A Ray of Style #9

Tribal Style
Outfit Post by Raysa

Of all the outfit posts that my cousin Ray has done for my blog, this was the first one where I was the designated photographer. I didn't realize how tricky it was being behind the camera and now I know how challenging it can for fashion bloggers to find the right lighting, location and background. I also discovered it takes some talent achieving those natural, professional looking poses. My respect for all of you who do this everyday just went up by a 100 points.

We shot these photos at a countryside lodge during a family reunion. Ray went for a vibrant look in cobalt blue and sunflower yellow. She styled her buttoned-back blouse with a colourful tribal inspired paisley print skirt, accessorizing with a bright yellow statement necklace.

 She Wears:

Cobalt blue blouse - Zara

Scarf print maxi skirt - Mango

Yellow beaded necklace - Lovisa

Watch - Marc Jacobs

 

Get The Look

*A special thanks to my model Ray for the use of these photographs. 

Kotur Clutches Spring/Summer 2013

When starlets need some place glamourous to store their smartphones on the red carpet, they usually turn to Kotur. The luxury handbag label cultivates their own creative garden this Spring, with a stunning range of surreal nature-inspired clutches and minaudieres. 

Classic box-cluches are invigorated by zesty neons in coral, citron, cerise and yellow. Florals flourish in a variety of interesting forms like jacquard prints, lace overlays and elaborate three-dimensional floral bouquets. Ethnic patterns are given an earthy feel in multi-hued raffia, feathers, West African wax batik fabric wraps and silk tassels.

Metallics are embossed with leather animal prints, carved in brass, and swirled with sequins. Each of the clutches are clasped with glass, crystal, rock or stone. For a modern touch, there is a transparent perspex minaudiere dotted with gold glitter. Or add a pop of colour with a hot pink perspex Aqua Globe© box clutch.

These are a few pieces from Kotur's Spring/Summer 2013 clutch bag collection.

I love the sequined neons and floral print fluorescents for an electric colour pop to any outfit. I hope the retail stores bring us more affordable versions of these designer box bags. 
Which are your Kotur favourites?


*All images found via www.koturltd.com.

Looks of the Week - 27/04/13

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

In Neutral

Alexa Chung looked polished in an ivory tweed dress by Chanel, styled with a red-hot lip, black sling bag and black and white Mary-Janes.
Naya Rivera is alluring in a sexy strapless silk taupe dress with flounced hem by Zac Posen. 
Kate Hudson is pictured in a sophisticated cream cable-knit jersey dress by Jenny Packham, worn with matching Casadei pumps.
The dainty Elle Fanning looked lovely in a caffe-laté coloured gown by Lanvin with exaggerated hip pleats and a black sash.
Emma Roberts was ladylike in a peach satin circle skirt and white-collared sleeveless blouse. Metallic silver pointy-toe pumps complete her look.


After Dark

Jennifer Lawrence opted for a sporty silhouette, in this sleek black dress with flaired out skirt and sheer neck line, by David Koma. Nicholas Kirkwood sandals fit her feet.
Cosma Shiva Hagen represented Louis Vuitton from head-to-heel. The German actress styled her gold lace skirt with a sleeveless black top, tassel necklace, tights & metallic capped heels.
Jessica Biel dons a modernistic midi black asymmetrical dress with halter neck and ankle cuff sandals, both by Tom Ford.


Yellow Fever

Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu was impressively dressed in a vivid canary yellow embellished dress with fluttering waterfall skirt, which is by Giambattista Valli.
Julie Bowen spelt spring in her fluorescent lemon watercolour print dress by Monique Lhuillier. Nude Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals were her choice of heel.
Chelsea Kane spread the sunshine in a fully sequined daffodil sheath dress by Alice + Olivia.


Blooming Buds

Kat Dennings displayed her feminine side in a romantic lace and floral long-sleeved mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana. I wished for different shoes.

Selena Gomez showed off a more laid back look, winsome in a block letter print tank and floral silk lounge pants by 3.1 Philip Lim. Her white strap heels are by Bionda Castana. 
Camila Alves was graceful in a floral and lace look by Dolce & Gabbana.
Katy Perry went royally blue on her campaign for the new Smurfs movie, pretty in a floral lace dress by Monique Lhuillier. Silver Giuseppe Zanotti pumps add some shine to her outfit.

Pretty in Pastel

Spanish beauty Megan Montaner looked ravishing in a flowing coral gown with accented waist by Blumarine. A gold clutch and heart pendant style her outfit.
Newcomer Bar Paly was luscious in lavender, wearing a strapless bustier gown with sheer chiffon skirt by Maria Lucia Hohan. A pity about the nude underlay.
Columbian actress Juana Acosta was regal in an Arctic blue V-neck gown with caped sleeves and gathered waist by Zuhair Murad.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

In life there are people that will hurt us and cause us pain, 

but we must learn to forgive and forget and not hold grudges. 

In life there are mistakes we will make, 

but we must learn from our wrongs and grow from them.  

In life there are regrets we will have to live with, 

but we must learn to leave the past behind and realize it is something we can't change. 

In life there are people we will lose forever, sometimes by choice, 

but we must learn to let go and move on. 

In life there are going to be obstacles that will cause interference, 

but we must learn to overcome these challenges and grow stronger.  

In life there are fears that will hold us back from what we want, 

but we must learn to fight them with the courage from within.

In life the best way to succeed is to

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Quote © Angie Flores

That Dior Dress

I didn't think much of this Christian Dior dress when I first saw it on the runway, other than it reminded me of a sweet wrapper. However, as the months go by, I am beginning to see more and more of it on the red carpet and in magazine editorials all around the globe. This multi-shaded striped organza dress is fast becoming one of the most photographed looks from Dior's Spring 2013 collection. Let's observe the rise-and-rise of that Dior dress.

On the Dior SS13 runway, Kasia Struss modeled the candy coloured
dress that strongly influenced editors and celebrities everywhere. 

The diaphanous dress has already been photographed three times on the red carpet.
Left: Model Lee Hyun Yi wore the look to an event in Seoul, South Korea.
Center: Australian actress Isabel Lucas donned the youthful dress to a Sydney store opening.
Right: American socialite Lisa Marie Falcone wore the Dior dress just this week in New York City. I have to admit this dress looks far better in editorial than it does in 'real-life'.

Left: Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld is enveloped in a colorful swirl of organza for the cover of Harper's Bazaar España April 2013. Right: Rose Smith is given a sportier styling in Vogue Australia, with inner black tank top and wrist bands.

Left: Amanda Seyfried graces the April 2013 cover of Tatler Russia, accessorized with bold green earrings and a multi-coloured necklace. Right: Valerija Kelava gives new meaning to the term 'urban' glamour for Antidote Magazine's Street Issue.

Left: Natalia Vodianova displays the pink bandeau side strap thats holds this gauzy dress together. A rose-shaded neck-tie and soft makeup add to the romance of her styling.
Right: Vanessa Hudgens, on the other end of the spectrum, is given a spikey punk rock hairstyle and plastered with heavy makeup.

Left: Irish actress Saoirse Ronan adds vivid colour to a dusky forest scene for Instyle Magazine. Right: Singer Kelly Chen covers Marie Claire Hong Kong's April 2013 issue in the fluorescent dress. The lighting in this photo makes the shades look somewhat darker.  

Elle Fanning gives a playful edge to the dress, blending into the plastic background for New York Magazine. In this case, it really does look like a candy wrapper.

Left: Russian model Vlada Roslyakova makes a bright splash on the cover of Marie Claire Korea's March 2013 edition. Right: Nico O is dressed up in the famous frock with asymmetrical hemline for a fashion page in Marie Claire UK March 2013. I think her metallic strap heels are a pivotal part of what makes this look work here.

Clearly a fashion editor favourite, do you think this Dior dress deserves all the hype or not? 

Alice + Olivia Spring Collection 2013

There's an air of optimism and retro girlish glamour at the doors of Alice + Olivia this Spring. New York based designer Stacey Bendet derives her cheery inspiration from the 50's, with a set of ladylike silhouettes, cute printed cardigans, full flaired skirts, modish pants suits, candy stripes and chic shift dresses.

A rainbow of animated shades colour in this flirty collection; from bright cherry reds, apple green and canary yellow to more subtle hues of peach, powder blue and ivory. Prints come in the form of feminine florals, the animalistic élan of leopard and zebra and trendy black and white chevron lines. This exuberant range fits the closet of the modern thinking girl with a love for vintage charm. Each piece can easily be taken from the office to an elegant night out. The go-to brand for young Hollywood, Alice + Olivia also present a beautiful selection of evening gowns that exude grace and vivacity.

This is a glance into her style-filled Spring/Summer 2013 range.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Alice + Olivia is one of the more well-priced designer labels, especially if you catch some of their worthwhile online sales. They also offer free shipping within the US. This collection has already proved to be a hit with stars like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepson, AnnaSophia Robb and Taylor Swift. I wouldn't be surprised if we see every single outfit from this collection out on the red carpet. Which A+O look do you most love?

*View the entire collection at aliceandolivia.com

Around the Arabian Gulf

This is the last set of pictures from my Arabian adventure. 

One of my stops on the Persian Gulf cruise was Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman. I didn't know much about the country before I got there, and found it to be a bustling, very affluent city, where old meets new, culture collides with modern every-day living & the price of gas is just $0.31 / €0.29 per liter. So if you ever need to stock up on fuel, this is the place to go.

Lofty arches, strong geometric lines, arcaded colonnades and artful curvature are an integral part of Arabic architecture. This is a view of the Sultan Qaboos courtyard in Muscat, Oman.

A scene from an Omani Souq (or market place), where you can buy ethnic handmade crafts, traditional clothes, including the famous 'kummah' hat that is native to this region, as well as exotic glass mosaic and brass lamps to colorfully light up your home. (Although I don't know how you would get that through the airport all in one piece).

The Sultan of Oman reigns and hosts royal functions from the grand Al Alam Palace.

Our next stop was Abu Dhabi, where the glorious Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks. It features 82 domes, Moroccan and Andalusian artwork, hand-knotted wool carpets and can accommodate up to 40 000 people. This is a perfect example of the decorative architectural style of the Middle East.

I had never seen chandeliers quite extravagant as this one before. Pictured above is one of seven sources of illumination in the mosque. Made in Germany from thousands of Swarovski crystals, this ornamented piece of art weighs about 2 tons.

Sivec marble was brought in from Greece to construct the incandescent white crowned columns, arches, floors and walls, which are embellished by colourful floral designs.

Calling all Italian car fanatics...Ferrari World is the first of it's kind and the world's largest indoor theme park. It also boasts the world's fastest roller coaster - the Formula Rossa, which reaches a speed of 250km/h (149mph). If you're not an adrenaline junkie (like me), you can stroll through the automative history of this spectacular car brand in the Galleria.

Thanks for sticking around through my journey around the Arabian Gulf. If you love high end shopping, fancy cars, sunny weather, vintage markets, luxurious resorts & magnificent architecture, look no further than the United Arab Emirates. With unlimited funds, and if you can brave the 45 °C desert heat, it can be as glamourous as Carrie Bradshaw made it out to be in SATC 2. Now if only I could have the wardrobe included in this stylish scene...

  

Looks of the Week - 20/04/13

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

Colour in Chaos

Emmy Rossum is pastel pretty in a peach printed dress, accompanied by a coral bag and mint green ankle strap sandals.
Rita Ora went whimsy in a neon orange Jeremy Scott t-shirt and lumo purple midi skirt by JW Anderson. Black Converse trainers complete her cool Coachella look. 
AnnaSophia Robb was stripey in a multi-coloured Lacoste dress, paired with Converse sneakers and cute floral rim sunglasses.
Jessica Alba's candied green apple & coral animal print coat is by Kenzo. She expertly styled it with an ombre green & white top, black skinnies, a Missoni bag & Rag & Bone ankle boots.


Navy is the New Black

Emma Roberts showed off a polished indigo blue Cushnie Et Och midi-dress with geometric strap neckline and chunky black Walter Steiger sandals.
Jessica Biel stunned in a navy printed Elie Saab gown with sheer skirt detail & belted waist.
Brittany Snow looked poised in a sophisticated navy satin mini with elaborate shoulder embellishment, by Lela Rose. Metallic heels and a silver clutch styled her look.
Michelle Williams went for a modern classic look in this minimalist midnight blue Katie Ermilio gown with exaggerated hip pleating.


Being Boho

Kate Bosworth was indie chic in a white scallop edged tank and shorts set by Topshop. A tan satchel sling bag and ankle boots complete her look.
Vanessa Hudgens dons a flowing vertically striped Flynn Skye dress, styled with a cute wide brimmed tan hat by Free People, copper necklace and brown wedges.
Alessandra Ambrosio heated up Coachella in an off-the-shoulder gypsy top and little lace shorts, highlighted with all brown accessories, including a belt, cowboy ankle boots, a suede fringed Giuseppe Zanotti bag and fedora.
Alexa Chung picked out a folksy cream dress with black print detail, adding a pair of flat cut-out slippers to her bohemian inspired outfit.

Gowning Around

Olivia Palermo showed off her impressive ability to accessorize by enhancing a simple sheer-sleeved black gown with a colourful Afri-chic tribal-style collar necklace and cuffs, a striped clutch bag and beaded heels, all by Pikolinos.
Kate Hudson was ravishing in a pale aquamint Reem Acra strapless sweetheart gown with folded bow detail upon the waist and a high slit.
Hong Kong native Janice Man wears Stephane Rolland Couture with finesse. Her black and sandy beige one-shoudered gown features a cut-out halter neck with plunge neck. A wide metallic belt ties it all together.
South Korean model Ji Hye Park looked stunning in a purple long-sleeved tulle Prabal Gurung gown, decorated with shimmering latex razor paillettes. 


Black & White

Glee's Naya Rivera elegantly opted for a black jacquard peplum suit by Monique Lhuillier.
Karlie Kloss perfectly defines her supermodel figure in a sexy white cut-out Cushnie Et Ochs cropped top and pencil skirt, paired with ankle-cuff heels.
Karolina Kurkova's enviably long legs are on show in this dashing black beaded mini ensemble by Blumarine. Christian Louboutin pumps and a metallic clutch style her outfit.
Chrissy Teigen was sharply tailored in a white tuxedo coat with asymmetrical hem. Strappy Jimmy Choo sandals and a metallic gold clutch finalize her outfit. 
Sienna Miller represents the high street in a floral embossed black dress by Topshop. She added a red and black Delvaux bag for a shot of colour.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

The more generous we are, the more joyous we become.


The more cooperative we are, the more valuable we become. 

The more enthusiastic we are, the more productive we become.


The more serving we are, the more prosperous we become. 

The more outgoing we are, the more helpful we become.


The more curious we are, the more creative we become. 

The more patient we are, the more understanding we become.


The more persistent we are, the more successful we become.

You are the master of your own universe...
How you choose to use this power is all up to you.
Use it well, and you can become whatever you would like to be.

Words by William Arthur Ward, edited. 
Image via weheartit.com

Casadei Spring Shoes 2013

Forget about diamond jewellery and designer clothes...Sometimes all it takes to make an outstanding style statement is a killer pair of heels. For the past 54 years, Italian footwear label Casadei has thrived upon it's prowess to create shoes that allow women to tower over the crowd, most literally. These 5 inch pair of heels are not for the faint hearted. With aerial proportions, acute angles & concealed platforms, they will require some skill walking in.

For Spring 2013, Casadei gingers up their usual pairs of strappy sandals and pointy-toe pumps with jazzy colours and interesting materials. Electric animal print shoes are studded with sparkly Swarovski crystals. Crackled wedge heels are crafted from a patchwork of mirrored glass and earthy wafers of wood. Transparent plexi-glass adds a futuristic effect to satin covered sandals in pastel hues.

Here is a look into the pioneering Spring/Summer 2013 range by Casadei.

A pair of Casadei pumps will set you back $650 and more. So for now, all we can do is swoon over these sensational pairs and leave it to the fashionably famous to figure out how to walk in them. Which one of these is your dream heel?

*See the entire range at Casadei.com