Spring's Supreme Clutch Bags 2013

The clutch bag has become so much more than just a mobile-and-lipstick carrying commodity on the red carpet. Accessible to a wider style-loving audience, a clutch polishes off any outfit, whether it's daytime casual or ritzy evening wear. This season, playing along to Spring 2013's fashion trends, clutch bags can be seen in monochromes, animal prints, glossy metallics, tri-tones and neon hues. 

Geometric bags take centre stage, with rectangular and boxy shapes, illustrating modernism and chic functionality. Get yours embellished with gold and silver hardware - if it has zips, spikes, studs and chains...you're an instant trendsetter. Exotic leather and sparkling beadwork add texture, while bold prints yield a sense of fun and whimsicality. Spring 2013 also sees a series of sugary pastels, fold-over pouches and see-through perspex bags. Here are some of my favourite picks for the upcoming season.

Black & White

Fluoro Pop

Dressed Up Metallics

Sugar Candy

Everyday Neutrals

Tropical Tones

Which would your ideal Spring/Summer 2013 clutch be?

A Ray of Style #8

Rainbow Florals
Outfit Post by Raysa

We are still enjoying sunny summer weather here in the South of Africa, so cousin Ray (more affectionately known as Raysa) makes the best of it by offering to do another personal style post for me. Ray balances out a flurry of colourful florals with a black tee, accessorizing with a pair of green wedges and a statement beaded bib necklace.

She Wears:

Floral and black maxi dress - Topshop

Suede green wedge heel sandals - Zara

Black beaded necklace - Forever 21

Similar Style

*A Special Thanks to Raysa for participating in this outfit post.

Red Carpet - SAG Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2013

These are all the fashion highlights from the SAG Awards held last night in Hollywood.

Flame & Fuchsia

Frieda Pinto was striking in a fuchsia Roland Mouret dress with cowl neck, accessorized by black belt and clutch bag. Jessica Chastain owned her red carpet moment in a flame red Alexander McQueen gown with folded strapless neckline. Lea Michele was vibrant in a cerise pink Valentino frock with flounced hem and full skirt. Nina Dobrev looked stunning in a form-fitting guava Elie Saab gown with sheer side cut-outs. An almost unrecognizable Kaley Cuoco was bold in a vermilion red lace gown by Romona Keveza. 

In The Navy

Jennifer Lawrence displayed modern sophistication in a strapless fitted Dior gown with folded skirt. Nicole Kidman reclaims her name on the red carpet in a sheer embellished Vivienne Westwood Couture gown. Amanda Seyfried shows off the impeccable silhouette of this navy blue Zac Posen gown with layered mermaid skirt.

Pale Romance

Rose Byrne picked out a feminine floral dress with side frills by Valentino. Ariel Winter's gingery princess dress with floral appliquéd bodice is by Alex Perry. Glee's Jayma Mays went white in a fully beaded Georges Hobeika column gown with floral motifs laid upon the hemline.

Duo-Tone

Marion Cotillard's ongoing relationship with Dior proves fruitful, as she stands out in an indigo blue and white satin strapless gown with folded high-low hem. January Jones was futuristic in this monochromatic dress with high halter neck by Prabal Gurung. The Good Wife's Julianna Margulies wears a black and white color-blocked gown by Chado Ralph Rucci.

Aquamatic

Television host Nancy O'Dell wore a teal mermaid gown with sequined bodice and asymmetrical shoulder strap. Glee's Heather Morris tried out the turquoise trend in a vibrant cap-sleeved dress by Gomez-Gracia. TV presenter Shaun Robinson was lovely in a sea blue Grecian pleated dress with draped coral shoulder cape, which is by Rani Zakhem. Viola Davis brightened things up in a marine blue Monique Lhuillier gown.

Corseted Dresses

 Tina Fey was elegant in a simple black strapless dress by Oscar de la Renta. Sofia Vergara can never do wrong on the red carpet, she sizzles in a white Donna Karan gown with unstructured strap detail. Naya Rivera brought on her A-game in an alluring Donna Karan Atelier dress with angled sheer bustier. Kerry Washington was engaging in a delicately beaded white strapless Rodarte gown.

A Sequined Story

 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski donned an apricot shaded Kaufman Franco dress. Helen Hunt's silver sequined strapless gown is by Romona Keveza. Jenny Fischer wears an attractive black and gold sequined Jenny Packham dress. Jennifer Garner glimmered in a gold guipure lace embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta.

Elegantly Embellished

Katrina Bowden was exquisite in an ice-grey tulle embellished dress by Badgley Mischka. Ellie Kemper picked out a pretty sea foam lace dress with waist bow by Reem Acra. Naomi Watts maintained her graceful style in a silver-grey lace Marchesa gown. Julia Stiles made a red carpet appearance in a smokey grey sequined sprayed dress by Amen Couture.

Black Magic

Jaimie Alexander dressed to impress in a sexy cut-out Marc Bouwer gown with ruched waist & skirt. Clea DuVall was dashing in a Gomez-Gracia dress with shimmering Swarovski beaded bodice. Julie Bowen went for an edge in a leather Joanna Johnson gown. Anne Hathaway wore a silk embroidered tulle goth princess look by Giambattista Valli Couture. Claire Danes one-shouldered gown with white decorative embellishings is by Givenchy.

Jewel Tones

Jessica Pare was poised in a forest green Jason Wu gown with black leather straps & belt. Giuliana Rancic made an improved appearance in a royal blue Max Azria gown with gathered neckline & black waistband. Sarah Hyland was beautiful in an amethyst printed frock by Dolce & Gabbana. Jordin Sparks went for a minimalist chic look in a sapphire Nicole Miller dress. Alexis Bledel returns to the red carpet in an emerald green pleated dress by Rena Lange.

Who was your best or worst dressed on the SAG Awards 2013 red carpet?

Looks of the Week - 26/01/13

The best of the week's celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

Street Style Sensations

Sarah Jessica Parker looked more like her Carrie Bradshaw self while out in NYC. The actress cleverly clashes prints with a floral green Giambattista Valli coat, over a paper money print Mary Katrantzou dress. Further instilling the print trend, were a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels.
Alessandra Ambrosio takes a stroll wearing a turquoise suede biker jacket by Pierre Balmain, styled with a pink printed blouse, white skinny J Brand jeans and nude YSL pumps.
Kate Beckinsale shows off her chic sidewalk style in an abstract stained-glass print Style Stalker blazer, worn with a white tee, relaxed skinny R13 jeans and black ankle boots.
Jenna Dewan-Tatum teams her breezy blue and white Rachel Pally caftan maxi dress with a cropped lightwash denim jacket by Paige.


Rose Tinted

Russian model Elena Perminova plays the high-fashion card at Valentino, in a candied pink silk dress with sheer hem and eye-catching raspberry ankle strap heels.

Rose Byrne picked out a demure salmon pink Balenciaga dress with draped cowl-neck in a tea-length. A pair of Charlotte Olympia heels complete her look.

Alesha Dixon finds the fun in fashion with this snazzy pink and green printed ensemble by Aqua. The 'Britain's Got Talent' judge anchored the energetic look with an H&M blazer, adding colourful Charlotte Olympia pumps for impact.

Julianne Hough poses in a rosy-hued Zimmerman gown with structured bodice and tulip skirt. I would have liked to see dainty sandals with this dress.

Eva Longoria wraps up in a mink-pink leather trench coat by Bally, paired with knee-high suede black Louboutin boots and a cozy knit scarf.

Summer Skies

Thandie Newton wears a serene arctic blue sheer-paneled dress with flaired skirt by Temperley London. Glittering silver Christian Louboutin slingbacks fit her feet.
Jennifer Lopez sets an alluring tone in a slick white peplum cocktail dress with ribboned belt by Lanvin. Her voguish white ankle-strap pumps are also Lanvin.
Allison Williams is polished in a three-quarter sleeved Oscar de la Renta pocket-frock in varying waves of blue. She kept her look solo-toned with matching blue pumps.
Nicole Richie was modernistic in a debonair white zip-up skater dress by Alaia. She accessorized with a House of Harlow clutch and black studded shoes.
Emmy Rossum displayed her feminine style in a royal blue embroidered sheer chiffon dress by Catherine Deane, paired with nude Louboutin sandals.

Lady Luxe

Zhang Ziyi is dressed in a sophisticated little black Dior dress and heels, topped with a furry black cropped coat by Blancha. Red hot lips and nails accent her chic look.
Jennifer Lopez takes a bold stride in a leopard print jacket and skirt set by A.L.C, with black thigh high Louboutin leather boots accompanying her savvy ensemble. 
Fashion designer Ulyana Sergeenko drew attention at Paris Couture Week in a black sweater and mammoth furry brown skirt, paired with sky-scraping tan boots.
Natalia Vodianova brings an elegance to the menswear trend in a dapper black double-breasted Dior suit with slim trousers and plain black pumps.
Nicky Hilton, interestingly enough, wears the exact same A.L.C leopard skirt as JLo this week. Nicky gave her styling a rock chic edge with a leather biker Balenciaga jacket, Proenza Schouler satchel bag, black tights and Christian Louboutin ankle boots.


This week saw many adventurous ensembles, but who was your favourite?

*Please stayed tuned for the SAG Awards Red Carpet Roundup on Monday.

Friday Frills

If there was ever a time to dare, to make a difference,

To embark upon something worth doing,

IT IS NOW.

Not for any grand worldly cause, necessarily...

But for something that tugs at your heart,

Something that's your inspiration, something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make every single day count.

SO HAVE FUN. DIG DEEP. STRETCH. DREAM BIG.

Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.

There will be good days. And there will be bad days.

There will be times when you want to turn around,

pack it up, and call it quits. 

Those are the times that will challenge you, 

And it will prove that you're not afraid to learn by trying.

PERSIST.

Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools,

You can do great things.

Let your instincts, your intellect and your heart guide you.

TRUST.

Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.

Of doing something that makes a difference.

Of working hard. Of laughing and hoping.

Of lazy afternoons. Of lasting friends. 

Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

The start of something new brings the hope of something great,

And remember, with a little hope...

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

*Author Unknown. Image found via Tumblr, both edited by me.

Paris Couture Week 2013 - Part 2

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part Two

This is the closing chapter in my Paris Couture Week coverage. 

Georges Chakra
An extravanganza of colour collided at Georges Chakra's Spring Couture show, in a zesty fruit bowl of orange, lemon, guava and grapefruit. Black, white, navy and blue also weaved its way through the the colour-blocked cut-out evening gowns and slinky embellished mini dresses. Innovative necklines dipped into fit-and-flare silhouettes and floaty chiffon skirts...with glistening beads and a few feathers were thrown in for good measure.

Elie Saab
When it comes to creating exquisite evening wear, Elie Saab reigns supreme. Elie's SS13 Couture range follows his evergreen template of ethereal sheer gowns smothered with floral appliqués and the most intricate of crystal embroideries. Dresses were doused in a syrupy palette of ice blue, lavender, ivory and honeycomb, then turning more dramatic in shades of vivid red and black. Pocketed ballroom skirts and floor-sweeping capes brought a certain modernity to the princess ensembles. I hope to see a few of these on the red carpet.

  
Armani Privé
I never would have put the words 'Armani' and 'Tribal' in the same sentence before, but this couture season, Giorgio took a cultural journey through the Middle Eastern and beyond. Slick satin trouser suits with sharply-cut cropped jackets and waistcoats were seen in abundance, alongside ethnically patterned dresses and beaded peplum tops. Scarlet, saffron, bronze and black made up the colour quota of layered looks and radiant evening gowns.

   
Valentino
The value of a Valentino Spring couture gown is measured by finely filigreed embroidery, conscientiously piped onto organza in a garden trellis design. A sense of demure femininity was advocated through long-sleeved dresses with high necklines in variations of virtuous white. Floral, caped and birdcage dresses shared the stage with graceful evening gowns in crimson red, ivory pearl and inky black tulle.

     
Georges Hobeika
Fast becoming one of my favourite couturiers, Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika brings forth unprecedented prettiness for Spring. The season is beautifully shaded in emerald green, turquoise and carnation pink with whispers of lilac, grey, maple and rose. Full-skirted chiffon gowns were decked with incandescent beadwork and decadent floral motifs, artfully pieced together to create a celestial flower garden in bloom.

   
Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad makes the dresses that Hollywood starlets love to wear, and with this ravishing new Couture collection, he is sure to inherit a few more fans. Ornamented with lavish gold embroidery and shimmering sequins, his impeccably fit evening gowns enchanted with their sensual femininity. A blush of peachy coral and oceanic blue was seen alongside cloudy whites, metallic gold and pewter. Swishing chiffon skirts and column gowns with languid capes breezed across the runway...and hopefully to a red carpet in the near future.

Who has most impressed you this Spring Couture season?


*If you missed Part One, stroll over here.

Paris Couture Week 2013 - Part 1

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

There is no better place for avant grade inspiration than Paris Couture Fashion Week. This is part one of my runway recap from the City of Lights. Please click on the image to zoom in.

Christian Dior
The refined design aesthetic of Raf Simons blossomed at Dior's Couture SS13 presentation, uplifting the scene with cool blues, sunflower yellow, rose petal pinks and poppy red. The strapless bustier neckline was thematic throughout, as were chic cigarette pants and bell-shaped satin skirts fitted with pockets. Delicate floral lace embroidery enhanced the buoyant spirit of Spring. The range did feel slightly déjá vu from the last two seasons.

    
Giambattista Valli
A thoughtfully sculpted procession of feminine dresses drifted down the runway at Giambattista Valli. Black and white abstract animal prints and tented high-low hem skirts led the Spring 2013 showing, with dainty lilac and rose pink princess frocks following suit. Sumptuous ball gowns placed over pencil pants evoked an air of modern elegance.

    
Atelier Versace
Donatella took an entirely different route for Spring 2013, presenting a collection that is high in impact and all that is classic Versace glamour. Black pinstriped ensembles boasted genuine 24 carat gold thread in this ode to gilded opulence, which also featured architectural dresses inspired by domes of glass. A wave of fluorescent pinks and acid green revitalized our fashion palettes with neon chiffon babydoll dresses that should come with its own set of sunglasses.

     
Alexis Mabille
Couture week regular Alexis Mabille sent a confection of sugary romance down his Spring 2013 runway. Peaches and cream, strawberry kisses, honey almond and pastille pink coloured in the frothy evening gowns and lace lingerie inspired dresses. Bustier gowns and ribboned empire line looks were whirled in pleated chiffon, tiers of tulle and airy organza. Blissfully pretty.

Stephane Rolland
Stephane Rolland knows a thing or two about art, as evident in his skillfully sculpted collection, flaunting strong lines, symmetrical shapes & structured ruffles. Monochromatic silk gowns featured visually interesting sheer insert skirts with fishtail hems. Adding a 3 dimensional effect to the dresses were carefully pieced petals set upon peplum waists and necklines.

     
Chanel
Midnight strolls down forest paths in opulent fairytale dresses & cream tweed suits...that doesn't sound a bit unusual when you're talking about Chanel Couture. Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up an exquisite collection for Spring, with skirt suits, dainty dresses over lace leggings, a floral scattering of sequins & frayed feathered gowns that deserve a place in a Tim Burton movie.

What are your thoughts on the Spring 2013 Couture Collections so far?


Part Two to follow.

Christian Louboutin Spring 2013 Collection

We have come to expect nothing less than 'superb' from red sole-spinning designer Christian Louboutin, and this season he exceeds our expectations. Flamboyant in both colour and design, Louboutin paints our Spring 2013 dreams in fluorescent hues, set in patent leather and PVC. Wedge heels take a place in the SS13 catalogue, alongside 5-inch stilettos and pointy-toe sling backs. Animal prints come alive in metallics and monochrome while multi-shades of paint are tie-dyed onto cotton-covered platforms. With no shortage of high-trend glamour, this collection also boasts sexy pairs of spiked and studded pumps. 

It is the re-interpretation of Mr Louboutin's tried, tested and successful formula of creating elegant heels with a bit of an edge - that will have every celebrity and their stylist eagerly knocking on his door. As for the rest of us mortals who can't spend $1100 on a pair of designer footwear...there is merely drooling over the lookbook. Click the image for a larger view.

Psychedelic

Classic Neutrals

Cerise Dreams

Aquatic

Paint Spray 

Magnetic Attraction

Have you spotted your dream heel for Spring 2013 in this enthralling collection?


*All images found via http://christianlouboutin.com

90210 Hairstyle Inspiration

Girls of 90210

Hairstyle Inspiration

Fan of the series or not, it has to be maintained that the Girls from 90210 have some seriously impressive hairstyles, on set and off. Each of the lead actresses have been assigned entirely unique looks, attributing to their character's personalities. If you are also in need of some hairstyling inspiration for the new season, please browse down through the style files of the five stars of the show, with their savvy signature hairdo's.  

Jessica Lowndes as Adrianna Tate-Duncan

 The Posh Pop Star - Jessica Lowndes who stars as scheming songstress Adrianna, can be summed up in one word - polished. With never a hair out of place, this stunning brunette is known for her glossy chestnut locks. More often than not, the actress is pictured with pin-straight tresses and a strong middle parting. Jessica also wears soft waves with grace, adding bejewelled hair accessories to her look. On the red carpet, she has been seen in elegant updo's, ponytails and braids. As lustrous as her hair looks, Jessica's style requires high maintenance, with a supreme flat iron and industrial strength hair serum.

Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson

The Brunette Next Door -  Shenae Grimes plays the sweet, sometimes naive aspiring actress Annie Wilson. Shenae doesn't ever stray further than a medium to long length. She models wavy textured tresses, occasionally opting for a sleek blow-dry. She may not trim much off her length, but Shenae keeps her look interesting by trying out different shades from the brunette colour booklet. From dark chocolate brown, to light auburn and ombre tips, her effortless undone look with side swept fringe is easy to imitate.

Annalynne McCord as Naomi Clark

 The Blonde Vixen - Annalynne McCord stars as the popular designer diva Naomi Clark. Annalynne is always experimenting with different looks and has taken residency as the show's style maven. She proudly shows off her naturally curly locks one day, then irons it down dead straight the next. Her honey blonde hair occasionally features darker roots and is never short of volume. Annalynne's beautifully layered locks (pictured top right) is fast becoming a copycut hairstyle amongst fans.

Jessica Stroup as Erin Silver

Short and Sassy - Jessica Stroup stands out as the erratic and individualistic Erin Silver in the series with her savvy short do. Jessica bravely cropped off her long locks while filming, debuting an edgy pixie cut (pictured top middle). She grew her style out into cute choppy layers with a side-parting and light brown highlights, thereafter trimming it into a chic straight bob. Her shorter chin-length hairstyle draws attention to her dazzling blue eyes and angular jaw-line. This fuss-free look is perfect for a wash-and-go type of girl.

Gillian Zinser as Ivy Sullivan

The Bohemian Beach Babe - Gillian Zinser portrays easygoing tomboyish Ivy Sullivan, who has more interest in surfboards than high glamour. She sports loose beachy waves with golden Californian blonde highlights, and makes that straight-out-of-bed hair seem very cool and trendy. Her tousled tresses are often accessorized with a cute fedora or bowler hat and pretty headbands. Gillian brings her boho-chic style into the mix with prairie plaits and messy topknots. If your hair is naturally wavy, this is a style you could take advantage off.

Can you identify with any of 90210's Hair Style Icons? 

Which of these looks would you most like to try out?