one of Winter's biggest runway makeup trends - Bright Eyes. Find inspiration in the plum-toned eyelids of Donna Karan, the sweeps of purple at Moschino Cheap & Chic, or perhaps blend both shades as romantically seen at Rebecca Minkoff. Jason Wu channeled the holidays with green jewel tones and Roberto Cavalli painted peacock colours onto lids with pizazz. 

Wishing You All A Joyous Christmas and Happy Holidays!

*P.S. If I don't update this blog too often in the next week, please know that the relaxing holiday spirit has gotten the best of me :)

Looks of the Week - 22/12/12

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

Blazing Up 

Stacey Keibler has got the menswear trend pinned down - she brings her own dose of sexiness to this slick black Monique Lhuillier plunge-neck suit with leather panel pants. Her pointy-toe 'Anouk' pumps are by Jimmy Choo.
Anja Rubik strikes a pose in a tailored black jumpsuit by Balmain, with white & black tuxedo coat casually slung across her shoulders. A spiked gold belt accentuates her narrow waist.
British model Edie Campbell takes prison stripes to a whole new level of cool. She styles her black and white Zara blazer with a plain white tee, black trousers and ankle boots.
Miranda Kerr braves the Madrid cold to promote her new gig for Mango, in a black midriff-baring top and black leggings. A polished white blazer, Givenchy duffle bag and Manolo Blahnik heels round off her city swish look.

Winter Warmers

I don't know much about Eleftheria Eleftheriou other than she represented Greece at this year's Eurovision contest. But the songstress caught my eye with her sense of what I would call 'fashion blogger' style. She wears a tan leather jacket layered over a black sweater and denim shirt, along with a leopard print mini skirt, burgundy tights and black heels.
Irina Shayk keeps cozy in a luxurious multi-fur vest and leather long-sleeved top, teamed with dark wash skinny jeans, tan knee-high boots and a Balenciaga tote bag.
Ashley Tisdale stays warm in a chic leopard print coat by Free People, styled with skinny denim jeans and black open-toe Chanel wedge boots.
Emma Stone does casual comfort in a black leather & tweed Maje Ribiera coat, worn over a cashmere sweater, skinny jeans & cream brogues. She carries a burgundy Burberry bag.

Street Wise

Jessica Alba is prep-goth meets cool in an all-black outfit, including a studded leather biker jacket, knitted top and tights, styled with a green plaid scarf and Rupert Sanderson boots.
Gwen Stefani masters the oversized coat trend in a grey plaid two-button tuxedo piece, stylishly paired with red leather leggings and black ankle boots.
Katie Holmes tributes festive shades in a pine tree green skater-style leather dress, sleekly paired with a cream blazer, black tights, Manolo Blahnik heels & a red Delvaux bag.
Reese Witherspoon enjoys the mild winter weather in LA, winsome in a rosy red Vanessa Bruno floral print dress, worn with a Jason Wu 'Daphne' bag and sure beige ankle boots.
Emilia Clarke shows off her simplistic chic airport style in a black asymmetrical sweater, black leggings, a tan belt and impressive wooden block platform boots by Stella McCartney.

The Princess Diaries

The newly crowned Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo stuns in an ivory silken Grecian gown with elaborate tulip draping and twisted halter neck. Staying with the goddess theme, Olivia added a crystal tiara and silver strappy sandals.
Mum-to-be Jenna Dewan-Tatum positively glowed in a dainty Arctic blue Temperley London gown with beaded bustier and floaty chiffon empire line skirt. Jenna sparkled further with a beaded tiara headband and Swarovski clutch.
Petra Nemcova cites bridal style in this romantic white strapless gown with gathered side waist detail at a Calvin Klein movie event. A metallic clutch and trendy bejeweled headband complete her feminine look.
Ellie Kemper shows off a beautiful peaches and cream rose print evening gown, swirled with sliver embellishings. It appears to be Naeem Khan.


Raven & Rouge

Jessica Ennis proves that sports stars wear designer dresses exceptionally well. The British athlete dons a curve-hugging V-neck Victoria Beckham gown in crimson red, perfectly accented by a black belt and clutch bag.

Elisha Cuthbert is comely in a black cropped top & maxi-slit skirt ensemble by The Hellers. She adds a pop of cherry red to her look with Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe pumps.

Freida Pinto stands out in a radiant scarlet red silk strapless gown with flounced hemline, which is by Valentino.

Bella Heathcote makes an imposing appearance wearing a black silk Lanvin gown with ruffled red panels streaming down the sides. A leather belt clinches in her elegant look.

Who is your favourite look of this festive week?

Friday Frills

It's that time of the year again, where we can look back and be grateful for everything we've received. All the good moments that have joyfully enriched our lives; and the unpleasant ones, which have made us that much wiser. It's also easy to be ungrateful for all the things we didn't receive and how we had hoped to do better. According to this inspiring quote, I would like to think that I am doing 'Better than Good', and I hope you are too.

1. I am doing better than good because I clearly understand that failure is an event, not a person; that yesterday ended last night, and today is my brand new day.

2. I am doing better than good because I have made friends with my past, I am focused on the present, and optimistic about my future.

3. I am doing better than good because I know that success doesn't make me, and failure doesn't break me.

4. I am doing better than good because I am filled with faith, hope and love; and I live without anger, greed, guilt, envy or thoughts of revenge.

5. I am doing better than good because I know that failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.

6. I am doing better than good because I have made friends of my adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know me best.

7. I am doing better than good because I understand that others can give me contentment, but genuine happiness comes when I do things for others.

8. I am doing better than good because I am pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude, and generous to the needy.

9. I am doing better than good because I love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless, and encouragement to the discouraged.

10. I am doing better than good because I can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude.

*Quote by Zig Ziglar

Who Wore Stella McCartney Better?

Who Wore It Better?
The Stella McCartney Edition

It's no secret that Stella McCartney has a huge celebrity and supermodel following. Affirming her vast influence and credibility in the industry, Stella received the 'Designer of the Year' award last month at the 2012 British Fashion Awards. This special Stella edition of 'Who Wore It Better' compares a few looks worn and re-worn by the designer's fashion devotees.

Round One

Naomi Harris donned this ornately embroidered blue, white and black dress from Stella McCartney's Fall/Winter 2012 collection. The Skyfall actress wore the same croc embossed ankle boots as shown on the runway.
Arizona Muse most recently wore the impressive dress, for a charity event this week. The supermodel styled her look with sheer black tights, sparkly peep-toe sandals and a matching blue clutch bag.
On the runway, Australian model Shanina Shaik shows off the long-sleeved, high neck dress.

Verdict: I prefer the more simpler styling and lack of tights, so I am going with Naomie Harris in this round.

Round 2

Placing two supermodels up against each other in the same dress isn't an easy choice. Karlie Kloss and Kate Moss were both spotted in this figure-flattering little black Stella McCartney dress, which features sheer nude side panels. Kate wears hers with black Christian Louboutin heels, white Karlie opts for strappy sandals. Karlie's dress has been customized to a longer length with velvet inserts added to the see-through sides.

Verdict: I have to go with the original supermodel on this one, Kate Moss. This dress looks much better as a mini and more provocative with the sheer panelling.

Round 3

Stella McCartney battles it out with two other British dames in the same Fall 2012 ensemble, which includes a sporty fit-and-flaired studded skirt with matching black and blue neoprene scuba-style top. Stella, singer Louise Rednapp and cyclist Victoria Pendleton all opted to wear the same pair of two-tone platform pumps as seen on the runway.

Verdict: Besides for the fit being impeccable on runway model Daria Strokous, I have to pick Louise from the three ladies, the outfit is most flattering on her.

Round 4

UK actress Gemma Arterton wears a menswear inspired jumpsuit from Stella McCartney's Fall Evening 2012 collection. Silver holographic sling-back wedges (from Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection) accompany her chic look.
Shailene Woodley was the first to wear this sophisticated black tux suit with plunge neck, pairing it with ankle-strap sandals, which are also by Ms McCartney.
In the Lookbook, veteran model Amber Valletta showed off the prim and polished jumpsuit with ankle-strap pumps and a metallic clutch.

Verdict: It's obvious that Amber with her modelesque height and figure wears this jumpsuit with finesse. However I do like the fit on Shailene...but Gemma's holographic heels are something truly fresh and futuristic. I'm on the fence here.

I'd love to hear your verdicts on who you think wore these Stella McCartney looks better.

A Ray of Style #7

Minted Green & Tangerine
Outfit Post by Ray

As I am extremely camera shy, I am grateful to have my stylish younger cousin Ray volunteer (willingly, I swear), to be my blog model. It's summertime here in SA, and she displays a breezy feminine look with vibrant splashes of tangerine & minted green.

She Wears:

White lace top - Forever 21

Aqua mint maxi skirt - Truworths (which is a local retail brand)

Mock croc tangerine sling bag - H&M

Scalloped edge ballet flats - Zara

Rings - Forever 21

Steal Her Style

I've found a few similar pieces to recreate Ray's serene summer look.

White lace top by Modstrom at welikefashion.com - $64

Green pleated maxi skirt at chicwish.com - $50

Tangerine tri-lock clutch bag with gold metal detail at Topshop - $77

White La Di Da printed bow ballet pumps at Asos - $22

Rose & leaf ring - $8

Owl embossed cameo ring - $11.50

Cream bow ring - $8

All rings by Accessorize.com

*Special Thanks to Ray for participating in this outfit post

Rock 'N Rose Floral Fascinators by Pixie Lott

Leave it style-bending songstress Pixie Lott to popularize the floral headwear trend. The blonde singer has teamed up with British accessory brand Rock 'N Rose to create her own fanciful range of headbands and jewellery. Pixie has been spotted on stage, at red carpet events and out and about on the streets of London in these conspicuous but cute hair wreaths, catching the eye of photographers and fashion lovers alike.

The vintage-inspired accessory label was started by two creative sisters in 2007, and since then has fast-spiraled into a Brit-celeb favorite, with their pieces also being featured in InStyle, Grazia, Company and Cosmopolitan magazine. This season, Pixie casts her own spell of quirkiness and enchantment to the range, with colourful rose-embedded wreaths, pearl and leatherette cat ears and oversized satin bows.

Here is a peek into the Rock 'N Rose garden of romantic floral fascinators, and more...

Perfect for topping off that party look, Rock 'N Rose headbands can be purchased via their website, with free delivery in and around the UK, and international delivery priced at £3.95. 
Have you found your head-turning holiday hair wreath yet?


*All images found via rocknrose.co.uk

Looks of the Week - 15/12/12

An eventful festive season has provided us with an abundance of fashion inspiration this week. Here is the weekly roundup of celebrity style.


Frock 'n Roll

Maria Sharapova was fetching in a retro inspired ensemble that included a floral printed Zimmermann top with contrast black sleeves, and a candy pink flaired Tanya Taylor skirt. Her black pumps are Giuseppe Zanotti. 
Bella Thorne enchanted in a black and white dress with sheer yoke, bejeweled waistband and frou frou fringed skirt, which is by Sherri Hill. Miu Miu heels fit her feet.
Stacey Keibler made a stylish appearance in an ivory Rag & Bone dress with draped bodice, black belt and wrapped skirt. Her covetable caged sandals are by Jimmy Choo.

Colourific

Aussie songtress Natasha Bedingfield was stunning in a vivid green silk crepe
gown with keyhole cut-out neckline by Issa.
Blake Lively wears a ravishing red leather Isabel Marant mini, decked with metallic studs. She interestingly added a pair of nude caged Christian Louboutin ankle boots to her look.
Jessica Chastain looked beautiful in a royal blue Elie Saab number with lace covered bodice and frill detail skirt. Charlotte Olympia was her choice of shoe designer.
Karolina Kurkova showed off the more masculine side of an Elie Saab ensemble, striking in a raspberry blazer, shirt and shorts combo. Black accessories accompanied her outfit.
Rosamund Pike jumps onto the sunshine yellow trend in this stunning gown with cut-out sides and streaming skirt by Alexander McQueen.

Burgundy & Blue

Gabriella Wilde was ladylike in a fit and flair Burberry dress with cut-out neck in the hottest colour of the season, burgundy. It's her heels that need some refining.
Hanneli Mustaparta proves that simplicity is key in a chic navy blue swing dress, paired with a cream clutch and black cross-strap sandals.
Elizabeth Banks is elegant in a maroon and blue tweed Trina Turk dress, which is cleverly tapered at the waist. Her peep-toe heels are by Miu Miu.
Teen star Zendaya picked out an age-appropriate tweed plaid dress by Shoshanna Allison, which makes me wish this is what school uniforms looked liked. Her hot pink pumps are by Manolo Blahnik, can't decide if I like those heels with this look.

Urban Upstyle

If you look under 'chic' in a fashion dictionary, I am sure you will see a picture of Victoria Beckham. Posh looked sophisticated in a deep plum military coat and gold clutch from her own range, along with a white shirt, Isabel Marant trousers and Manolo Blahnik heels.
Kristen Stewart does menswear with ease. The controversial actress looked debonair in a smoked grey BCBG blazer with white tee, leather H&M leggings and ruby Louboutin pumps.
Lucy Liu wraps up in a stunning caramel cape coat dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Black knee-high Stuart Weitzman boots and gloves accessorize her suave ensemble.
Olivia Wilde displays how to wear all-black in a trim leather biker jacket and leather sheen skinnies. The drawing point to her look has to be red studded Christian Louboutin pumps, which were voted sexiest shoe of the year.

Glamour & Gold

Amanda Seyfried wears an extravagant gold encrusted bodice and flowing black skirt by Alexander McQueen. I can't help but not like her hairstyle with this look.
90210's Jessica Stroup was utterly graceful in a pale gold shimmery gown by Lela Rose.
Anne Hathaway took on a more goth persona in this coal black Tom Ford gown with superhero-like cape attached. Deviant dominatrix-style sandalized boots added to the edgy look. Do you think this is a hit or miss for Anne?


Pastel Princesses

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander was ethereal in a frosted pink light-as-air Chanel gown with delicate ruffle detailing. This is the dress my daydreams are made of.
Sarah Jessica Parker's icy breeze of a blue gown features a cut-out sheer midriff and intricate lace embroidery. It is from Erdem's SS13 collection.
The adorable Elle Fanning makes a fanciful red carpet appearance, wearing a peach embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta with voluminous high-low teacup skirt.

So many great choices...but...Who's your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

A few sayings that I have kept in mind lately...

*All quotes are not by me, but the inspiration cards are, if you would like to use them, please refer back to this blog...Thank you.