Looks of the Week - 31/08/13

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

Printed Pavements

Alexa Chung takes a stylish stroll in New York City, looking summery in a pretty floral print Kenzo dress with peplum waist, paired with flat red sandals.
Katie Holmes films a movie scene in a vintage inspired mix-print look featuring a grid-checked skirt and contrasting floral blouse. No comment on the Mary-Janes.
Dianna Agron looked delightful in a carnation pink printed Louis Vuitton dress, styled with black flat Tory Burch sandals and a Helmut Lang tote bag
Ashley Greene stepped out in an eye-catching floral printed jumpsuit by Boohoo, with black ballet Matt Bernson pumps.

Duo-Tone

Olivia Munn details inner-as-outer wear in an ivory satin bustier with black piping and a lace pencil skirt by Michael Kors.
Carey Mulligan does retro flair with ease in a modish little black Miu Miu dress with white collar and T-bar platform heels.
Mia Wasikowska pairs her black and white pleated Proenza Schouler skirt with a simple white t-shirt and strappy matching sandals. 
Emmy Rossum mixes labels with a cute beaded Moschino Chic 'n Cheap sweater and a RED Valentino mini skirt with scalloped belt.


Plaid Sailing

Cara Delevingne pioneers the plaid trend in a snazzy green and blue pair of trousers, worn with a grey tee, black jacket, a Yliana Yepez backpack and Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.
Mollie King looked dashing in a navy, green and red Preen Line plaid print dress, chicly styled with a brown Burberry bag and matching pumps.
Victoria Beckham is the queen of street sophistication in a black and white thyme checked mini skirt by Etoile Isabel Marant, worn with a black long-sleeved top, a Victoria Beckham tote bag and suede Giuseppe Zanotti ankle boots.

Cocktail Frocks

Selena Gomez looked engaging in a floral jacquard Vera Wang dress with purple printed inner skirt and black lace neckline. Black lace Jimmy Choo shoes complete her outfit.
Kate Moss picked a graceful light green Louis Vuitton dress with butterfly sleeves and a studded V-neckline. Chunky ankle strap heels style her look.
Ali Larter is beautifully outfitted in a lilac, green and white floral Marchesa mini with strapless bodice and an asymmetrical peplum skirt. 
Sandra Bullock packed a punch in a vividly hued Alex Perry colour-blocked dress in shades of cerise, lime and tangerine. Nude & gold Giuseppe Zanotti sandals finalize her outfit.


Venice Film Festival Flair

Fiammetta Cicogna looked ravishing in an avocado green Alberta Ferretti gown with plunging neckline and black waistband.
Italian actress Eva Riccobono stunned in a delicate ivory lace tiered Armani Privé gown, which we saw just a few days ago in this post.
Sandra Bullock impresses in a radiant scarlet red structured J.Mendel gown with folded bodice and draped slit skirt. Black accessories finalize her look.
Francesca Cavallin is demure in a pale lilac Barbara Casasola gown with contrast violet back and sheer mesh neck insert. We saw this dress just earlier this week, so I am quite excited to see it on the red carpet.
Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani settled on a classic black strapless Valentino gown with full ballroom skirt, adding a pop of colour via a red clutch.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

I will live through the next 24 hours and not try to tackle all of life’s problems at once. 

I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. 

I will learn something that requires effort, thought, and concentration. 

I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well-modulated voice, 

Be courteous and considerate. 

I will not find fault with any friend, relative or colleague. 

I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself. 

I will have a programme. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. 

I will save myself from two enemies - hurry and indecision. 

I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won’t count. 

I will do two things I don’t want to do, just for the exercise. 

I will believe in myself. 

I will give my best to the world,

 and feel confident that the world will give its best to me.

*Anonymous quote. Image via weheartit.com

Dark Couture by Elle Vietnam 2013

The exquisite beauty of Fall Couture is highlighted in the September 2013 issue of Elle Vietnam. The Asian version of the popular fashion magazine enlists the talents of Australian model Chrystal Copland and photographer Benjamin Kanarek for an editorial called 'Dark Couture'. The photo spread is shot in an unusual abandoned warehouse setting in Paris. 
The dilapidated building is an interesting contrast to the lavish couture gowns on display. 
If there's anything that I have learnt from this stunning editorial, it's that I really need to start subscribing to Elle Vietnam! 

Chrystal captures the enchantment of Fall in a resplendent Giambattisa Valli gown with white floral festooned high-neck bodice, a black ribboned belt and diaphanous lace fishtail skirt. 

The blonde beauty piles on the sensual appeal in an enticing black Alexandre Vauthier dress with slitted skirt and cut-out bodice, which is slightly modified from the runway look.

The dark romance of Valentino is exhibited by a demure bronze embroidered lace dress with ornate scribblings of red and black.

Jean Paul Gaultier added an 80's element to his Fall Couture collection, featuring a luxurious hourglass-enhancing black wool coat with contrast camel cuffs and lapels. The look is outfitted with large stand-out pockets, leather leggings and a wide animal print belt.

Presenting the common stripe in a more glamourous way, Raf Simons of Christian Dior created a voluminous black high-low overlay to shadow the boldness of the graphic tangerine and black dress that's worn underneath.

Who says you can't mix denim and couture? Certainly not Maison Martin Margiela, as they chicly present an ultra-luxe plum satin asymmetrical draped dress with cropped capri jeans. Thankfully the mosaic beaded mask was left out of this editorial, leaving behind just the embellished high white neckline and elbow ornament.

Chrystal is dressed in a mammoth Schiaparelli silk faille skirt with an imposing black-fur-bordering-on-grizzly-bear top, which is accented by a lime green sash.

Beautifully depicting the feminine side of Fall couture, Chrystal is breathtaking in this ethereal ivory light-as-air lace gown by Armani Privé, with delicate tiered skirt.

The Perth born model wears a sexy little black dress by Atelier Versace, that flaunts a provocative sheer panel, studded with silver crystal beads.  

Chrystal wears a black couture Chanel dress with checked turtle neck and wide belt.

This colossal crimson red gown with voluminous duchess satin skirt and oversized collared cape had been conjured up by the inventive mind of Alexis Mabille.

Chrystal makes an impact in a look by French couturier Stéphane Rolland, with this architectural black tuxedo gown featuring exaggerated lapels and structured peplum-like waist, nipped in by a futuristic optical glass mirrored belt.

Adding to the exhilaration of this couture shoot, Chrysal is stunningly garmented in a glittering, one-shouldered Elie Saab gown, bedecked with a multitude of opalescent beads.

Runway or Editorial - Which Fall Couture Look appeals to you most?

Barbara Casasola Fall/Winter 2013

Not all evening wear is defined by a glittering spectacle of beads or flashy colours and ballroom skirts. Sometimes there is infinite beauty in the simplest of silhouettes and understated shades, all without an element of ostentation. This is the sharply defined picture pencilled in by Brazilian born designer Barbara Casasola. The young Central Saint Martins graduate gained work experience for the likes of Roberto Cavalli, with assignments for See by Chloe and Lanvin, before launching her own London-based label in 2012.

Casasola's minimalistic approach to glamour ideally suits the lifestyle of the modern girl, presenting looks that are wearable, unpretentious and elegant. Her Winter 2013 collection is tinted in a refreshing palette of purples, from indigo to aubergine, violet, lilac and lavender, accented by pale pink, ice blue and black. 

Barbara sets herself apart by the innovative use of graphic colour-blocking, geometric shapes and fluid designs. Midi to maxi dresses and slick jumpsuits are beautifully furnished with crushed pleating in sumptuous silks, sheer organza inserts and exposed cording.

Take a view into the gracious Fall/Winter 2013 range by Barbara Casasola.

Set 1

 Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

   
What are your thoughts on these sophisticated sets by Barbara Casasola?


*All images found via www.barbaracasasola.com

Red Carpet - MTV Video Music Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion
MTV Video Music Awards 2013

This Sunday saw the annual MTV Video Awards (VMAs) take place in New York City where a host of young talented stars strutted their stuff. There were far too many disappointing lackluster looks and just a few stand outs. This is the red carpet roundup.

VMA's In Vogue

Crystal Reed exuded elegance in a red ZAC Zac Posen gown with strapless peplum top and layered mermaid skirt. Selena Gomez struck an attractive pose in a sexy fitted midnight blue Atelier Versace gown with sheer embroidered inner bustier. Sarah Hyland picked out a feminine gold and red wine chiffon layered gown by Marchesa. Zoey Deutch looked suave in a metallic gold bustier and skirt with black trims by Jonathan Simkhai. 

Sleek Sophistication

Naya Rivera was stunning in a form-fitting vintage black cut-out gown by Paco Rabanne. Allison Williams brought some class to the red carpet in a beautiful ivory Valentino dress. Taylor Swift went retro in a glamourous black Herve Leger gown with beaded plunge neckline. Alexandra Daddario kept things polished in a black and white DKNY dress with sheer yoke and ankle cuff heels.

Glam Rock

Jennifer Hudson looked tres chic in a houndstooth and black leather look by Christian Dior. Katy Perry brought on the 'Roar' factor in an animal print Emanuel Ungaro dress decked with gold embellishments. Coco Rocha styled her gold studded Fausto Puglisi biker jacket with a black tank and skinny jeans. Lady Gaga went goth in a custom made Prabal Gurung gown with bow-adorned waist and long rubber sequined train.

Girl Groups

Fifth Harmony was kitted out in matching black and chartreuse outfits, whilst the ladies of Danity Kane made a red carpet comeback in black and white.

Youth in Progress

Shailene Woodley paired her black cropped top with a blue & gold patterned Emilio Pucci skirt. Ariana Grande wore a flirty blue floral frock by Kenley Collins. Coco Jones looked trendy in a gold sequined blazer & floral corset with matching skater skirt by The Hellers. Jillian Rose Reed was modernistic in a tangerine and white colourblocked cut-out dress by Three Floor. Miley Cyrus opted for an awkward 90's inspired ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana featuring a vintage black crop top & leggings embedded with colourful gemstones.

Drama in the Details

British songstress Ellie Goulding donned a fully spiked nude turtleneck gown with thigh-high split by Amato Couture. Holland Roden stunned in an art deco embellished Naeem Khan ensemble with ivory ballroom skirt and tailored trousers underneath. Ciara turned heads in a sheer embroidered champagne gown by Givenchy, which features a feathered skirt. Rita Ora amped up the drama in an ice blue Alexandre Vauthier gown with low-neck crystal beaded bodice, black waistband and fully feathered skirt with daring slit.

Who was your best or worst dressed at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards?

Looks of the Week - 24/08/13

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

In Good Graces

Cate Blanchett is demure in an apricot shaded, short-sleeved Roksanda Ilincic gown with flowing skirt, highlighted by pastel peach linear trims.
Olivia Wilde makes a stunning appearance in a graceful white Theyskens' Theory tea-length dress with full skirt, banded waist and sheer neck. Nude Louboutin sandals fit her feet.
Lily Collins makes an impressive style statement in a beautiful red Chantilly lace Houghton gown with sheer bodice and a high-low hemline skirt.


Patterns at Play

Gwen Stefani is modish in a white silk multi-print tunic, worn with a pair of black tights and Givenchy lattice woven heels.
Cara Delevingne displays her laid back rocker style in a black Burberry Prorsum quilted biker jacket, teamed with a grey tee, floral Minkpink pants and Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.
Vanessa Hudgens is LA cool in a black silk cropped top and floral maxi skirt by For Love & Lemons. Vanessa added a cute black fedora and Givenchy satchel to her hippy chic look.
Sophia Bush styles her red, pink and black tribal printed Korovilas pencil skirt with a black tank top, Rag & Bone ankle boots and a statement brass and turquoise beaded Dannijo chain.


City Slickers

Mollie King steps out in dashing style in an Orla Kiely silk georgette black dress with contrast cream long-sleeved blouse. A brown Burberry bag & matching pumps complete her look.
Rosie Huntington-Whitely defines urban sophistication in a tasteful Gerard Deral black silk jumpsuit with drawstring waist. Her outfit is accessorized with a powder blue Giorgio Armani bag, Miu Miu shades and ankle-strap sandals by Michael Kors.
Alexa Chung goes monochrome in a ladylike white peasant blouse with lace neckline & black skirt. Ms Chung added a classic black Chanel bag & tie-up espadrilles to her city ensemble.
Kristin Cavallari is poshly pictured in a slick black dress with cut-out sleeves, which she wore with nude Chinese Laundry ankle-strap pumps and a brown Hermes Birkin bag.


Black & Gold

Vanessa Hudgens brings her bohemian style to the red carpet in an ornate black and gold baroque embroidered midi dress with sheer mesh sleeves by Temperley London. Black YSL shoes and a pretty braided halo complete her look.
Lily Collins is on a roll. The brunette beauty wows again in a fitted black cropped Paper London top paired with a mermaid Halston Heritage skirt and gold link chain and cuff.
Sonam Kapoor looks polished in a military inspired army green and black fitted sheath dress by Victoria Beckham, that is accented by gold buttons and tie-up ankle boots.
Bella Thorne flatters her strapless Olima LBD by opting for interesting accessories with black quilted Prada peep-toes, a metallic tri-colour Pierre Hardy clutch and an Iosselliani necklace.

Little Mix

This is the best I've ever seen the girls of Little Mix look. The band members wear From Left:
Leigh-Anne Pinnock looked suave in a deep v-neck strapless top and well-tailored Larent high-waisted trousers, accented by a chunky gold link necklace.

Jade Thirlwall glimmered in a gold Paul & Joe blazer, styled with a black silk Topshop tank and shorts. Her ankle strap metallic sandals are by Kurt Geiger.
Perrie Edwards went more dramatic in an embellished illusion bodice gown with black skirt by Patricia Bonaldi.

Girls About Town

Gemma Chan is simplistic chic in a royal blue shift styled with nude sandals & a neon bag.
Lucy Hale flaunted a modern Paper London look, featuring a sheer white geometric print top and black skater skirt, which was contrasted with turquoise La Silla shoes.
Taryn Manning looked poised in an elegant red peplum dress, worn with metallic shoes.
Victoria's Secret model Erin Heatherton wears a dainty and feminine white lace dress with high neck by Australian designer Toni Maticevski.
Giuliana Rancic is slickly fitted in a cobalt blue leather dress with white pointy-toe pumps by French Connection.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Although I may not be able to prevent
 the worst from happening,


I am responsible for my attitude toward the 
inevitable misfortunes that darken life. 


Bad things do happen;
 how I respond to them defines my character 
and the quality of my life.


I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, 
immobilized by the gravity of my loss, 
or I can choose to rise from the pain, 
and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself.

We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. 

We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have,

and that is our attitude. Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. 

We are in charge of our own Attitudes.

*Quotes by Walter Anderson & Charles R Swindoll

Wedding Guest Hair Styles

Image via Victor Hugo Salon.com

I am the least savvy person when it comes to fanciful hairstyles. It would require an army of professional hair stylists armed with a truckload of combs, pins and products to transform my non-negotiable, very stubborn straight hair into something other than, well, straight. I have a close and formal family wedding coming up in the next week, so I have been scouring the net for some inspiring hair ideas. These are the looks that I have loved the most after sifting through what seems like hundreds. I hope that you can help me narrow down my choices.

Floral Fascinators

Images found via Etsy, Brides.com, BrideGuide.com & Modweddings.com

If you're part of the bridal party, make the most of this VIP opportunity by going beautifully dramatic with your hair choice. When else will you get to flaunt pretty floral hair accessories without looking like you stepped off the set of a Midsummer's Night Dream? Try a floral crown with fresh flowers if you are a bridesmaid, or tie the blooms into a waterfall braid. A delicate floral fascinator can be pinned to the side of a romantic upstyle. These floral inspirations are all white, but pick a pastel or bright shade to compliment the colour of your dress.

Braided Halos

Don't worry if you didn't pay attention back when your grandma/mum/great aunt braided your hair. Here's an excellent tutorial on how to create your own halo braid. This Heidi-inspired look is wonderfully feminine, perfect for showing off a great neckline and the back detail of a dress.

Half Up Half Down

With the right styling tools (or friends), the half-up half-down style is one that can be done by yourself without the expense of going to a salon. All it takes is chicly combing back the front section of your hair like Frieda Pinto & Kate Beckinsale have. Then fasten it with bobby pins at the back to a height that you're happy with. Tease at the crown if you prefer extra volume a la Isabeli Fontana. Use a curling tong to twirl the rest of your locks. You can also leave a few loose strands to frame your face, adding a softer feel like Jessica Chastain & Lily Collins.

Side Swept Waves

 One of my favourite occasion hairstyles are glamourous side swept waves. Although I have learned the hard way that my hair simply will not hold a curl, even when doused with a can full of super-glue simulative hairspray. 

Posh Ponytails

 Probably the easiest, no-fuss hairstyle to achieve for an occasion - especially if you've overslept from the party the night before and you're in a hurry - is a ponytail. This timeless style has been modified on the runway of Jenny Packham to include a pretty twist, while Reem Acra's models wore a pompadour with their ponys. Selena, Bella and Nina have all turned to this simply slick but elegant hairstyle for red carpet events.

Elegant Updo's

An elaborate updo would rate for me as the most complicated event hairstyle to accomplish. 

If you're naturally talented in the hair department, you can create one of these graceful looks on your own, but most of the time, it will require a trip to your stylist to get right. Chanel pinned pearls into their classic chignon, Valentino went for a twisted braided upstyle and Dolce & Gabbana modernized the retro beehive. Ashley Simpson took a more laid back approach to her look with a tousled wavy upturned coif. Ashley Madekwe added some sparkle to her high bun with crystal clips. This type of look is ideal for showing off chandelier earrings.

Crystal Headbands

A crystal or embellished headband instantly creates that enchanting princess effect. It can be used to adorn a polished, pulled back ballet bun like Ariel Winter, Sienna Miller and Petra Nemcova. Or try a softer wavy side upstyle like Charlize Theron. Keep your embellishings understated and youthful with lace details and coloured beads. For a more minimalist styling option, wear your hair down like Elle Fanning and Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

I need your best advice...Which hairstyle would you wear to a wedding? 

A Ray of Style #11

Printed Palazzo
Outfit Post by Raysa

My cousin Raysa has taken time off from her exams to do another snazzy style shoot for my blog. She has brightly taken to the orange pop trend that's been prevailing. Ray pairs her classic coral Zara blouse with a pair of printed palazzo pants, which if you're over 1.75m, is an effortlessly chic fashion feat to accomplish. Would you wear a pair of wide-legged pants?

She Wears:

Bright Orange Blouse - Zara

Geometric print palazzo pants - Topshop

Orange flower topped flats - Liu Jo

Gold leaf bracelet - Lovisa.co.au

Orange blouse by Theory at Farfetch.com $122

Zig Zag print wide leg pants at Topshop.com $90

Gold leaf bracelet - Collette by Collette Dinnigan At Lovisa.co.au $16.99

Coral plastic flower sandals - Mel Shoes by Melissa £25

*Special thanks to Raysa for the photos and for participating in this outfit post.