Friday Frills

Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.

Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to take the days just one at a time.

Remember that you’ll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.

Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.

Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.

Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.

Remember that by telling the truth, you don't have to recall any lies.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.

Remember that life’s treasures are people, not things.
Remember that miracles can still happen.

*Image via RS Photography

Apply Blush According to Your Face Shape

The Savvy Girl's Guide
How to Apply Blush For Your Face Shape

It was not so long ago that I used to dip a powder brush into my blush and swirled the cerise shaded hue across my cheeks like I was casually dusting the mantlepiece...pretty much all over the place. I'd like to say my blush sweeping skills have evolved since then, as I have learnt how to apply the right coloured rouge to suit my square face shape. These are some simple tips on how to apply blush in a way that will perfectly compliment your face shape.

Image via Listotic.com

How To Apply Blush If You Have:

A Long Face - Allude to a wider face shape by dusting blush onto the apples of your cheek, then blend sidewards in (almost) a straight line towards the ears.

A Heart Shaped Face - Balance out a narrower chin by blending blush just below the apples of your cheek. Sweep in an upwards direction towards the hairline.

A Square Face - Soften sharp angles by circulating your blush onto the apples of your cheeks.

A Round Face - Create the illusion of a slimmer face by contouring a darker hued blush applied at a 45 degree angle in a V shape.

An Oval Face - Start at the apples of your cheeks and sweep blush upwards towards your temples. In the beauty world, an Oval shaped face is regarded as most perfect and versatile.

Take this quiz to find out what's your face shape. 

Blushing Celebrities

Top: Olivia Wilde highlights her exquisite cheekbones and square frame beautifully. Sarah Jessica Parker displays how to achieve width on a longer face shape. Mila Kunis uses artful contouring to give a more angular appearance to her round face.
Bottom: Reese Witherspoon's heart shaped face is given a defining rosy tint. Alexa Chung uses a coral colour to shade in her symmetrical oval shaped face. Scarlett Johansson sculpts her diamond/triangular shaped face with a peachy bronze hue.


Blush Up With These Great Compacts

Top Row: IMAN Luxury Blushing Duo in Posh $10. Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush $30. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar $42.
Middle Row: Urban Decay Naked Flushed Bronzer, Highlighter & Blush Trio $30. Benefit Posie Tint Cheek Stain $30. Clinique Cheek Pop in Plum Pop $21.
Bottom Row: Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Pinched $13. L'Oreal Soufflé Cream Blush in Plume (Mauve) $13. Elf HD Cream Blush in Superstar $3. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral $7. Tarte Cheek Stain in Fearless $30.

 First & last image found via Jill Stuart.

What face shape are you and have you tried these blush tricks?

Zuhair Murad Couture Spring/Summer 2014

Who needs regular clothes when you can wear couture, right? Well, while we're dreaming it, I'm sure some royal princess must have actually said that...and meant it too. Zuhair Murad's prolific couture collection for Spring 2014 has sealed the designer's future in the world of Hollywood glamour, European high society and palaces everywhere.

Murad has gained an extensive fanbase and in view of this resplendent collection, its easy to see why. An ethereal garden blooms at the hands of this imaginative couturier for SS14, where dreamy pastels cast a spell across a field of ornate silk and tulle beaded dresses. Chiffon gowns glided down the runway in pristine white, aqua, wisteria, lemon, peach and petal pink. Midnight over Murad's atelier brought us smouldering charcoal black suits and sequined looks, whilst a handful of lustrous gold numbers lent a Midas touch to the alluring collection.

Gold leaf and feather motif belts tied in the waists of embellished lace dresses - the armor of Grecian Goddesses. Illusion bodices stick around for another season, revived by delicate floral embroideries and a gust of feathers. Murad proves he can cut a ballgown just as well as one of his signature mermaid dresses. He also delves into cocktail territory, with a set of engaging satin pencil dresses and flower-decked corolla skirts, chic trousers and gold-buttoned coats.

And here to take your breath away, is Zuhair Murad's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection.

White Gold

Lemon & Lilac

Lily of the Valley

Petal Pusher

Aquamarine Dream

Just Peachy

Wisteria Lane

Spring Blossom

Goddess Dresses

Black Magic

Which of these Zuhair Murad looks do you wish to see on the red carpet?

Red Carpet - Grammy Awards 2014

Red Carpet Fashion
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards 2014

Music's brightest stars came out to play at last night's Grammy Awards held in LA. The red carpet was unusually dull with very safe dresses, but there were a few stunning looks that made up for it. This is the Grammy style summary. Please click on the pictures to zoom in.

Disco Fever

Ciara looked radiant in a bronze metallic patterned Emilio Pucci gown with slight train and lace-up neck. Taylor Swift cements her star power in this gorgeous silver crystal-encrusted Gucci column gown with sheer yoke and sleeves. First lady of R&B, Chrissy Teigen was glorious in a fully sequined gold mermaid dress by Johanna Johnson.

Red Rhythm

Pink displayed her more ladylike side in this dashing scarlet red strapless dress by Johanna Johnson. Colbie Caillat complimented the red carpet in a high-neck Ezra Santos dress with sheer paneled bodice covered in floral petal appliqués. Tamar Braxton looked refined in a form-fitting Michael Costello gown with exaggerated strapless neck.

Sweet Serenade

Katy Perry brought an air of whimsy to the event, wearing a sheer tulle Valentino Couture gown imprinted with musical notes. Kacey Musgraves was fluttery in a diaphanous shimmering nude Armani Privé dress with tiered skirt. Teen newcomer Brooklyn Haley picked a prom style jewel embedded dress with tulle skirt by Sherri Hill.

Clashing Chords

British singer Foxes wore a graphic printed black and white off-the-shoulder dress by Vivienne Westwood. Ariana Grande looked pretty in a floral print Dolce & Gabbana midi dress with full skirt and nude pumps. Paula Patton was patterned in this dizzying zebra print gown by Nicholas Jebran, framed by a strange lion-head neckline.

Singing the Blues

Anna Faris looked poised in a navy blue Fitriani gown with draped pockets. Bonnie McKee went for more toned down look, wearing a deep blue strapless Gustavo Cadile gown. Model Holly Ridings picked out a tasteful inky blue long-sleeved bateau-neck dress. Martina McBride was understated in a midnight blue David Meister dress.

Hitting the High Notes

Sarah Hyland went monochrome in an Emilio Pucci look with sequined hem. Louise Roe poses in a slick black cut-out dress by Manning Cartell. Rita Ora glimmered in a glossy green mini dress by Lanvin. Rocsi Diaz kept things simplistic in a white Cushnie et Ochs shift dress. 

Old School

This is probably the chicest I have seen Cyndi Lauper look, the retro singing star wore a black alexander McQueen cape with gold embroidered neckline, tie-up trousers and Jimmy Choo heels. Madonna wore a menswear inspired suit by Ralph Lauren, with hat and cane in tow.

Taking the Plunge

Miranda Lambert was timeless in a low-neck red Pamella Roland gown. Alicia Keys worked her curves in a cobalt blue silk jersey Armani Privé dress with daring plunge neck. Amber Rose is fitted in an extreme V-neck ivory & gold striped dress by Naeem Khan. Anna Kendrick looked swanky in a grey Azzaro gown with cut-out plunge-neck & beaded bodice.

Bright Tones 

Giuliana Rancic brought some vivid colour to the red carpet in this tangerine Alex Perry dress with transparent cut-out neckline. Zendaya Coleman opted for an edgy look in this sheer black blouse and leather trimmed turquoise skirt with high slit by Emanuel Ungaro. Natasha Bedingfield made a bright statement in an orange caped Christian Siriano dress.

Clef-Hangers

Kelly Osbourne has never looked better, styled in an elegant black long-sleeved Badgely Mischka gown with embellished shoulders and long cape. It is beyond me why Paris Hilton is still relevant but she cleaned up quite well in this white high-neck Haus of Milani gown with nude paneled sides and sleeves. Skylar Grey had us second guessing in this skin toned Michael Costello leather dress with fitted cut-out bodice and fishtail skirt.  

White Noise 

Sara Bareilles donned a floral ruffled Blumarine dress with high-low hemline & red accessories. Beyonce wore an exquisite white floral embroidered illusion gown by Michael Costello. Keltie Knight looked beautiful in an embellished Paolo Sebastian low-neck gown. Iggy Azalea shocked critics by going vogue in a pristine white Elie Saab gown.

Who was your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2014 Grammy Awards?

Looks of the Week - 25/01/14

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

Pastel Pacific

Actress Gemma Chan was formfitting in a guava pink Burberry Prorsum pencil dress with draped bodice, white clutch and black Burberry sandals.
Jessica Joffe wears a mint green ruffled chiffon Chanel dress with strappy gold heels.
Pixie Geldof dressed up in an powder blue lace tea-length Dolce & Gabbana dress, contrasting the daintiness with a pair of chunky platforms and a printed clutch.
Angelababy is another star we can add to the list of fans of this carnation pink lace Burberry Prorsum dress. A pair of pink and black cap-toed Dior pumps complete her look.
Gemma Chan stuns once again in her label of choice, Burberry Prorsum, opting for a lavender lace strapless midi dress with Gianvito Rossi shoes.


Street Wire

Gwen Stefani hides her baby bump in a long black tunic and pants, jazzed up by a floral print Zara kimono jacket and tie-up ankle boots by her own label L.A.M.B.
Jaime King stepped out in a blue and red tribal printed 'caravan' dress by Mara Hoffman, styled with pewter ankle boots.
Jessica Alba brightens up her navy sweater and jeans combo with a large red Saint Laurent bag, colorfully printed scarf, a Janessa Leone blue smoke hat and Jimmy Choo boots.
Cheryl Cole zips up in a cornflower blue 3.1 Phillip Lim bomber jacket with printed sleeves, worn with a black skater dress and Gianvito Rossi suede stiletto boots.

Coat Rack

Diane Kruger was suavely dressed head-to-toe in Ports 1961 in a classic camel overcoat worn over a belted tweed vest, chic black trousers and a white shirt.

Kim Kardashian continues her high style reign in a luxe black fur-collared Céline coat styled with a leather frilled Givenchy skirt, Alexander Wang top and ankle strap sandals.

Miroslava Duma ups her style icon status in an emerald green silk Giambattista Valli shift dress, beautifully companioned by a leopard print Burberry coat.

Troian Bellisario covers up in a leather-sleeved camel trench coat, thoughtfully styled with a black leather Nicole Miller skater skirt, tribal print top and chic fedora.

Dressed with Finesse

Kylie Jenner surprised me with the level of sophistication in this outfit, pictured out in a monochrome Max Mara jumpsuit with an elegant white Isabel Marant coat, mini Céline bag and tie-up Christian Louboutin sandals.
Alesha Dixon looked polished in a dusty pink Stella McCartney wool suit with high-waisted, ankle cuffed trousers and a white tank. Nude Kurt Geiger sandals complete her outfit.
Lily Allen brought her playful style to this multi-tonal tweed Chanel coat, pairing it with leather pants, platform heels, a cute headband, lots of bracelets and a cream Chanel bag.
Caitlin Fitzgerald elegantly suited up in a cerulean blue double-breasted Louis Vuitton look, artfully complemented by a printed clutch and coral Aperlai shoes.

 All About Olga

Olga Kurylenko impressed critics with her exceptional style at Paris Couture Week. She appeared in a graceful all white Valentino shift and coat, accented with a leopard print clutch.
Secondly, Olga left us awe-inspired in this navy blue voluminous tulle skirt and leather biker jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier.
The Ukrainian actress was a classic beauty at Chanel, wearing a grey tweed skirt and crisp white shirt with T-bar shoes and a red hot lip.
Pictured last, Olga looked outstanding in a printed cropped top with a navy blue high-waisted pencil skirt, a yellow and black clutch and multi-shaded heels, all by Christian Dior.


Candy Bar

Sarah Jessica Parker gives us a Carrie-inspired fashion moment in this red lace Michael Kors midi dress with checked Oscar de la Renta coat and aqua heels from her own label.
The always adorable Bella Thorne is decked in a ruched lemon spaghetti strap frock and colour block bag, both by Miu Miu, along with mink Prada sandals.
Darby Stanchfield stepped out in crimson red shorts and a cream button-detailed top with a snazzy pair of Bionda Castana pumps. 
Emmy Rossum looked pretty in a peach and white pleated J.Mendel dress with strappy halter neckline and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Bella Thorne makes her second appearance in a youthful red, beige and rose colourblocked sweater and pleated skater skirt, worn with black tights and ankle boots.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

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


To embark on something worth doing...
IT IS NOW. 

Not for any grand 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 your days here count. 

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 times tell you 
that you are pushing yourself, that you are 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,


ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

*Image found via weheartit. Quote unknown.

Elie Saab Spring/Summer Couture 2014

Whilst seasons change and trends fade, there's one thing that remains steadfast in world of couture, and that is the euphoric sensation of a collection by Elie Saab. And this season, the celebrated designer does no less than thrill and intoxicate with a range of exquisite gowns, each worthy of their own Oscar.

For his Spring/Summer 2014 Couture presentation, Elie Saab takes us on a romantic journey of tea rose and snow white dresses that are lightly caressed with a beaded flower bed of organza appliqués. Plisse pleated gowns in waves of sashaying chiffon and silk gazar proceed to enrapture our glares, ranging from a lush raspberry to green-tinged gold, lilac and violet. Delicate embroidered lace and tulle contribute to the ethereal grace of the collection. 

Saab knows how to accentuate the beauty of the female form with narrow belted waistlines, side pockets and body-skimming skirts. Astronomically sized ballroom skirts brought on dramatic effect, painted in watercolour florals, dip-dyed in smokey flames and others singed in black. The showstopper finale set many hearts a flutter with a dreamy flower-ornamented wedding dress in imperial ivory.

This is the scintillating Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection by Elie Saab.

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What do you think of Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection?

Georges Hobeika Spring Couture 2014

Georges Hobeika paints an enlightening Spring 2014 portrait in an idyllic medley of soft pastels, beautifully conveying light and gauzy luxury. This season, the Lebanese designer uses botanical inspiration to create a graceful couture collection of fluttery cocktail dresses and floor-sweeping evening gowns that speak in royal tones.

A cupcake display of layered ballerina skirts are frosted with white beaded tanks, whist others are decadently smothered in dainty organza cut-outs. The candied confection of gowns blossom with three-dimensional floral appliqués and an entanglement of ruffles. Lace bodices splay into a cascade of voluminous chiffon in saccharine shades of lemon, peach, lavender, rose, icy blue and buttercream. Besides the enchantment of princess dresses, silhouettes are elongated by column shapes with scalloped necklines and elegant capes in tow.

A favourite with Arab royalty, Asian actresses and a slice of young Hollywood, Georges Hobeika's stunning Spring/Summer 2014 Couture range is bound to make waves on the red carpet this year.

Rose Water

Peaches & Cream

Arctic Ice

Lavender Luxe

Sea Breeze

Lemon Chiffon

Vanilla Mist

Spun Sugar


What are your thoughts on Georges Hobeika's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection?