Friday Frills

For what it’s worth: it’s never too late, 
Or too early to be whoever you want to be. 

There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. 

You can change or stay the same, 

There are no rules to this thing called life. 

We can make the best or the worst of it. 

I hope you make the best of it. 

And I hope you see things that move and inspire you. 

I hope you feel things you never felt before. 

I hope you meet people with a different point of view. 

I hope you live a life you’re proud of. 

If you find that you’re not,

 I hope you have the courage to start all over again.

*Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald, edited. 
Image via weheartit.com

Glamour's Sweet Ode To Summer

This summer it's all about sweet sugary shades - so sweet, in fact, it could give you a tooth ache. Glamour UK perfectly defines this candy coated trend with an enchanting editorial in their June 2013 issue. Captured by photographer Pamela Hanson, US model Sharon Kavijian delightfully displays several summery looks, swirled in a confection of daintiness & femininity.

Sharon is endearingly dressed in a cherry blossom pink strapless satin dress with bejeweled flower skirt by Moschino Cheap & Chic. Her striking cerise and mint green ankle-strap leather sandals are by Charlottle Olympia.

Sharon is elegantly wrapped in a metallic powder blue satin and organza dress with drape-folded bodice and flaired out skirt from Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2013 collection. 
I much prefer the structure of this dress in the editorial over the runway.

Keeping the trend youthful, Emporio Armani presents a rose water pink charmeuse & lamé playsuit with wide-shouldered silhouette. It has been styled with stunning red and pink Fleur heels by Charlotte Olympia and a Jennifer Behr crystal headband.

Left: Girlish allure is displayed in a vanilla cream silk and satin bustier dress by Rochas, with strappy iced strawberry sandals by Sophia Webster.
Right: Blurring the line between the high street and designer avenue, Sharon wears a menthe blue cotton lace dress by Miss Selfridge, with a tulle, chiffon and organza skirt by Johan Rocha. Her flower topped heels are by Charlotte Olympia.

Sharon is veiled in a petal pink dress with sheer specked tulle overlay by Red Valentino.

Combining cut-outs, sheerness and chiffon is a pastel pink floral printed dress with bow-trimmed bands by Christopher Kane.

Showing off a more dressed down side to the cotton candy trend, Sharon is styled in a silk and chiffon peach melba top with sheer detail and matching shorts, which is by Cacharel. She also wears a fascinating blue, pink and yellow frilled satin sandal by Charlotte Olympia.

One of my favourite looks from the photo shoot is this lemon meringue leaf crepe tiered dress with frilled skirt by Alexander McQueen. It is interestingly contrasted by red peep-toe Christian Louboutin sandals and pink rubber necklaces.

Erdem Moralioglu is to be admired for this fizzy creation of a pink, lilac and yellow jacquard Damascus-printed silk dress with sheer organza overlay studded with yellow rhinestones. 
A crystal head piece by Jennifer Behr competes this beguiling look.

Is this sugary, sorbet sweet trend something you would try out?

Who Wore It Better - Cannes 2013 Edition

Who Wore It Better?
Cannes Film Festival 2013

One would assume that at a fashion extravaganza as exclusive as the Cannes Film Festival, there would be no outfit repeats. But this is not the case. Here is a list of five previously worn looks, two of which were in rotation just a few days apart. Now that's calling it close. 

I haven't included the runway versions in each round, making this edition of 'Who Wore It Better' just a little more difficult to decide on.


Round 1

*Alessandra Ambrosio took many-a-breath-away in this form-fitting cobalt blue Roberto Cavalli gown with sexy side cut-outs and contrast black banding. Alessandra wore the alluring outfit for Roberto Cavalli's Cannes yacht party on May 22 in the South of France.
*Just 4 days later, Italian actress Nicoletta Romanoff wore the exact same dress to the Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, styling her outfit with layered necklaces & a black woven clutch bag.

The Verdict: Alessandra wears this dress only like a supermodel can, the fit is flawless on her. That said, Nicoletta drives a great contest, however I find the heaps of chains take away from the simplicity of the dress.

Round 2

*Solange Knowles rocked an abstract botanical printed Roberto Cavalli suit at the Belvedere Party during the Cannes Film Festival last week. Solange anchored the suit with a crisp white shirt that has a black edged collar. She added a bright green clutch bag for further interest.
*Karolina Kurkova had already worn the black-lapeled blazer from this Roberto Cavalli pants suit for a TV appearance in March 2013. The Czech model opted to leave out the matching trousers in favor of some slim-fitting leather leggings by Marissa Webb. Karolina also wears the same white Cavalli shirt and stepped into nude pointy-toe Ruthie Davis pumps.

The Verdict: My vote goes to Karolina for her sophisticated styling of the printed tuxedo blazer. She perfectly balanced out the look with sleek black leggings. I found the wide-legged trousers overwhelming on Solange, it almost drowns her frame.

Round 3 

*French actress Audrey Tautou posed for a movie photocall during the very first day of the Cannes Film Festival, dressed in a delightful floral printed crepe dress by Red Valentino. Her spaghetti-strap midi-length frock was worn with nude pumps and a cropped coif.
*Alexa Chung was ahead of the game on this one, already having worn the charming cream and yellow dress to the Grammy awards in February 2013. The British style star paired her look with silver glittery ankle strap pumps and a loose updo.

The Verdict: I am a little biased around Alexa's style so I am going with her in this round. I do think the dress was a better fit on her, with the skirt more flaired out and the bodice more tailored. Also, her addition of a bright red lipstick did wonders for this look.

Round 4

*Burlesque star Dita Von Teese was spotted in a stunning cherry red Elie Saab dress just 5 days on the Cannes red carpet after it was worn by Bollywood fashionsita Sonam Kapoor. Dita styled her beautifully embellished tea-length dress with a red clutch & satin round-toed pumps.
*At the Cannes Gala Dinner, Sonam Kapoor debuted the ravishing brightly hued dress, accessorizing with a crystal encrusted clutch and red ankle-strap shoes. I could only source this Twitter pic of Sonam in the Elie Saab frock, hence the unclear appearance. 

The Verdict: I am stuck in the middle on this one. I like the daintiness Sonam brought to this graceful Elie Saab look, and I preferred her pin straight hairstyle. Dita however, undeniably wears this dress just as well too. Any thoughts?


Round 5

*Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai looked exquisite in a teal blue sequin scattered gown with sheer neck and long-sleeves, which she wore to the famous Life Ball held during the Cannes Film Festival. Ash had her Roberto Cavalli gown lined to exclude the original front slit. She wore her in soft curls and had intense blue smokey eyes.

*Jennifer Hudson impressed at this years Academy Awards show held in February 2013, wearing the exact same Roberto Cavalli dress, only with the slit still in tact, pairing it with bright blue sandals and a matching clutch. Jen wore her hair sleekly straight with a fringe.

The Verdict: I prefer the demure refinement of Aishwarya in this round. Also, I couldn't get past those glaring blue peep-toes Jennifer wore, it was too loud for such an elegant look.

I would love to hear your personal verdicts on each round. In the comment box, list Round 1 to 5 and let me know who you thought 'Wore It Better'.

Caterina Gatta Spring/Summer 2013

Italian designer Caterina Gatta is what you would call a 'vintage pioneer' in fashion terms. What makes this 28-year-old rising star stand out is her unprecedented use of prints. Caterina has created a clothing line using retro designer printed textiles, scouring the archives of Valentino, Versace, Ungaro, Pierre Cardin, Givenchy and many more for inspiration. She takes these patterns from Italy's fashion past and creates something new and modern from them.

This season, Caterina revitalizes vintage silk crepe de chine floral prints from the historic studios of Gianni Versace and Lancetti, turning them into flirty high-waisted skirts, winsome summer frocks, floaty maxi dresses and contrast-edged cropped tops. She also does her own spin on the Asian trend, creating quadrilateral kimono vests, bordered by brightly coloured leather lapels. For Spring/Summer 2013, Caterina updates green and white V-e-r-s-a-c-e letter printed silk with sporty silhouettes and shorts, as seen in Set 2.

Browse Caterina Gatta's rediscovery of lost textile treasures for Spring/Summer 2013.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Caterina's creative employment of fabrics that were previously considered as 'outdated', is an indication of her resourcefulness and ingenuity. She perceptively uses the printed past to make her unique mark on the future of fashion.


All images found via www.caterinagatta.it

Cannes Red Carpet 2013 - Part Three

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2013
Part Three

As our fashion tour of the Cannes 2013 Film Festival draws to a close this weekend, the red carpet has heated up with even more impressive outfits. This is Part Three of my Cannes coverage, snap the link if you missed Part One & Two. Click on the images for a larger view.

Feminine Flair

Selita Ebanks plays princess in a pastel pink tulle confection with floral embroidered bodice. Petra Nemcova was ravishing in a tea-rose Elie Saab wrap gown, garnished with shimmering beadwork. Mexican beauty Ximena Navarette displayed the perfect construction of Zac Posen in a lavender corset dress with layered mermaid skirt. Zhang Ziyi stunningly crafted in a lilac embellished Elie Saab gown.

Black Magic

 Paz Vega redeems herself by going simplistic in a black Vionnet dress with low neck. Karolina Kurkova wears a hip-hugging Roberto Cavalli dress with cut-out sides. Irina Shayk dons a sultry black Cavalli number with intrepid low neck & cut-out bodice. Bianca Balti was beautifully dressed in a black frill-tiered gown with lace sleeves by Alberta Ferretti. A blonde Kat Graham went goth princess in a lace bodice dress with fringed peplum by Marchesa.

White Wash

Erin Heatherton was celestial in a white scalloped lace-edged gown by Emilio Pucci. Kylie Minogue was garmented in a plunge-neck Roberto Cavalli dress with decorative gold cut-outs on the waist. Eva Herzigova made a Cannes red carpet appearence in a chic white Christian Dior column gown with draped shoulder. Chanel Iman was almost bridal in a classic white gown with structured boxy shoulders and long sleeves. Marion Cotillard has elegance down to a fine art, she wears a timeless white long-sleeved dress with side frill by Dior. 

Cordon Bleu

Jessica Chastain was striking in a cobalt blue jewel encrusted Givenchy gown which enhanced her hourglass figure. Czech beauty Petra Nemcova picked out a fetching navy blue embellished Elie Saab illusion dress. Milla Jovovich wore a gemstone studded bodice with midnight blue ballroom skirt by Armani Privé. Brazilian model Izabel Goulart sizzled in a curve-hugging teal blue sheer embroidered gown by Elie Saab. Araya A Hargate was fully fringed in an indigo blue halter dress by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Ivory Evenings

Turkish actress Saadet Askoy was romantically dressed in a taupe lace adorned long-sleeved gown by Valentino. Nicole Kidman is an image of grace in an ivory lace embroidered Valentino gown with high-neck & full skirt. Milla Jovovich displayed her feminine side in a cream Valentino frock, decked with floral embellishments & a frilly tiered skirt. 

Bedazzled

Aishwarya Rai turned to a more traditional look, wearing an ornate gold sari with mandarin collared blouse by Tarun Tahiliani. Alessandra Ambrosio glossed up in a fully sequined slinky gunmetal grey Roberto Cavalli gown. British singer Ellie Goulding sparkled in a silver Patricia Bonaldi dress with sheer embellished overlay. Olivia Palermo donned a shimmering liquid gold Cavalli gown with an embellished blazer and fringed clutch. 

B&W

Olga Stepanenko channels the black & white trend in a striped strapless ballgown by Oscar de la Renta. Anna Dello Russo brought her eccentric style to Cannes in a white cropped tank top & flamenco frilled skirt with daring slit by Balenciaga. Ulyana Sergeenko looked stately in one of her own designs with scooped out neck & contrast print puff sleeves & train. Zhang Ziyi posed in a zebra print peplum dress with black tulle overlay by Giambattista Valli. Nicole Kidman changed paces in a white sequined dress with ruffled hemline & red heels by Chanel. 

Leading the Trail

Zhang Yuqi impresses yet again in form-fitting gown with long fishtail train by Roberto Cavalli. Alessandra Ambrosio went Grecian in a stunning ivory gown with chiffon trail by Zuhair Murad. Olivia Palermo took a walk on the wild side in a coquettish one-strap leopard print frock with side split by none other than Roberto Cavalli. Liu Wen was enchanting in her choice of a polished cream v-neck Roberto Cavalli gown with trailing skirt.

Berry Haute

Jessica Hart was remarkably sophisticated in a contoured raspberry ribbed column gown. Stacy Keibler stood out in an aubergine impeccably tailored Zac Posen gown with bow-decked corset and fishtail skirt. Irina Shayk was a vision in cerise pink, wearing a decadently beaded gown by Elie Saab. Stylist Louise Roe wore an eye-catching grape and cranberry red baroque printed gown by Randa Salamoun. Lily Donaldson picked an attractive cherry red Asian inspired gown by Emilio Pucci. Jessica Chastain exuded refinement in a redcurrant Saint Laurent gown with cut-out bodice and tie-up asymmetrical shoulder.

Leg Room

Isabeli Fontana showed off her incredible figure in a sexy black gown with lace insert neckline and cut-out sides. Heidi Klum was alluring in a white crystal studded one-shouldered Versace corset dress with thigh-high split. Joan Smalls was uniquely styled in a long-sleeved flower patterned sequin dress with sheer white skirt and floral adorned hemline, which is by Givenchy. Izabel Goulart put her best foot forward in a black strapless Emilio Pucci dress with Angelina-inspired slit. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley displayed effortless elegance in a simple short white Christian Dior dress with rounded high-low hemline.

Closing Ceremony

Uma Thurman wore a molten silver strapless Atelier Versace gown with paneled bodice & flowing skirt. French beauty Sylvie Tellier twinkled in a glorious emerald green long-sleeved Andrew Gn gown. Nicole Kidman was regal in a white Armani Privé dress with Swarovski studded bodice & structured V-neck. Audrey Tautou lent her charm to the festival in a cardinal red ballgown with carnation pink criss-cross waistband & straps. Zhang Ziyi used her final Cannes 2013 appearance to her best advantage, gorgeous in a lace beaded Elie Saab gown.

Who impressed you the most in this final edition of the the Cannes Red Carpet?

Friday Frills

You can't eat happiness
.

You can't buy it. You can't wear it.
 

You can't drive it, or drink it, or sell it, or steal it.


You can't lock it away. 

You can't negotiate for it.


You can't win it, you can't marry it, you can't inherit it, 
you can't cheat it. 

You can't smoke it, 
or rent it or borrow it. 

You can't campaign for it 
or beg for it, or talk other people into giving you theirs.



However...

You can live happiness. 

You can create it. You can be it.


You can give it to others. 

You can enjoy it. You can share it.
 You can claim it. 

You can have as much as you wish.


You can enjoy it as much as you want, at any time, 
under any circumstance. 

You can work with it, 
play with it, worship, travel, sleep, eat, and breathe with it.


Happiness is yours to live and yours to give, if only you will. 


It comes from the inside, and the best way to experience 
it is to get it flowing out.



Forget about trying and striving to get happy.


Just decide to be happy, and happiness is yours.

*Quote by Ralph Marston. Image via Pinterest.

Cannes Red Carpet 2013 - Part Two

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2013
Part Two

The glamour and excitement continues with a red carpet catch-up in Part Two of my Cannes 2013 fashion coverage. If you missed Part One, visit here. Click on the images to zoom in.

Colour-Blocked

Jennifer Lawrence graced Cannes in a black & white gown with folded peplum waist detail by Christian Dior. Carey Mulligan is once again simplistic chic in a monochromatic look with cut-out neck & middle split by Vionnet. Marion Cotillard brought in some colour to her white pleated Christian Dior asymmetrical hemmed dress with blocks of yellow, pink & cobalt blue. 

Patterned

Nicole Kidman chose a busy red and blue leaf-patterned strapless gown by L'Wren Scott. Milla Jovovich showed off a floral short-sleeved sequined frock by Chanel Couture. Kirsten Dunst was elegant in a black and white embroidered dress by Michael van der Ham. 

Pastel Pretty

Chinese actress Zhang Yuqi was breathtaking in a blush Roberto Cavalli mermaid gown, delicately emblazoned with a multitude of tiny frills. Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai opted for an ethnic full-skirted gown decked in a myriad of pastel shaded beads, which is by Indian design duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Supermodel Joan Smalls wore a fluttery petal pink gown with low plunge neck and frilled sleeves and slit by Emilio Pucci. 

Ladies in Red

Cheryl Cole was exquisite in a fully embellished wine red lace Zuhair Murad dress. Spanish presenter Nieves Alvarez stole the spotlight in an artful cherry red couture gown by Ralph & Russo, featuring a colossal fabric train emerging from the hip. Ahna O' Reilly was engaging in a ruby red embroidered dress with high-low hem and accompanying skinny trousers, by Monique Lhuillier. French model Alyson le Borges made a bold statement in a palatial Armani Privé scarlet strapless gown with folded skirt & a tribal cane through the bodice.

Back To Black

 Ethiopian model Liya Kebede was beguiling in a shimmering black beaded Roberto Cavalli linear gown with sheer sleeves and bodice. Hungarian model Barbara Palvin went for a unique style, wearing a masculine tailored tuxedo suit with ankle-cropped pants by Alexandre Vauthier. Aishwarya Rai looked imperial in a black embroidered lace printed gown with cap sleeves and full skirt by favored Cannes designer Elie Saab.

Blue Smoke

French actress Lea Seydoux was dressed by Louis Vuitton in a cornflower blue strapless gown with navy ombre sequined skirt. Zoe Saldana was an image of grace wearing a grey-blue lace embroidered gown by Valentino. Milla Jovovich went for an edgier look, donning a black backless gown with midnight blue diamond-beaded skirt by Prada.

Chalk It Up

Doutzen Kroes was classic in a crisp white long-sleeved Calvin Klein dress with cut-out back. Paz Vega took a risk in this perplexing Stéphane Rolland Couture gown with loosely fitted plunging bodice, sheer insert skirt & fringed hem. Jessica Chastain looked regal in a timeless off-white Versace gown with matching waistband & long cape. Chinese actress Carina Lau posed in a sophisticated Elie Saab dress with fitted beaded bodice & over-the-shoulder cape.

Aquatic

 Aishwarya Rai was elegantly dressed by Gucci in a silk one-shouldered teal blue gown with defining waistband. Thai actress Araya Hargate turned a few heads in this dramatic turquoise Zac Posen gown with fitted satin corset and titanic tulle skirt. Eva Longoria went for an aquamarine bubble embossed dress with three-quarter sleeves and side slit by Atelier Versace.

Into The Glitz

Rosario Dawson glimmered in an embellished gold Marchesa gown with puffy sleeves and short train. Jessica Biel made an outstanding Cannes appearance in a ornately decorated dress with feathered skirt by Marchesa. Lara Lieto went for gold in a long-sleeved (see-through) sequined gown by Elie Saab. Petra Nemcova picked out a shimmery sequined metallic number with chiffon paneled skirt by Emilio Pucci.

Neon Nation

Zhang Yuqi took a stride in a neon digi-printed Monique Lhuillier strapless gown with imposing fishtail skirt. Australian model Jessica Hart was fluorescent in a pink one-strap Emilio Pucci gown with thigh-high slit, metallic belt and Casadei sandals. Caymanian beauty Selita EBanks coloured in the Cannes red carpet with a vivid shade of canary yellow; wearing a halter, keyhole-cut-out gown with embellished sleeves and long trailing skirt by Cadena Gabriela.

Who has impressed you in Part Two of the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet?

*Part Three to follow in the coming week.

Who Wore Chanel Stripes Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Chanel Pre-Spring 2013 Jumpsuit

Keeping in with striped trend, this version of 'Who Wore It Better' pits 6 international starlets against each other in an epic styling battle of Chanel. The outfit in question is a black and white striped strapless jumpsuit from Chanel's Pre-Spring 2013 collection. A difficult silhouette for anyone to wear, this one ought to be interesting...

1. Fashion stylist Caroline Sieber took a casually elegant approach to styling her jumpsuit, wearing it with a sleek black buttoned jacket, tote bag and wide-brimmed fedora.
2. British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley kept her look minimalistic chic, adding a long layered pearl necklace and a Chanel 'Lego' clutch bag to her jumpsuit. This fitted bodice with wide-leg silhouette is ideally tailored to her model height and figure.
3. Chinese model Sui He went geometric by pairing her vertically striped jumpsuit with a sheer black horizontally striped top, creating a checkered effect. Red heels finalized Sui's outfit.

4. Chinese beauty Janice Man flaunted her sophisticated styling of the striped jumpsuit, pairing it with an oversized black blazer and gold & black necklaces. 
5. 12-year-old Willow Smith had the monochromatic jumpsuit resized to her small waist size but the pants don't have the same streamlined effect as it does on the others. A cropped leather biker jacket, black bowler hat & spiked PVC Louboutin pumps complete her edgy look.
6. Miley Cyrus looked sleek in the linear leg-lengthening ensemble, opting for simple styling with a gold collar necklace and bright red lips.

Who Wore It Better? 
I like the gracefulness Rosie brought to the jumpsuit, the fit is perfect on her. But I have to go with Caroline as my top pick, as I preferred her perceptive and contemporary styling. She transformed this piece into so much more than just a striped jumpsuit. 
What are your thoughts?

Katie Ermilio Spring/Summer 2013

Just when we thought we had our fashion fill of stripes this season, upcoming US designer Katie Ermilio updates the trend with modern tailoring and bold contrasts. The talented 27-year old is extremely conscientious with regards to garment construction, playing with fit-and-flair proportions, bubble skirts and slim-fitting silhouettes. Katie creates clothes that are easy to wear, instantly chic and flattering to different shapes.

For Spring 2013, Katie effectively pursues geometrics, presenting a predominantly black and white range, heavily lined with stripes. A bright splash of canary yellow and cardinal red vivifies the monochromic collection with ladylike cocktail frocks and elegant evening wear. 

A rising star on the New York Fashion scene and with fans like Olivia Palermo & Michelle Williams, Katie Ermilio is one to watch. This is a look at her Spring/Summer 2013 range.


Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

    
Which Katie Ermilio outfit would you like in your wardrobe ?


All images found via katieermilio.com