Who Wore It Better - The AnnaSophia Robb Edition

Who Wore Alice + Olivia Better?
The AnnaSophia Robb Edition

You may recognize AnnaSophia Robb as the breakout star of TV's newest fashion-frenzied series, 'The Carrie Diaries'. Playing a young Carrie Bradshaw, the 19-year old actress has displayed a flair for style on-screen & on the red carpet. AnnaSophia has a longstanding appreciation for design label Alice + Olivia, as seen in this edition of 'Who Wore It Better?'

Round 1

* AnnaSophia films an episode of 'The Carrie Diaries' wearing a charming watercolour printed dress with A-line skirt. Her eye-catching ensemble has been styled with a floral denim jacket, cerise pink belt, turquoise tulle underskirt and pastel shaded Giuseppe Zanotti slingbacks.

* TV actress Sami Gayle wears the same embellished collared Alice + Olivia dress with matching belt, accessorized with an orange reptile clutch and winsome heart-print heels.

* In the Alice+Olivia lookbook, the dress is kept consistent with matching pastel printed shoes.

The Verdict: I love this dress as it has been simply styled on the model, but I also admire the creativity and multi-shaded styling on AnnaSophia. That's a look made only for the fashionable thrill of TV, (and perhaps New York Fashion Week).

 Round 2

* Smash star Megan Hilty wears a lace bodice dress from Alice + Olivia's Fall 2012 collection with burgundy pumps, also by the brand.

* AnnaSophia Robb was spotted in the same black and white peplum dress. Her choice of black flat Salvatore Ferragamo pumps were a bit puzzling to me.

* Heiress Lydia Hearst showed off her modelesque height in the same cocktail dress, opting to style it with a cutesy black hat and pumps by Alice + Olivia.

* On the model, the dress was shown with a black skinny belt and sheer yoke.

The Verdict: My vote goes to the model, the dress needed the definition of a belt and also the sheer yoke makes the beautiful lace detailing more prominent.

Round 3

* AnnaSophia was delightful in a black, green and pink floral print dress with halter straps from Alice + Olivia's previous Spring collection. She added a stunning pair of Yves Saint Laurent metallic gold and black T-Bar strappy sandals.
* Modern Family's Ariel Winter was also seen in the same frilled bottom dress, stepping out in black pumps and an enchanted braided halo hairstyle.
* The model's dress has been fitted with a wide leather belt and nude wedge platforms.

The Verdict: I am on the fence here...I liked Ariel's adorable hairstyle, but I also think that AnnaSophia's heels were the perfect shoe choice. Any thoughts?


 Round 4

* Holland Roden was captivating in a romantic white feathered frock from Alice + Olivia's Spring 2013 collection. The 'Teen Wolf' star was accessorized with gold Jerome C. Rousseau sandals, a white leather clutch bag and bold red lipstick.

* We recently saw AnnaSophia Robb wear the same lace embroidered white dress just last week. Her dreamy look was styled with silver Stuart Weitzman pumps.

* The dress is just as magical in the lookbook, worn with leather cut-out sandals.

The Verdict: I prefer AnnaSophia in this dress, the fit is better on her and I like the more subtle makeup. It's the type of dress that looks splendidly pretty on all three.

I would love to hear your verdicts on 'Who Wore It Best' in each round.

Jennifer Behr Hair Jewellery 2013

Jennifer Behr is a brand that breathes new life into the term 'hair jewellery'. The talented New York based designer individually handcrafts an exquisite range of hair pieces that will turn every dull hair day into a dazzling one. Her enchanting range of bejeweled headbands, floral fascinators and crystal hair clips have become a favourite of celebrities like Charlize Theron, Alexa Chung, Jennifer Lawrence, Leighton Meester, Rihanna and Emma Stone. Some of her hairpieces were also styled on Blair Waldorf during the TV reign of 'Gossip Girl'.

This season, the Jennifer Behr showcases extravagant floral headpieces veiled with net; an ideal show-stopping look for your next wedding attendance or a day at the races. Barette clips and delicate headbands set in silk chiffon are opulently beaded with sparkling Swarovski crystals. A wave of Grecian inspiration is seen via the ornate gold circlets, draped with chains. Tiara Alice bands offer a more understated style, while spiked and studded leather head wraps provide an alternative to the feminine looks.

These are a few captivating pieces from Jennifer Behr's current collection.

Fringing on the more expensive side, a head-turning hairband from this collection is really one to be treasured. On my wishlist are the romantic crystal-encrusted halo headbands and lustrous barrette clips. Would you wear any of these beautiful pieces of hair jewellery?

*See more at jenniferbehr.com

Poppy Delevingne for Vero Moda 2013

Taking some of the spotlight off her younger sister Cara, Poppy Delevingne stars as the newest ambassador for European brand Vero Moda. The 26-year-old Brit It-Girl lends her beauty and urban glamour to the label for their Spring 2013 ad campaign. 

This season, Vero Moda revamps the basics to blend in with the latest trends. Denim shirts and biker jackets are given a floral makeover, while jeans and elegant shirts are printed in bold stripes. The transition into Spring becomes stylishly simpler with savvy animal printed sweaters, lightweight parka coats and military vests. 

What makes Vero Moda different is their more subtle take on trends. They allow for even the most timeless of dressers to buy into the hottest fads without comprising on quality or classic fashion practice. Easy-to-wear, instantly chic and interchangeable, each piece of this collection makes for a versatile addition to your Spring closet.

I would love to shop the striped themed range in this Spring collection. Vero Moda provides shipping within the UK and Europe. You can start your shopping on their website here. 
Do you prefer Vera Moda's more classic approach to trends?

*All images found via veromoda.com, edited by me.

Looks of the Week - 09/03/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, from Paris Fashion Week and beyond.

From Paris With Love

Hanneli Mustaparta demonstrated her fashion flair in a beautiful wool coat with metallic belt by Calvin Klein. She carries a bag by The Row & walks in impactful Acne platform boots.
Coco Rocha does menswear with ease, sophisticated in a fiery orange tailored blazer and white bejeweled collar shirt, teamed with slim-fitting trousers & black ankle boots.
Nicole Richie looked glamourous in her 'Little Red Valentino Dress', fitted with tiered frills.
Kitty Zhang makes a striking pose in a cardinal red Valentino ankle-length coat, paired with a white-collared black sheer shirt and wide-leg trousers.
French star Melanie Bernier is elegant in a scarlet red lace dress with frill hem by Valentino.


Dainty Dresses

Taiwanese actress Pace Wu was stunning in an avocado green embellished dress by Elie Saab, along with matching skinny belt, clutch and cross-strap sandals, also by the Lebanese designer.
Emmy Rossum charms in a serene sky blue Oscar de la Renta dress, prettily painted with cerise pink flowers and beads. I love her addition of emerald and aqua pointy-toe heels.
AnnaSophia Robb proves her 'Carrie Bradshaw' styling abilities in a flouncy white dress by Alice + Olivia with embroidered lace bodice and feather fringed flair skirt. Her holographic silver heels are by Stuart Weitzman.
Russian socialite Elena Perminova is pretty in a petal pink Giambattista Valli dress, decked with delicate floral appliqués. White ankle strap pumps complete her sugary look.


Bringing in Spring

Camilla Belle impresses in this savvy street ensemble comprising of a flower bouquet dress by Red Valentino, clasped by a yellow belt. Camilla added a black leather biker jacket and bright blue T-strap wedges by Jimmy Choo.
Giuliana Rancic makes an elegant appearance in a block pleated BCBG Max Azria maxi dress in hues of mustard, coral and black.
Lauren Conrad is a vibrant ray of sunshine in this canary yellow poplin pleated dress by Skaist Taylor. She wears nude Aldo wedges, but I wished for a fun printed heel with this.
Olivia Palermo adds some colour to her dainty white dress with an orange Otto blazer, gold and red statement necklace and strappy forest green shoes.
Selena Gomez shows off her Spring style in a flowy multi-hued floral print dress by Free People. Nude suede sandals and a fringed McFadin bag complete her breezy look.

Front Row Fashionistas

Russian style icon Miroslava Duma wraps up an intricate floral-woven sand shaded trench coat and matching heels by Valentino.
Zhang Yuqi represents Chloe head-to-toe in a fawn cropped coat, sheer blouse & ruffle textured white skirt. A miniature Chloe bag & tan wedge heels complete her designer look.
Lily Collins is polished in a gold lace embroidered collar mini dress by Louis Vuitton, expertly styled with black tights and heels, an LV bag and slick top knot.
Olivia Palermo pulled out all the stops at Paris Fashion Week in a pastel pink and black striped dress by Christian Dior, worn with her favourite Felder Felder fur-hem coat, metallic-strap Dior pumps and a burgundy quilted bag.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

When you extend pure love to everyone with selfless motivation, 

That is an attitude of kindness. 

When you send good wishes and compassion to those who are in deep sorrow, 

That is an attitude of mercy. 

When you see the virtues rather than the weaknesses in others, 

That is an attitude of acceptance. 

When you bless and uplift someone even as they defame you, 

That is an attitude of forgiveness. 

When you tolerate a situation and take responsibility, 

That is an attitude of humility and self respect. 

When you provide your counsel and co-operation even when it is not appreciated, 

That is an attitude of selflessness. 

Every second, every moment and breath of your life is nurtured by attitude. 

Its important to know the right one to choose.

*Author unknown. Image via Tumblr, edited.

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?

Dany Atrache Spring Couture 2013

I have recently been introduced to the enchanting world of Dany Atrache Couture, a place where dream gowns are woven into reality, with just a sprinkling of fairy dust. The French Lebanese designer credits his previous work experience to the house of Dior and other Parisian ateliers, before embarking upon his own fruitful career in couture during the early 2000's.

For Spring 2013, Atrache's lavish designs begin with floaty feminine silhouettes, shaded in with the candied contents of a box of Ladurée macaroons. The sweetness of rose petal pink and lavender, the richness of praline cream and caramel, brazen black licorice, the freshness of lemon and mint, and the tang of raspberry. 

These beautifully constructed shapes have been showered with meticulous detail. It's evident that endless hours of thought has been put into every bead, every frill and each intricate inch of embroidery. Floor sweeping tulle ballgowns are given a modern appeal by way of chic leather and metallic belts. I loved Dany's innovative caped and bejeweled necklines. Here is a glance into the exquisite creations from Dany Atrache's Spring 2013 collection.

Set 1.                                                     

Set 2.

Set 3.

Set 4.

Set 5.

Set 6.

Set 7.

I hope that we see each of these glorious gowns make their way across the gulf and onto the Hollywood red carpet. I loved the cerise and nude tulle dress in Set 1, the frosted pink gown with embroidered cape from the second set, and the three minted green frocks above. 
Could you pick a favourite?


*All images sourced from www.danyatrache.com

The Savvy Girl's Guide to Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again - a dreaded thought for some of us and a seasonal cleansing ritual for others. Spring signifies the start of something new, a time for planting new seeds of style, for cleaning out old habits...and wardrobes. This is my guide to surviving the closet crusade they call 'Spring Cleaning'. I share with you some of the ideas that have worked for me in the past and a few clever ones I sourced from magazines around the web.

1. Start Sorting

* You will probably need to set an entire day or weekend aside to sort out your closet. The easiest way to begin is to clear out everything. Remove all your clothes off their hangers, sweaters off their shelves and accessories from their drawers.

* Divide your clothes into three piles :

  The 'Things I Treasure' Pile

  The 'Things to Toss Out' Pile, and

  The Undecided Pile

* The 'Things I Treasure' Pile will usually consist of your much-loved closet pieces and everyday essentials. Hold on to items of clothing that you get great wear out of and that always look graceful on you... with the odd party dress or gravity-defying pair of heels thrown in, which you will insist is far too pretty to give away.

* The 'Things to Toss Out' Pile should include items of clothing that don't fit well nor flatter you, that are ripped or faded, & things that you haven't worn in over a year. Also consider adding ultra trendy pieces you know will only make a comeback when Lindsay Lohan does. Donate these pieces to charity, content knowing your clothes are going to a better cause.

* Now, the tricky part...How to decide on the 'Undecided Pile'. 

- The best trick in the book is to hang or fold these undetermined pieces of clothing inside out. As the months go by, you will have an idea of what you haven't worn & probably never will.

- Be reasonable with your decisions. If you can't think of any place or occasion that you could wear the garment or shoes, it probably means you should bid it farewell.

- Another good idea is to have a clothes swap party with your friends, bargaining with only the undecided pieces of clothing. That way, if you ever decide you want the clothes returned to your closet...all you have to do is swap it back.

2. Re-Packing

* Now that you have made some space in your closet for the new season's trends, it's time to store away your winter wear and repack.
* Before re-packing your wardrobe, line the shelves with scented drawer liners or organza bags filled with cinnamon sticks and dried flower petals.
* Separate clothing pieces by type - long pants, cropped pants, shorts, skirts, blazers, work shirts, weekend t-shirts, work & party dresses. Arrange them accordingly in your wardrobe.

* An easy way to identify your clothes is to arrange and hang them by colour. Not to mention it looks quite appealing too.

3. De-Cluttering Ideas

Image credits

1.  If your wardrobe space has ran out, why not purchase cute stand-alone drawer sets to store any extras. Not only do they jazz up your room, but they are ideal for storing socks, tights, shoes, hats or undergarments.
2. The shoe wheel is a great space-saving way to pack your heels and keep them in shape. 
3. When storing your winter knits and thicker sweaters, have them vacuum-packed in plastic bags so they take up less space. Deposit the bags on your top-most shelves or under the bed for next winter.
4. Try to keep your hangers identical and toss out bulky wooden ones for a sleeker set like these Huggable Hangers, which have a velvet covering that prevent clothes from falling off.

A functional and visually delightful way of storing those winter coats and boots are by packing them away in vintage suitcases. They look charming as part of your room decor and they serve a valuable storage purpose too. 

4. Organizing Accessories

1/2/3/4/5

1. Keep your precious pieces of jewellery in pretty little teacups and saucers or fancy bowls.
2. Buy or make shelf dividers to redistribute your space. Storing handbags this way will make them easy to find and keep them neat and upright.
3. Etsy and Amazon have a world of attractive jewellery organizers to choose from that also assist in keeping necklaces and bracelets from tangling.
4. Store your scarves and belts on silver towel hangers that you will be able to find at a low cost in any hardware store.
5. Another brilliant idea is to cut and use old PVC pipes to line your drawers and roll scarves, ties or tights into them for easy access.


5. Tips & Tricks

* If you like keeping your shoes in their original boxes, take a Polaroid of each pair and stick it to the front of the box for easy recognition.

* If you have an open shelf for your shoes, a smart idea is to place them one foot facing forwards and one backwards, this way you will be able to see the height of the heel.

* Store a few of your favourite colourful scarves in a glass vase or bowl on your dresser, it will look fantastic and be simpler to grab as you pop out the door.

* I store my earrings in clear plastic tackle boxes so the pairs don't get lost.

* The beginning of Spring is the ideal time to have the soles of your stilettos and summer sandals repaired and have the heels replaced if need be.

* If you have a miniature sized closet, purchase extra railings and shelving and have them set up alongside an empty wall in your room. Then hang up a curtain to drape and hide them away, while also adding some decorative drama to your boudoir. (As seen above).

For me the creative inspiration behind cleaning out and organizing my closet is to arrange my clothes and accessories as though they were displayed in a boutique. That way, wouldn't it be more fun to 'shop' your own closet everyday?

I hope some of these ideas will help you as you clean out your closet this Spring. 
I would love to hear some of your own Spring Cleaning tips.