Get The Alexa Chung Look

The Savvy Girl's Guide To…
Alexa Chung's Style

Ask any fashion blogger to rate her favourite style icons and Alexa Chung's name will surely list as one of the top choices. This DJing, modeling, socializing, tv presenting half-British half-Chinese beauty has uniquely carved a niche in the fashion world, where everything she wears turns to gold. She wavers from feminine to tomboy style with a snap of perfectly manicured fingernail. Alexa lists sixties actress Jane Birkin as her style inspiration, who provides her with 'the confidence to dress like a boy but act like a girl'. This It-Girl values comfort over trends, which is refreshing to see in an A-list society that produces one carbon copy after the other.

What I like about Alexa's style is that she steers away from the norm. Instead of fussy dresses, caked makeup, rigidly sprayed hair and ankle-breaking heels, Alexa prefers messy tresses with a fresh natural face, preppy layers with a decisive 60's vibe about it and she almost always wears flats on the red carpet. How many other celebrities would have the courage to do that?

Alexa's Closet Essentials

I was inspired to compile this post after seeing Cindy Mangomini's fantastic illustration of all the 'Alexa Essentials'.

How To Get The Alexa Chung Look

This is my guide on how to get Alexa Chung's effortlessly chic street style in a few simple key sets. If you have these essentials in your closet, you will easily be able to recreate Alexa's coveted style, adding your own spin to it. Her outfits are quite formulaic, she has perfected how to dress exceptionally and this is how…

Floral Dresses

Alexa's summer staple are feminine and floaty floral dresses in eye-catching prints and colours that are paired with basket or sling bags, flat strappy sandals and shades.

The Breton Striped Top

Season after season, we have seen Alexa wear a classic black and white or red Breton striped top. She has casually teamed it with denim cut-off shorts, skinny jeans, sneakers and boots. She has also worn a dress version of this linear print.

Skirts & Sweaters 

The key to this It-Girl's semi formal style is pairing a chic knit sweater with a patterned skirt, either fitted or flaired. She has reused this fashion template time and time again with stellar results. Black pointy flats, Peter Pan collars and coats accompany her sweater & skirt sets.

Boho Chic

Alexa rules the festival scene with her fabulous range of layered indie chic outfits. She favors cropped lace tops, fedoras, denim shorts, khaki parkas, Converse sneakers & Hunter boots.

The Denim Dungaree

The 30-year-old maintains a youthful style stance by wearing denim dungarees, cropped, long and in dress form. She keeps it simple with trench coats, lace-up espadrilles and buttoned shirts.

Get Alexa's Casual Daytime Look

Cream fluffy sweater £12 Jane Norman. Floral pleated skirt £30 House of Fraser.com Black flat sandals £7 Asos. Breton striped top £25 John Lewis.com. Straw bag £25 H&M. Hunter Boots $148. Lace cropped top £15 H&M. Denim shorts £19 H&M. L'oreal Texture Expert True Grip $15. Wella Ocean Spritz Sea Salt Spray £8.50. Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers £55. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté $35. Floral print dress $27 Chicnova.com. Black tie-up espadrilles $50 Theiconic.com.au. Grey fedora £22 Miss Selfridge

Glimmer Girl

Whilst Alexa doesn't lean towards the flashy and flamboyant, she does occasionally wear high gloss metallics, which she combines with more low key pieces to casually balance it out.

Little Black Dresses

I love that Alexa can rock a designer Valentino or Carven little black dress on the red carpet with flat shoes and unkempt tresses. Winged Eyeko liner add defined to her eyes, whilst she blends Chanel Sublimage cream to her cheeks for a subtle sheen.

Leopardess

This socialites signature style would be incomplete if I didn't mention leopard print. Her fondness for this animalistic trend extends to coats, ankle boots and bags. Alexa pairs her leopardess looks with basic white, white and grey.

Leather Loving

Adding to her edgy androgynous style is sleek black leather, in the form of sexy mini skirts and shorts. Alexa always keeps her styling sophisticated with a fleecy jumper or prim white shirt.

Get Alexa's Glam Look

Little Black Dress $55 Modcloth.com. Alexa eye liner $19 Eyeko. Chanel Sublimage Cream $390. Black top handle bag $38 Nastygal.com. Leather mini skirt £50 Mango.com. Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats £465. Leopard print coat £85 Topshop. White button-up shirt £55 French Connection. Chelsea boots by Michael Kors. Chanel Rouge Allure 97 $35. Eye Do Mascara $26 Eyeko. Navy blue cable knit jumper £20 Mango. Gold sequined pencil skirt £30 H&M.

Have you been inspired by any of Alexa's styles? Which would you wear?

Olivia Palermo's Ways To Wear a White Shirt

How to Style a White Shirt
Inspired by Olivia Palermo

A classic white shirt is one of the most timeless and versatile additions to your wardrobe. You can dress it up or down. Wear it under a pants suit to the office, with skinny jeans for a weekend trip or pair it with a chic midi skirt for a formal event. When seeking outfit ideas to style a white shirt, there is no one better to turn to than Olivia Palermo. This savvy style icon has displayed many unique and attractive ways to wear this closet essential. I have recreated 9 different ways to wear a white shirt, inspired by the magnificent closet of Olivia Palermo.

Look 1 - The Burgundy Coat

 Classic white formal shirt $64 Topshop. Burgundy double-breasted oversized coat $159 at Zara.com. Red and berry colour-block heels by Gather 2, $110 at Topshop. Maroon and pink colour-block mock croc bag by Loeffler Randal, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Regular slim-fit distressed denim jeans, $30 at H&M

Look 2 - The Quilted Jacket

Black quilted bomber jacket $60 at H&M. High-low hem white shirt, $35 at H&M. Peggie Sunglasses (as worn by Olivia) $70 at Witchery.co.au. Distressed Arizona denim jeans, $35 at Mango.com. Camouflage printed 'Carrie 2' heels, $70 by Guess.

  
Look 3 - The Navy Shift Dress

Navy blue cap-sleeved shift dress with braided tan belt, $35 at Mango. White shirt $10, H&M. Burgundy, black & gold envelope clutch £29 at Debenhams.com. Black & white printed ankle-strap sandals $59 by Chinese Laundry at Macys.com

Look 4 - The Sequined Blazer

Flowy White Shirt, £30 at Mango. Silver sequined blazer $170 by Helene Berman at Julesb.co.uk Slim-fit uptown denim jeans £40 Mango. Teal crossbody 'Selma' bag by Michael Kors $189 at Forzieri.com. Floral printed 'Polly' heels £32 at ASOS

    
Look 5 - The Statement Red Sandal

 Collarless white Vila shirt, £38 at House of Fraser.co.uk. Skinny low-rise jeans, $20 at H&M. Strappy red stiletto sandals, $110 by Adrienne Maloof at Heels.com

   
Look 6 - The Leather Skirt

Stretch white shirt, $10 at H&M. Leather pencil skirt $99 at H&M. Black leather City Bag, $189 at Zara.com. Furry black belted gilet, £60 at Mango.com. Black platform 'Piccadilly' pumps £55 at ASOS 

    
Look 7 - Shorts & Neutrals

White shirt $38 at H&M. Beige linen shorts $138 by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Metallic gold snakeskin bag £13 New Look.com. Gold metal belt £30 at ASOS. Gold cuffs $98 Maxandchloe.com. Nude & gold strappy sandals, $50 Shoe Republic at Heels.com

    
Look 8 - The Little Black Dress

 Classic white shirt $64 at Topshop. Black rib box-pleat strapless dress, $90 at River Island.com Jules Smith Gold 'Viva Glam' cuff, $98 at Maxandchloe.com. Black pointed court shoes, $65 at Topshop. Ruby, purple and gold rhinestone necklace, $120 at Topshop. Black and gold studded mini clutch bag, $80 at Topshop.

     
Look 9 - Pink, Leopard & Lime

White shirt $64 Topshop. Leopard print skater skirt £12 Oasis.com. Multi-coloured scarf $30 River Island. Lime green clutch bag by Hunting Season $395 at Intermix Online. Pink pea coat $308 JCrew. Camouflage print heels $70, Guess at Heels.com

     
Which of Olivia's looks do you prefer?
How would you style a white shirt?

Anna Dello Russo Fall 2013 Fashion Week

Anna Dello Russo
Fall 2013 Fashion Week Style Diary

There are those who play it safe and there are those who play with fire...and in the world of high fashion, Anna Dello Russo holds all the matches. The Vogue Japan editor knows how to make a bold statement with her larger-than-life style, wearing haute-off-the-runway pieces as simply as most of us would a pair of skinny jeans. Even at 50, she outstyles most fashionistas half her age with her eye-catching ensembles and impressive figure.

A paparazzi darling, style maven, creative consultant, trend-starter and blogger icon, Anna's eccentric outfits and flamboyant accessories set her apart from the rest of the fashion pack. She always keeps us guessing as to what she will come up with next, experimenting with the outlandish & avant-garde. Although not everyone's cup of fashion tea, Anna has to be admired for her brazen approach towards clothes, never afraid to take risks. Her insatiable passion for this material art always shines through in whatever she wears (however eccentric it may be).

These are some of Anna's most interesting looks from this past Fall 2013 Fashion Week season.

Anna wears a black and white animal print sweater and skirt set from Givenchy's Pre-Fall 2013 collection, pairing it over trim white pants and oxford shoes. Matching monotone bag and a beanie complete her look.

Combining two separate looks from Prada's SS13 runway, Anna dresses up in a petal pink fur coat & chic pencil dress with floral motif. I wonder if the geisha sandals & socks will catch on?

Possibly the most subdued I've ever seen Anna, she looks elegant in two sophisticated suits by Saint Laurent, fitted with flattering cigarette pants, tailored tuxedo blazers and wide-brimmed fedora hats. I love this take on the menswear trend.

Snapped out on the streets of Milan, Anna is decked in a grey and ivory tweed coat by Burberry Prorsum, with a fur Miu Miu stole and Alaia boots.

One of her most favored labels has to be Fendi, as she is always wrapped in an extravagant fur coat by the Italian brand. She wears two theatrical looks straight off the Fall 2013 runway. The woman does love her fur...I wonder if Peta knows about this?

Taking on the beauty of the baroque trend, Anna braves the snow in a lavishly embroidered gold and black coat by Dolce & Gabbana. Gold capped YSL boots complete her look.

Another of Anna's brand favorites is Prada, she makes a lasting impression on New York Fashion Week in a red and white flower print fur coat, clasped by a metallic belt. White tights and Japanese inspired geta sandals style her gutsy look. She was also spotted in a lush black flower motif sweater and bag by the Italian label.

Stepping out in top-to-toe prints during Paris Fashion Week, Anna suits up in a 60's wallpaper print blazer and trousers by Miu Miu. Not to be outdone by the runway look, Anna adds a yellow blouse, bright blue bag and chunky mustard boots.

Never one to shy away from bright colours, Anna colours up a cold day in Milan with a vibrant orange DSquared2 trench coat & mammoth fur Marc Jacobs hat. Right: At the Stella McCartney runway show, Anna showed her support for the designer in a chic leopard print coat.

Anna glosses up in a metallic gold foil coat by No.21, which was presented just last week at their Fall 2013 runway show. Talk about having contacts. Her urbane chic styling includes a white fedora, Chanel clutch and rubbery soled shoes by Celine.

Keeping up with the checkered trend, Anna wears a green and white look from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2013 collection, whimsically styled with white tights and a bow headband. Right: During Paris Fashion Week, Anna displayed her love for Chanel in a decadent white ruffled dress from their Resort 2013 range, which she styled with black gloves and the same headband bow.

Picking a kaleidoscopic fur coat from Fendi's Resort 2013 range, Anna jazzes up the streets of New York Fashion Week. All white accessories and tights complete her adventurous outfit. 

What are your thoughts on Anna's Fall 2013 Fashion Week style?

Innovative or Over-the-Top?

The Best Street Style Icons of 2012

Who Would You Vote For?

As the year comes to a close, I've decided to review the 'Looks of the Week' popularity ranks of celebrities that stood out with their stellar sense of street wear. And the nominees are in! Although each of them flaunt an entirely different classification of 'what is style', they all have equally inspired our attention. Let's rewind on the eight best street stylista's of 2012 and vote on who reigns supreme. Please click on each image for a larger view.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio displayed her love for 2012's colour trends with pilings of pastels and neons. She never misses an opportunity to show off her amazing pins, let's not forget that she gave birth to her second baby in May this year. Alessandra expresses her indie city chic style with frayed denim shorts and fringing, colorful tie dye prints, open-toe flat sandals, Chloe wedge sneakers and suede Isabel Marant ankle boots, worn from winter through to spring. She accessorizes with skinny belts, Westward Leaning sunglasses and a Mulberry or Celine trapeze bag.

Poppy Delevingne

One of the breakout street style icons of 2012 has to be British model and socialite Poppy Delevingne. The most intriguing part about her style is that it's unpredictable, you never know what Poppy will impress us with next. She picks out classic pieces from high end designers like Chanel, Temperley London, Dolce & Gabbana and Sass & Bide, which she creatively mixes with her exceptional styling skills. Just the right choice of heel, jacket, bag, hat and belt completely transforms her outfits into something outstanding. And the paparazzi seem to agree as well.

Gwen Stefani

The punk chic appeal of Gwen Stefani is always welcomed, she makes rock star style more accessible. Gwen injects a grand level of verve and vivacity to her savvy street ensembles in the most effortless way. She leans towards dashing blazers, trench coats and attractive jackets, layered over leather, patterned or plaid pants, in either a slim or slouchy silhouette. Gwen wears a pair of pointy-toe pumps as well as she does Doc Martin combat boots. Stella McCartney round frame sunglasses, red rouge & funky hats are an intrinsic part of her look. 

Jessica Alba

One actress who has dazzled us with her street style this year is Jessica Alba. I haven't seen a look of hers that could not be easily reinvented. Jessica owned the coloured denim trend for 2012, having a pair in every colour. She also loves Current/Elliott printed jeans & floral pants. Jessica infuses bright hues into her outfits with flair... she also does an impressive endeavor of wearing neutrals. For winter, Jessica incorporated slick blazers, parkas & leather biker jackets into her covetable wardrobe. Fun coloured sunglasses, cozy Theodora & Callum scarves, every type of designer handbag and heel accessorized Ms Alba's ultra modish looks. 

Miranda Kerr

We can't possibly vote on the biggest style icons of 2012 without mentioning Miranda Kerr. The Australian supermodel had us captivated by her debonair air of intellectual and tasteful style. From floaty feminine summer dresses, figure-loving skinny jeans and sophisticated coats...to sexy stilettos, ballet flats and thigh high boots, Miranda has it covered. She has been rarely spotted without a designer Prada/Celine/Hermes/Givenchy duffle bag over her shoulder and Stella McCartney sunnies shading her eyes. Her contemporary and uncomplicated style has been inspiring to watch during the year.

Olivia Palermo

New York socialite Olivia Palermo brightly shaded in 2012 with her bold employment of trendy colours & complex stylings. Olivia proved that she isn’t afraid to mix different shades, and introduced us to many new colour combinations. Her love for vibrant prints was also evident with numerous pairs of floral pants and skirts. Olivia masterfully blends high & low end brands to create luxe and inventive looks. This year, her style dossier encompassed sharp blazers and tailored coats worn over skinny trousers, along with snazzy heels & a designer tote.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift brings back retro charm of off-duty actresses from the 1950s with her wholesome all-American girl-next-door style. She charmed us in flirty floral frocks with A-line skirts & nipped-in waists, a cardigan casually thrown over. Stripes also remain one of her favourite prints, her collection of black & white sweaters is endless. Taylor comfortably walked through 2012 in Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, brogues & loafers, an occasional peep-toe sandal in between. Even in a pair of narrow-fit pants, Taylor is always utterly feminine and graceful. A bright red lip & Ralph Lauren messenger bag have been her best accessories this year.  

Victoria Beckham

Queen V doesn't need any title to recognize her immaculately chic street style. Victoria Beckham has undoubtedly been one of the most elegant street style icons of the year, never setting a foot or hair out of place. I guess its easy to look this amazing all the time when you can have the luxury of your own fashion line. Posh is always polished in figure-hugging midi-dresses, smartly cut cigarette trousers and flaired-leg jeans, crisp white shirts and pencil skirts. With a crocodile chain handle clutch under her arm, skyscraping heels or peep-toe boots and those distinguishable sunglasses, Victoria defines urban glamour.

Who has been your favourite Celebrity Style Street Icon of 2012?

1. Alessandra Ambrosio
2. Poppy Delevingne
3. Gwen Stefani
4. Jessica Alba
5. Miranda Kerr
6. Olivia Palermo
7. Taylor Swift
8. Victoria Beckham

I would love to hear your vote!


*Please write your vote down in the comment box below. I will tally them up and reveal the final result in my next post. Thank You!

Iconic Bags Named After Iconic Stars

The style makers, the trendsetters, the game changers, the icons of our time. You have to make a glittering splash on the fashion radar in order to have a designer brand name a bag after you. I thought it would be interesting to compare the very stylishly accomplished and modish ladies that each have a famous bag named after them.

Arguably the most famous of all namesake bags, The Hermés Birkin bag is also the most expensive, ranging anywhere from $10 000 to $150 000. The famous leather tote was named after French singer-actress Jane Birkin in 1984.

Lancel designed this bohemian suede and tassel 'Bardot' shoulder bag for 60's French actress Brigitte Bardot. It is said that the design was meant to mimic the curvaceous star.

Jason Wu was inspired by the 'classic-with-a-twist' Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld, and constructed a chic and modern crossbody bag after her. Forming part of his Fall 2012 collection, the leather framed bag retails at $1495.

It was only a matter of time before the world's highest paid supermodel was given her own handbag. Luella conceptualized the pretty and feminine 'Gisele' bag in 2002, along with leather heart motifs, an ode to the stunning Brazilian model.

Another Hermés favourite is the regal 'Kelly' bag, named after exquisite Hollywood actress turned royal princess, Grace Kelly. The design was incepted in 1935, and since then it still remains one of the most eminent bags of all time.

Leaving the last millennium of famous bags behind, there was a new It-Bag named after a new It-Girl. Alexa Chung was honoured with a luxurious leather satchel bag by British brand Mulberry in 2010, which became an instant bestseller at £750 each.

Although the Hermés Constance Bag was not initially named after Jackie O' Kennedy, as soon as she was spotted wearing it in 1969, it was given the nickname, the 'O Bag'. Gucci also designed a bag for the famous 60's fashion icon called the 'Jackie' bag.

A favourite of Lady Diana, the 'Lady Dior' bag by Christian Dior embodies class and refinement with a quilted leather design and metallic charms. Created in 1995, this illustrious top-handle case is still coveted by millions of fashion lovers around the world.

Most recent to join the list is songbird Lana Del Rey. This year Mulberry named a bag after 'Del Rey' with a classic inflated design that will never date. This one will set you back $1250.

Marc Jacobs encapsulated the charm & beauty of Canadian model Jessica Stam with a quilted leather creation in 2006. The 'Stam' bag, which features a brass chain handle strap & quaint vintage design, has been seen under the arms of many a celebrity and retails for about $1275.

Salvatore Ferragamo created the 'Sophia' bag in tribute to the enchanting Italian actress. Its elegant and simple design has become a favourite with many celebrities and Sophia herself. The approximate cost of the medium sized bag is $1690.

Which of these legendary leather keepsakes is on your wish list?
And who do you think the next It-Bag should be named after? 
I'd love to hear your insight...

*All collages by me with pictures via Google Images