Looks Of The Week - 18/02/12

A round-up of the week's most stylish looks.


Pretty Little Dresses

Mia Wasikowska looked fetching in a navy blue silk taffeta Miu Miu dress, beautifully adorned with a green and crystal bejeweled waistband and collar. Strappy Miu Miu sandals perfectly matched her look.

Jessica Alba was casually elegant at the Michael Kors runway show in New York City. The actress picked out a form-fitting turquoise and black dress from the designer, which has a cut-out neckline. Jessica paired the dress with black tights and heels, neon orange nail polish and a large monochrome clutch bag. 

Leighton Meester was charming in a tri-coloured Prada Spring 2012 dress. It features a lemon pleated skirt and red and ivory fitted bodice with a 'very' V-neck . She carried a red crossbody bag and wore nude pointy-toe heels, both also by Prada.

Dakota Fanning was front row at numerous runway shows during New York Fashion Week, including Proenza Schouler. The teen actress looked adorable wearing a black, white, yellow and mint leaf-print dress with three-quarter sleeves from the designers' Spring 2012 collection. Her chunky black heels are also by Proenza Schouler.

Christina Ricci did photocall duties at the Berlin Film Festival. She chose a bright blue Thakoon dress with plunge V-neck and folded skirt. Black tights and YSL 'Tribtoo' heels complete her outfit. A statement necklace would have really amped this look up.

Bag It Up

Victoria Beckham showed off an aubergine leather alligator clutch bag from her own range. She looked chic in a fitted light grey plaid Roland Mouret dress, along with a belted bordeaux coloured cardigan and nude Louboutin platforms.
Czech model Petra Nemcova dressed up a metallic emerald green carry bag with a silver shimmer top, white cropped pants and a black leather jacket. Stunning silver and black ankle strap sandals finished off her sassy outfit.
Mollie King from 'The Saturdays' touched down at LA airport in an attractive ensemble. She wore a navy tank with nautical print mini skirt, teaming it with tan accessories - a skinny belt, satchel bag and strappy sandals. Love this summer resort look!
Olivia Palermo was on everyone's style radar during New York Fashion Week. The socialite looked dashing in a structured beige military coat, Paige Premium leggings, Adrienne Landau fur loop, burgundy boots by Brian Atwood and a vintage red bag.
Rachel Zoe was seen on the streets of New York carrying a black and white Reed Krakoff 'Boxer' bag with a menswear-inspired outfit. The stylist wore a grey checked coat and flare trousers under a black fur coat from her own range.


I am off on a mini-getaway, so I probably won't be posting this week. I will miss all your blogs while I'm gone and hope to catch up when I get back next week. Have a great one until then...
Ciao for now!
xoxo
Sam

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Three

New York Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites 
Part Three

This is the last chapter to my New York Fashion Week 2012 coverage. As the last few days of shows ran it's course, it was evident that faux fur, reds, black and metallics ruled the runway.


Farah Angsana

Farah Angsana conveyed youthful opulence at her Fall 2012 showing. Matte golds and silver fought for attention against a dazzling gem-toned palette of ruby red, citrine, emerald, amethyst and sapphire. The Indonesian-born designer is victorious in creating feminine gowns and flirty cocktail dresses, with all the fizz and none of the fuss.

J. Mendel

Everyone has a favourite from NYFW, and this year J. Mendel is mine. The thought behind this collection is scattered between luxe furs and tweed, floaty chiffon gowns, cleverly-placed cut-outs, a handful of sparkle and a hint of asymmetry. Champagne shades were twirled with a glass of burgundy, all-white ensembles and the trending chartreuse. The gown I'd most like to see on the red carpet is the white and gold trimmed stunner, (pictured first, bottom row), preferably on someone like Angelina Jolie or Kate Beckinsale.

Derek Lam

Derek Lam gives us a 'Library' of chic modern designs that would translate as well off the runway as it did on the 60's styled models. Every Persian printed piece, leather pencil skirt and boxy peacoat is wearable in this black, white and red hued range. Gold-capped brogues and box-shaped bags acted as accessories. Minimalist yet graceful gowns rounded up this effortless and sophisticated collection.

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham takes a punchier approach to 'pretty' for Fall 2012, with a display of slinky streamlined gowns in the most popular colour scheme during NYFW - red, black and metallic silver and gold. A few pastel shades lightened up the range, sweeping the floor with waisted gossamer gowns. Models wore retro 40's style bouffants and dark sultry make-up.

Michael Kors

If 'lumberjack-chic' was never a trend before, it is now, thanks to Michael Kors. The illustrious designer takes his sportswear sensibility into the great outdoors, where plaids and sequins meet in a place of rustic refinement. Kors pioneered a flock of weighty fur coats, fringed ponchos and blanketed skirts, leather dresses and tweed suits. Fur trimmed hats and gloves perfected the charismatic countryside look. 

Rolando Santana

Rolando Santana re-enters the 70's disco era with a ritzy collection for Fall 2012. The Mexican designer also played the red, black and metallic tune like so many other designers did, but differentiated himself by intermixing textures, leather and lamé, satin and tweed, fur and sequins. A high-glamour collection that will place Santana on the global fashion map.

Marchesa

Marchesa can do no wrong when it comes to illusion bodices, jewels and tulle. Every embroidered evening gown was worthy of it's own Oscar-winning moment. The lavish gold brocade dresses and swan-like white feathered frocks left one gasping for air (in a good way of course). Almost impossible to choose, the stand-outs for me were the short white and gold embellished dress (second on the top row) and the black and gold embroidered gown with upturned tulle neckline (fourth on bottom row). Breathtaking!

Click to see Part One & Two of New York Fashion Week 2012. 


Image Credits: Style.com

Friday Frills

A Wish for All Seasons...

I wish you the courage to be warm when the world would prefer that you be cool.
I wish you success sufficient to your needs;
I wish you failure to temper that success.
I wish you joy in all your days; 

I wish you sadness so that you may better measure that joy.
I wish you gladness to overbalance grief.

I wish you humor and a twinkle in the eye.
I wish you glory and the strength to bear its burdens.
I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey.

I wish you peace in the world in which you live,

And in the smallest corner of the heart where truth is kept.
I wish you faith to help define your living and your life.
More I cannot wish you, except perhaps love, 

To make all the rest worthwhile.

*Author Robert Ward.  Image via weheartit.

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Two

New York Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites 
Part 2

This is the second installment of designer collections from New York Fashion Week, where we are presented with brights, lights and prints.


Diane von Furstenberg 

Diane von Furstenberg enthralled with creative prints and vibrant colours for Winter 2012. There were alluringly wrapped day dresses, chain and puzzle print designs, elegant coats and pencil skirts, with long leather gloves and clutch bags to polish it off. Diane formed a harmonious alliance by brazenly marrying bright hues together. Plum and lime, chartruese and fuchsia, red and azure, all bound by wide leather belts.

Giulietta

Newcomer Giulietta sang a song from the 'Sound of Music' it seemed, in charming prim and proper frocks, with a hint of school-girl innocence. The lightness of fabric and softer shades in this collection was welcomed after the other 'heavier' ones shown at NYFW. Peter pan collars, the pussycat bow and square-buckled belts were a continual motif throughout the range.

Nanette Lepore

Nanette Lepore dipped her collection in a paint tin of festive colours for Fall 2012. Bright burnt orange, mulberry, fern green, cerulean blue and chartreuse. The designer cited "dandyism, a deck of tarot cards and Oscar Wilde" as influences. It is a gypsy tonic of trippy prints, skinny velvet pants, artsy blouses and floaty embroidered dresses. Glossy metallic loafers and satchel bags accessorized this beaded bohemian range. 

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller introduces us to the haute hippie rock chick for Fall 2012, and I couldn't be more pleased. A more refined take on 70's fashion with floaty silk blouses worn under oversized vests, unmissable floral prints in vivid shades, cigarette pants and bell bottoms, all spawned from luscious velvets, furs and suede. Satchel bags, wide-brim floppy hats and circle-chain belts perfectly punctuated the retro look.

Oscar de la Renta

Pastel pink and powder blue had their moment in the spotlight at Oscar de la Renta's Fall showing. I had long forgotten the slew of black and white outfits after the first celestial blue dress hit the runway. Frothy little frocks with puffy skirts and 60's styling conveyed a certain girlish glamour. Jewel and fur accents added a more grown-up feel to the doll-house dresses. 

Sophie Theallet

There was a boho-vintage vibe at Sophie Theallet's Fall offering, with a prominence of silky upholstery prints in spicy cinnamon, fuchsia, rust and purple plum. In the mix were polo necks and vividly shaded pants. Long wrap dresses with thigh-high slits alluded to demure sensuality, while A-line skirts and clashing prints provided a more playful look.  

Suno

 Suno brings prints to the forefront of Fall 2012, valiantly mismatching them, coloring them in with an Autumn breeze and even naming them! Army-esque influenced blazers were structured, while dresses and skirts fell more freely. A jovial range will leave you wanting to wear stripes with florals and socks with high heels.

Thakoon

Thakoon pressed the 'Refresh' button on Fall 2012, quenching our colour thirst with cerise pink, cherry red and raspberry. Besides for a few bateau necks, paperbag waists and cut-out collars, he kept the silhouettes simple. Using visually interesting materials like PVC, silk, leather and fur, he gave new meaning to the word 'colour-blocked'.

Rachel Zoe

You always know what you're going to get with Rachel Zoe. Long, lean silhouettes, tailored pants suits, billowy 70's style maxi dresses, chic layering and the essential fur coat thrown in. She successfully blends her own personal style in with that of her clothing collection. Luxurious but still accessible.

For Part One of New York Fashion Week, see here. Part Three to follow.

Photo Credits: Style.com

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part One

New York Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites
Part One

The Fall 2012 Fashion torch was lit on style island New York last week, where the best US and other international designers showed off their winter collections. There have been so many incredible shows so far, which I will highlight in the next few posts. This first chapter focuses on emerging colour trends - red, black and metallics. Click on the image to enlarge it.


Jason Wu

A Jason Wu winter has a significant Asian appeal and an air of mystery for 2012. Structured military designs from Imperial China inspired a chain of modernized Mao jackets edged with fur. A glamourous 1940's Shanghai was translated into figure-fitting red and black dresses, delicately garnished with the finest gold embroidery. 

Zac Posen

Zac Posen patrons will be all dressed up for Fall 2012, in Japanese-themed peplum dress suits with obi belts, gold jacquard knee-length dresses and hourglass-enhancing corseted evening gowns in glossy duchess satin. Colours ranged from forest green and midnight blue to champagne and ruby red. These sculpted gowns seem to be made with Sofia Vergara and Coco Rocha in mind. 

Badgley Mischka

A glitterati of gowns were presented at Badgley Mischka's 2012 offering, in a host of metallics from glazed gold to burnished bronze and iced silver. Elegant pant suits was vitalized by metallic blazers and fur neck wraps, while gowns were generously daubed with sequins. Models wore electrified hairstyles to contrast the glamourous looks.

 Reem Acra

Lebanese designer Reem Acra radiated the Fall 2012 runway with flashy gold gowns and metallic mini's. Classic dress suits were given a luxurious makeover in leather, metallic tweed and houndstooth. A glittering sequin skirt ensemble (pictured fourth on top row) caught my eye, while angular cut-outs added a sultry edge to floor-length evening gowns.

Prabal Gurung

Neoteric designer Prabal Gurung reinvented sheer cut-outs and digital-print designs for his winter collection, in black and blue neoprene, patent leather and golden lamé. Slick tailored pants were accompanied by capes and fur coats. Ostrich feathers and ruffles enhanced fanciful evening dresses, and perhaps the most striking feature - models in stark blue eyeshadow.

 Rag & Bone

My first thoughts about Rag & Bone winter range was warmth - most literally. While other designers gave us skimpy dresses, Rag & Bone brought us cozy wrapped coats, furry vests and snug printed knits. Layering added depth and interest; skirts over skinny pants, jackets over jerseys, dresses over tights, a mix of mismatched prints and belts over everything.

Naeem Khan

Ethnic opulence was the founding factor at Naeem Khan's Fall 2012 runway show, where his Indian roots shone through with bindi-inspired prints and intricate age-old Eastern embroidery. It's as though he gussied up the tribal trend. His exquisite gowns were showered with metallic beading, sequins and feathers, all of which made for compulsive viewing.

Monique Lhuillier 

Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2012 collection presented us with bold shades of scarlet, enigmatic ebony and lustrous gold. Graphic print dresses were belted for a more curvaceous silhouette, while irresistibly seductive gowns flowed like lava. I loved the extravagant red ruffled gown (pictured bottom row). Lace and beadwork adorned the many evening gowns, which we will be sure to see soon on the red carpet.

Part Two to follow. Who are your favourites from New York Fashion Week?

Happy Anti-Valentine's Day!

I was sent a special request to re-publish this post for Valentine's Day, or should I say, 

Anti-Valentine's Day.

If you are completely love-wrecked & have hearts in your eyes and butterflies in your stomach at the thought of receiving chocolates & roses today, then please don't read any further. If all the above makes you feel nauseous, then Happy Anti-Valentine's Day to you! I have never celebrated or partaken in the heart-filled holiday that is the 14th of February. Don't get me wrong, I am certainly not a melancholy, all-black wearing, Nirvana/Evanescence listening, gloomy Goth Girl who has an evil vendetta against the heart-shaped world. I am simply against the commercialization of a pretty little thing they call L-O-V-E. 

Every year, come Valentine's Day, a romantic epidemic breaks out, where people (who can't even spell sentimental), spend hundreds of Rands on dozens of red roses, boxes of chocolates, teddy bears, balloons and corny cards, all in an overbearing shade of red. They plan romantic getaways, soppy surprises, fancy dinners, and on this love-licensed day, become the ideal, charming and chivalrous partner who says and does all the right things. One day where people have a valid excuse to live out their Notebook equivalent of a love story, without being made fun of. And what happens on the other 364 days of the year? Absolutely nothing. 

There shouldn't be just one day in a year that permits you to be an impassioned, affectionate swashbuckling soul. Sometimes the sweetest of gestures are most surprising and appreciated when you least expect it. Anti-Valentine's Day should happen just once a year, but the essence of 'Valentine's Day' should be celebrated everyday. 

So Happy Unimaginative, Consumerist-Orientated and Entirely Arbitrary, Manipulative and Shallow Interpretation of Romance Day. 

(No, I did not write that message myself. I read it on a card)

You didn't think I'd leave you empty handed on Anti-Valentine's Day, did you? 

Here's my gift to you:

P.S I still haven't figured out why people buy the largest amount of red roses on the one day of the year when it's the most expensive. 



*All text by me, Please do not republish. Pictures courtesy of Google images.

Divas and Darlings - The Grammy Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
54th Annual Grammy Awards 2012

The Grammy red carpet played host to many interesting looks this year. There was many a sparkly gown, an overload of black dresses and a few colourful designs. And of course, no Grammy event would be complete without a few fashion faux pas.


The Darlings

No one had any idea as to why Paris Hilton was at the Grammys, but she looked surprisingly demure in a cap-sleeved white and gold Basil Soda gown with metallic belt. Katy Perry complimented her hair colour in a softer shade of blue, wearing a delicately floral embellished azure gown by Elie Saab. Carrie Underwood wore a luminous silver sequined gown, with long sleeves and open back by Gomez Garcia.

The Divas

Rihanna looked ravishing in a custom-made silk Armani gown with plunge-neck and high slit. She carried a Jimmy Choo clutch and wore heels by Christian Louboutin. Corinne Bailey Rae displayed a splendid ruffled design by Christian Siriano. Grammy winner Adele was graceful in a custom designed three-quarter sleeved Armani gown, paired with striking red lips. Julianne Hough put on a strapless Kaufman Franco gown with sequined spike design. Kimberly Perry from 'The Band Perry' prettier black gowns (of many) at the event, which features a sequin bodice and tulle skirt.

Bejewelled

Kelly Rowland kept to a muted palette, wearing a gown by Alberta Ferretti with sheer silver embellished bodice. Taylor Swift never fails to bedazzle us with her red carpet choices. Here she wears a glorious gold encrusted, hand-embroidered Zuhair Murad gown with high collar and mermaid skirt. Country singer Miranda Lambert also opted for gold-tinged dress, hers in embellished lace by Pivoni. 

Multicoloured

Latina songstress Mayra Veronica stepped out in a zany tie-dyed dress that dripped with rainbow shaded paillettes. Supermodel Lily Aldridge showed off her graceful maternity style in a black and blue floral print Gucci gown. Serbian model Nina Senicar donned a flowing polychromatic print gown. Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding wore a strapless dip-dyed sheet-looking dress, made up of several different shades.

Silver Linings

Kelly Osbourne was impressive in a scintillating silver one-shouldered gown by Tony Ward. Jessie J cast her usually crazy style aside for a more suave look, wearing a gunmetal grey mirrorball dress by Julien MacDonald. Carly Steele also wore a disco ball inspired gown, hers in a shinier shade of silver. Classical singer and Grammy winner Joyce Di Donato wore a fairytale grey gown, adorned with threads of gold.

On The Short Side

Actress-turned-singer Malin Akerman wore a little white dress with cut-out neck-line by Cushnie et Ochs. Giuliana Rancic stepped it up in a black Georges Chakra mini dress with gold belt and stunning strappy Jimmy Choo sandals. Kate Beckinsale was alluring in a créme silk chiffon draped mini dress by Zuhair Murad, featuring a black velvet bow on the shoulder. Alicia Keyes merged edgy with elegance in a black Alexandre Vauthier dress with statement gold neckpiece. Newcomer Skylar Grey chose a tea-length lace dress, paired with red pointy heels. I don't think the styling fits in with the goth-pop persona she is portraying.

Bordering on Bad

Scandinavian singer Robyn is known for her quirky style, but this white mullet skirt and bulky platforms are giving me some serious Spice Girl deja vu. Porcelain Black (not her real name) looks like she's posing poolside at Cannes, not the Grammy red carpet. Cyndi Lauper in something black - can't figure out what it is yet, but the black and blonde hair is evocative of Cruella Deville. Latina singer D'manti piles on sequins and feathers in all the wrong places.

Style Circus

Nicki Minaj left everyone at a loss for words when she irreverently showed up in an outlandish red hooded Versace dress, with a 'pope' for a date. Bonnie McKee's yellow and gold futuristic fringed dress left much to be desired and could have been considered a tripping hazard. Fergie was hugely disappointing in a blinding neon orange see-through lace dress, with black undergarments in sight for everyone to see. Nice to know you own some Fergie, but this is in very tacky taste. Russian singer Sasha Gradiva filled in the ludicrous space Lady Gaga left wide open at the Grammys this year. She was literally 'armed' with machine guns, which inappropriately sends out a war-fueled statement to billions watching worldwide.

Divas and Darlings - Baftas 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
British Academy Film Awards 2012

The Baftas were held in a freezing Covent Garden earlier this evening, where some starlets braved the cold and donned skimpy evening gowns. Here are the red carpet highlights. Stay tuned for all the fashion from The Grammys, which is yet to be held. It still baffles me why the British equivalent of the Oscars and Music's Biggest Night have been scheduled on the same date. 


My Favourite Frocks

Holliday Grainger looked ethereal in soft shimmery gold Valentino gown with organza belt and tulle skirt. Fearne Cotton may have been a red carpet presenter, but she outstyled many of the celebrities she interviewed. Fearne was gorgeous in a long-sleeved coral Moschino gown, with black bow belt and bejeweled high-neck collar. Shailene Woodley is forgiven for the casual top-knot bun, as her beautiful pale Dolce & Gabbana gown, which is scattered with floral appliqués, fully makes up for it.

Column Gowns

A trendy topic on the red carpet were column gowns. Tilda Swinton was simply chic in a white two-piece Celine ensemble, trademark hairdo intact. Michelle Williams defied style critics by wearing a custom-made monochrome H&M gown, along with scarlet red lipstick and book-shaped clutch. Bridesmaids' Kristen Wiig chose a strapless silky white Alberta Ferretti gown. Penelope Cruz was elegant in a wine red Armani Privé gown with sculpted bodice. Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe also opted for white, in a side-studded round-neck gown.

Coloured In

Naomi Harris brought an optimistic shade of yellow to the event, in a billowy Emilio Pucci gown with cut-outs on the bodice and sleeves. Model Laura Bailey took a risk in a multicoloured abstract print dress with crystal beadwork and red heels. Nominee Viola Davis wore a bright pink one-sholudered and eco-friendly Valentino dress. Captain America actress Hayley Atwell went for a ho-hum cream and blue colour-blocked dress.

Long-Sleeved

Melissa George stunned in a lacquered black long-sleeved Victoria Beckham gown. Nominee Berenice Bejo looked a tad bit dowdy compared to her previous red carpet appearances. The Artist actress wore a two-toned Alaia ensemble under a black fur coat. Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright was cute in a vintage knee-length navy and white Prada dress, paired with black tights and bright peep-toe heels. Jessica Brown-Findlay kept warm in a long-sleeved black belted Alessandra Rich gown.

Gilded Gowns

Another big trend of the evening were gold shaded gowns. Christina Ricci arrived in a gleaming bronze Givenchy wrap dress with high slit. British actress Emilia Fox was darling in a gold Luisa Beccaria gown with tiered skirt. Gillian Anderson wore a strapless textured gown by Sybill Connolly/Vintage William. Jessica Chastain adopted a Grecian goddess look, in a pleated molten gold Oscar de la Renta dress with plunge-neck and criss-cross bodice.