Marie Claire Sets Spring Trends 2013

Marie Claire UK
March 2013

The March edition of Marie Claire UK has everything we need to know about Spring's upcoming trends. Their chicly studio~shot fashion spread features stunning model Nico O, styled by Jayne Pickering, in the ideal guide to the most modish looks and key styles for the season. 

Ruffles. Gucci introduces us to oversized ruffles and key-hole cut-out necklines in this vivid floral swirl silk print dress from their enticing SS13 collection. Hot pink ankle strap sandals and a bejewelled neckpiece accompany this look.

See-Through & Checks. Nico models what is an increasing popular trend already on the red carpet. Louis Vuitton imposes a series of see-through checks and block prints for Spring. She wears a white sequined bodysuit with checked silk cut-out skirt and leather pumps.

Sicilian Holiday. We have Dolce & Gabbana to thank for taking us on a journey through Italy with their expressive prints. Nico is beautiful in a black lace and silk organza print dress with puff sleeves. Chunky colourful raffia earrings add to the charm of this trend.

Luxe Sport. Of all 80 looks from Chanel's Spring 2013 collection, this was the last one I expected to see in editorial. But I am glad it was selected as it shows the sports luxe side of the famously feminine French label. Nico wears a white cotton blend zip-up quilted jacket...sprinkled with a few glass pearls...it is Chanel after all.

Power Prints. There are few to rival Peter Pilotto when it comes to creating innovative and clashing geometric prints. For this editorial, he serves up viscose skinny striped patterned pants with a frilled peplum cut-out top. Matching heels are by Nicholas Kirkwood.

70's Glamour. Nico displays retro elegance in one of my favourite looks from the Saint Laurent Spring runway. Channeling the glamour of the 70's, she dons a black silk crepe gown with chiffon tiered ruffle shoulders and a wide leather belt. Edgy leather gloves and a fedora style this sophisticated look.

Metallics. This season, metallics are seeped in vibrant colour as seen on the catwalk of Dior. Nico is striking in a lustrous striped orange, green and lilac silk strapless dress with trailing hemline. The metal-strap heels are the real scene-stealer here.

White Out. Another imperative trend for Spring is all white from head to heel - the perfect lightness to subdue those hotter days. Nico is dressed in a silk shirt and white leather trousers with intricate cut-work, which is from Roberto Cavalli's SS13 collection.

Twisted. It was Christopher Kane who turned coiled twirls of plastic mainstream, using an unusual fabric and braiding it into something wearable. Nico wears a pastel pink plastic silk dress with complex textured twists of fabric. 

Geisha. The Oriental trend is one we've seen across many Spring 2013 runways, with a strong Japanese influence at Prada. This white silk satin look features delicate origami folds and floral emblems. I somehow don't see the shoes becoming a chain store convention.

Embellishment. Bringing a dose of glitziness to Spring, we see ornate embellishments find its way onto trousers and tops & not just evening gowns. Lanvin showcased this exquisite black cotton and silk organza ensemble with structured shoulder and metallic choker. 

Which of these Spring trends are you most looking forward to?


*Images found via marieclaire.co.uk

CYAN Spring 2013

One of my favourite parts about fashion blogging is discovering new and innovative designers that I've never heard of before, from countries beyond the style rectangle (New York, London, Paris and Milan). Victoria Panyukova is one such designer. Hailing from Kiev in the Ukraine, this nouveau artist began the progressive fashion brand CYAN in 2012. 

CYAN preaches all that that it architectural in waves of artful shapes for Spring 2013. Inspired by the motion and streaming power of water, Victoria formulates modern pieces of art for the forward-thinking girl, proving that fashion goes further than trend and convention. The tone of her 'Tsumani' themed range is set in sea blue, verdant fields of green, sandy beige and sunset orange. Chiffon, leather, jacquard and silk collide in asymmetrical designs; collaged and cut-out to create individualistic outfits that stand out from the ordinary crowd.

Here is a glance into CYAN's Spring 2013 collection.

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

Look 5

Look 6

Look 7

Look 8

Look 9

Look 10

Look 11

Look 12

I hope to see this pioneering new brand is make waves with it's unparalleled creativity and originality. Which look would you pick to wear from this range?


*All images found via Cyan.com.ua

Red Carpet - Academy Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion
The 85th Annual Academy Awards 2013

Awards Season has culminated down to this point....the Academy Awards, which was star studded with renowned actors and stunning gowns. This is my roundup of the Oscar red carpet. Please click on the images for a closer view. 

Treasure Chest

Catherine Zeta Jones made a dazzling appearance in a gold embellished Zuhair Murad gown. Olivia Munn was stunning in a ruby satin Marchesa gown with embroidered strapless bodice and draped skirt. Jessica Chastain shimmered in a copper toned silk satin Armani Prive gown that was perfectly tailored to fit her. Louise Roe was one of the best dressed TV hosts, in a beautiful nude tulle Monique Lhuillier gown, decked with red leafy embroidery.

Fit for a Fairytale

Jennifer Lawrence drew all attention in a stately strapless ballet pink Dior Couture gown with voluminous skirt. Amy Adams looked dreamy in an ice grey Oscar de la Renta frock with endless tiers of frothy tulle frills. Tween actress Fátima Pcatek picked an ivory cake-topper dress with embroidered bodice, the skirt generously fitted with fairylike frills.

All that Glitters

Halle Berry paid tribute to her former Bond Girl status in an optically illusive metallic striped gown by Versace. Stacey Keibler was perfectly moulded into an exquisitely embellished slate grey gown by Naeem Khan. Nicole Kidman didn't hold back on the sequins, glittering in a black and gold L'ren Scott dress. Naomi Watts experimented with futurism in a spectacular silver sequin creation with cut-out asymmetrical neckline by Armani Prive.

Leading the Trail

Reese Witherspoon dipped into cobalt blue with a strapless gown by Louis Vuitton, featuring a black paneled bodice and train. Charlize Theron was graceful in a pristine white Christian Dior peplum gown with strapless V-neck and flowing train skirt. Zoe Saldana brought a bit of high fashion to the event, wearing a captivating white Alexis Mabille Haute Couture gown with embroidered bustier and layered grey ombre skirt.

Colour on the Carpet 

Kerry Washington wore a beguiling bright coral Miu Miu gown with gold embellished bodice. Alicia Vikander was opulent in an aqua blue fully embellished Elie Saab dress, nipped-in with a gold belt. Jane Fonda looked incredible for her age of 75, radiant in a canary yellow Versace dress with gold beaded waist detail. Jennifer Garner was prepossessing in a purple custom-made Gucci gown with a flurry of frills emanating from the back. Jennifer Hudson looked fantastic in a long-sleeved glimmering midnight blue Roberto Cavalli gown.  

A Pale Tale

Kristen Stewart very surprisingly opted for a more feminine look than usual, wearing a textured cream corset dress by Reem Acra, with tulle accents placed upon the sides. I was underwhelmed by Anne Hathaway's classic choice of a blush pink Prada column gown with halter neck. Amanda Seyfried looked imperial in a lilac halter keyhole cut-out Alexander McQueen gown, adorned with a beaded dragonfly motif.

Go Big or Go Home

Jennifer Aniston set her minimalist style aside and instead opted for a palatial cardinal red Valentino gown with massive tented skirt. Fan Bingbing went bold in both colour and size, wearing a striking fuchsia gown with tulip folded bodice, which is by Marchesa. Sally Field was impressively dressed in an elegant vermillion Valentino gown with sheer chiffon sleeves and a pleated skirt that concluded in tiny tiered ruffles.

Black Track

Giuliana Rancic was architectural in a black folded gown by Rafael Cennamo. Norah Jones was almost unrecognizable with her new hairdo, wearing a linear striped one-shoulded gown by Tadashi Shoji. Salma Hayek looked outstanding in a form-flattering black velvet Alexander McQueen gown with gold ornamented high neck. Sandra Bullock was dressed in a sheer beaded scallop gown by Elie Saab, which really required her hair to be worn up. Les Mis actress Samantha Barks was alluring in a slinky black number with plunge neck by Valentino.

Who was your best dressed at this years Academy Awards?

My favourites are Jessica Chastain, Olivia Munn and Stacey Keibler.

Looks of the Week - 23/02/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style.

The Burberry Brigade

Miroslava Duma looked glam in a cream sheen Burberry trench coat, worn over a white buttoned shirt & green sequin skirt. A statement necklace & green heels enhance her outfit.
Gabriella Wilde was polished in a dark blue trench cape by Burberry Prorsum, which she styled with a crisp white shirt, light wash skinny jeans, an emerald clutch and eye-catching orange satin wedge sandals, also by Burberry.
Freida Pinto wears Burberry head-to-heel in a midnight blue strapless peplum bustier top, forest green trousers, a lumo yellow bag and black V-front sandals.


Spic 'n Span

Alexa Chung keeps it simple and laid back in a chic ivory shorts set by Valentino, paired with black Jimmy Choo pumps.  
Abigail Spencer styles up a trendy black and white striped cocktail dress with a tuxedo blazer, marbled purple box clutch and black ankle strap shoes.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley translates the menswear trend with a striking scarlet red pants suit, teamed with a black top and sandals.
Selena Gomez sizzles in a tailored black and gold pinstriped suit with embellished shoulders, gold-trimmed pockets and pants. Her stirring look is by Atelier Versace.

Pattern Play

Jaime King looked vibrant in an orange, pink and black abstract animal print frock by McQ by Alexander McQueen. A wide black belt and McQ ankle strap shoes complete her outfit.
Vanessa Hudgens strikes a pose in a shimmering multi-shaded and fully sequined one-shouldered gown with high split by Naeem Khan.
Mollie King looked lovely at London Fashion Week in a pastel pink blazer by Reiss, worn over a geometric patterned mini dress. Her nude platform heels are by Topshop.
Ashley Madekwe combines bold colours and print with a cropped midriff top and flirty A-line paneled skirt by J.Mendel. She added a pretty pair of pink strappy Louboutin sandals.
Olivia Palermo artfully clashes prints with a finely checked top & zigzag tweed skirt by Milly. Olivia styled her outfit with a black & white Tibi blazer and patterned Manolo Blahnik heels.


Black Beauty

Taylor Swift went dark and dramatic at the Brit Awards in a sexy black Elie Saab gown with gold metallic belt and sheer side panels.
Lily Collins looked stunning in a black Paul Ka gown, which features a low V plunge neck and cut-out back with winsome giant white bow.
Ashley Benson was ladylike in an elegant Tadashi Shoji gown with lace V-neck & chiffon skirt.

St Valentines

Ginnifer Goodwin places designer Misha Nonoo on the fashion map in a radiant red cap-sleeve gown with sheer horizontal lines on the hem.
Nieves Alvarez was resplendent in an extravagant black and white gown by Stephane Rolland, with 3D architectural red floral motif on the bodice and a layered mermaid skirt.
Emmy Rossum shows off her impressive style once again in a bewitching red frilled peplum dress with ribboned belt by Zuhair Murad.

Who was your favourite 'Look of the Week'?


*Please stop by for my Academy Awards Red Carpet Roundup on mid-Monday.

Friday Frills

There Are No Squares In Nature...

 Thinking about it, when have you ever seen the following? 

A square leaf 


A square fruit
 

A square tree 


A square raindrop

Coming to think of it, nature, unlike man, does not produce 

Square moons
 

Square suns
 

Square planets
 

Or square galaxies

 There are no square rainbows


Nor square flowers


Nor square minds

That could fit inside a square box

Yet more often than not, that’s exactly what we do. 

We try to put everything inside a box


We try to make all things black and white

Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole,

Attempting to conform to a standard of modern convention

 Since the dawn of man-made technology,
 

We have certainly lived in a world of squares: 

Square houses


Square buildings


Square computer screens 

We write on square papers set upon square tables.


We sleep on square beds and enter upon square doors.

 What has this shown us?


You shouldn't try to fit into something square, 
You are meant to shape your own life, your own way.

 The next time someone tries to place your creative soul inside a small box.


Kindly remind yourself: There are no square stars in the Universe.

*Author Unknown, edited.  Image found via Grazia.com

Who Wore It Better - The Citrus Edition

Who Wore It Better?
Citrus Shades
Spring 2013

The popularity of bright citrus hues for Spring is vividly evident in this special edition of 'Who Wore It Better'. We witness a fashion face-off that lines up three different zesty dresses, worn by a series of international stars on the red carpet. Get out your style goggles, this one's going to be interesting.


Round One - Gucci

1. Australian actress Gracie Otto wore a citron yellow gown with oversized ruffles by Gucci to an awards show in January 2013. Keeping it simple, she pulled her hair back in a bun and carried a see-through clutch bag.

2. Bollywood beauty Bipasha Basu wore the same strapless Gucci dress to the Stardust Awards in Mumbai last month. Coral lipstick and volumized locks styled her outfit. She put on a statement diamond collar necklace for some sparkle. But was it really needed? 

3. Spanish actress Manuela Velasco was the third to wear this vibrant column gown at the Goya awards in Madrid this week, pairing it with a orange-edged clutch bag. Her unfussy hair and makeup is refreshing.

4. On the Gucci SS13 runway, Dutch model Bette Franke wore the graceful saffron gown, with her hair tightly pulled back in a centre parting.

The Verdict: My vote goes to Manuela Velasco, I find the fit of the dress most flattering on her. With both Gracie and Bipasha's gowns, the hemlines were too long & dragged on the floor.

Round Two - Alexander McQueen

1. Katy Perry donned this punchy tangerine gown by Alexander McQueen last week, which features an embellished multi-tone collar neckline. Her raven locks were worn in loose waves.
2. Emily Blunt was the first to wear the Resort 2013 dress on the red carpet last November. Her hair was slicked back and she carried a black McQueen skull-handle clutch.
3. The mandarin halter gown was modelled for the Alexander McQueen Resort 2013 lookbook by Margita Zuchova, and was styled with a wide leather and link-chain belt.

My Verdict: I was unsure of either looks, Katy fills out the gown better but, I am also swayed towards Emily Blunt due to her polished styling. I'm on the fence here...your opinions please.


Round Three - Stella McCartney

1. Kylie Minogue wears a vivid hibiscus yellow Stella McCartney dress, decked with swingy fringing. Kylie wore nude Louboutin pumps with her look, which was back in November 2012.
2. Willa Holland wore the flapper-esque frock last month to an Elle event in LA. The Arrow actress picked out the same chunky white Stella McCartney heels from the lookbook, carried a white Chanel clutch and showed off a white manicure. I liked her cute top knot with this dress.

3. La La Anthony took the striking floral embroidered dress out for an event in Miami earlier this month. The TV personality impressed in the shoe department with multi-coloured T-strap sandals by Christian Louboutin.
4. Chinese actress Qin Lan looked poised and pretty in the dress last November. She styled it with a spectacular pair of zigzag Sergio Rossi sandals, a gold bracelet & white cocktail ring.
5. Danish model Nadja Bender casually poses for Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 lookbook.

The Verdict: I loved how elegant Qin Lan looked in the fringed dress and her heels were the perfect choice. Also, kudos to Willa Holland for her fun and youthful styling. 

I would love to hear your verdicts on each round. What do you think?

Hair-volution : Rihanna

Rihanna changes her hairstyle more in one season than most of us probably will in a lifetime. The chameleon of haircuts, Riri is never afraid to experiment with new and innovative styles, bold colours and edgy cuts. With her stunning looks, heart-shaped face and striking eyes, it's easy to see why almost every look suits her. She's had her hair cropped to the shortest span, curled, straightened, coloured & extended to long luscious lengths. If you're searching for your own hairstyle inspiration, this overview of Rihanna's Hair Evolution is a great place to start.

The Short Cuts

1. Rihanna took a plunge and cropped off all her locks in a choppy pixie cut last September. 2 & 4. She's also sported a honey blonde faux mohawk with shaved off sides. 3 & 5. In 2010 she was swept over with a commanding two-tone black and blonde look. 6. Her heavy asymmetrical fringe draws all the attention to her dazzling green eyes. 7. Rihanna pushes the envelope in a strawberry blonde slicked over hairstyle. 8. The angle of her side-parted style perfectly compliments her heart-shaped face.

The Bob

Rihanna reinvented the bob in 2007 & has tried out every variation since. 1 & 2. She wears it slick & straight, impeccably ironed with a blunt fringe. 3. Riri stuns in a shoulder length bob with caramel highlights. 4. Rihanna is most famous for her inventive asymmetrical bob with perfect angular lines. 5. She's also showed us how to wear a curly bob beautifully. 6. An interesting way to enhance your regular mod bob is by adding multi-tonal streaks.

Mid-Lengths

1 & 6. Never in fear of a radical colour change, Riri went golden blonde and layered early in 2012. 2. A volumized curly quiff was her choice of style in August 2011. 3. She started out with a much simpler front-layered look when she stepped onto the music scene in 2006. 4. Rihanna plays it sweet with crimped waves. 5. In May 2012, she dyed her hair licorice black and fiercely styled it with tousled side waves and a side undercut. 

Longer lengths

1. Tightly wound ringlet curls bring out the singer's playful side. 2 & 6. A much younger Rihanna displays chic and feminine longer locks. 3. Jessica Rabbit, eat your heart out, Rihanna smoulders with side swept retro Hollywood waves in chocolate brown. 4. There is nothing more elegant than pin-straight glossy locks with a centre parting. 5. At this year's Grammys, Rihanna opted for glamourous loose waves with sun kissed ombre highlights. 

Every Shade of Red

Flame red, cherry crush, molten mahogany and intense auburn, Rihanna has tried them all, with grand success. She firmly placed fire-engine red on the hair colour map in 2010, wearing her hair in every imaginable style and saturation. Whether seen in wild curly tresses, tousled bobs, a poker-straight mane, plaits or sexy layers, Rihanna made red hair her signature for a while and we will always associate this vibrant hue with her. 

Which hairstyle do you think best suited Rihanna?
And which do you declare a hair disaster?


*Images sourced via Tumblr, Glamour.com and Instyle.com

Taylor Swift's Spring Elle Editorial

Cover Girl Taylor Swift
Elle US March 2013

With 7 Grammy's, 11 American Music Awards, and 4 successful studio albums with 26 million of them sold, Taylor Swift can truly be called a music superstar. Paying tribute to her impressive achievements as well as her personal life, Elle USA feature the country singer in a stylish Spring spread for their March 2013 issue.

Wearing one of the biggest trends to hit Spring 2013, Taylor poses for the cover in a yellow checked dress with sheer blocks by Louis Vuitton, which unlike the runway, has been lined (thankfully).

The 23-year-old star is sophisticated in a taupe tiered cape, dipped in black beads by Saint Laurent. This look is styled exactly as the runway with a bow-tied shirt, cigarette trousers, black leather gloves, a wide-brimmed fedora and studded pumps.

On the more fashion forward side, Taylor wears a people-printed satin dress by design duo Proenza Schouler, which is studded with silver and hot pink eyelets. Edgy silver block sandals and pink streaks add to the exuberance of this outfit.

Pretty in pink, Taylor charms in this saccharine salmon and cerise ensemble by Oscar de la Renta. It features a pair of high-waisted shorts and floral appliquéd cropped top.

 Green metallics meet in a leather bomber jacket by Burberry Prorsum, seen with a navy blue peplum bustier and skinny forest green twill trews.

Bold in cobalt blue, Taylor wears a silk turtleneck suit by Gucci, featuring massively ruffled sleeves. Her beekeepers hat is by Alexander McQueen, with black lace gloves by Chanel. 

What do you think of Taylor's Spring Elle feature?


*All images found via elle.com