Looks of the Week - 19/10/13

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


Chic Simplicity

US model Alyssa Miller showed off her svelte figure in a slinky red pencil dress by Michael Kors with tie-up gold sandals.
Carey Mulligan made a vibrant splash on the red carpet in a simple strapless silk and wool crepe Dior dress with structured bodice. I am not a fan of her shoe choice.
Karlie Kloss took a walk on the bright side in a fitted long-sleeved tangerine mini dress by Michael Kors, paired with black accessories.
Taylor Swift shimmered in an ice grey Houghton dress with silver metallic Louboutin sandals


Autumn Wrap

Lily Collins channels the oversized coat trend with this camel Zara piece, worn over a printed tee, skinny jeans, Aldo heels and a leopard and red Diane von Furstenburg bag.
Fearne Cotton covers up in an endearing furry white cropped coat, layered over a burgundy sweater, skinny jeans, a burgundy carry bag and patent leather ankle boots.
Cher Lloyd went for a military look with a sleeveless army green wrap jacket accented by a gold brooch, along with burgundy jeans, a black top and high-heeled boots.
Jessica Alba styles her trendy plaid shirt with a maroon velvet-trimmed blazer, skinny fit jeans, a DSquared tote bag, trilby and leopard print pumps.


Black & White

Rooney Mara pushes the envelop in a modernistic Proenza Schouler look with black leather strapped cut-out bodice and silk and silver foil pleated skirt.
Dianna Agron looked graceful in a black and white miniature floral print gown with puff sleeves and belted waist by Carolina Herrera
Suki Waterhouse daringly wears a sheer white lace skirt and corset top by Burberry Prorsum, expertly styled with a leather biker jacket, lavender bag and peep-toe booties, all by Burberry. This girl's got great spunk.


Navy at Night

Amy Adams wears a navy embellished Elie Saab midi-dress with nude illusion bodice and flaired out skirt.
Gwen Stefani displays her voguish maternity style in a glistening midnight blue fully fringed Salvatore Ferragamo gown.
Rachel Zoe models the ideal pregnancy silhouette in an inky blue empire waist V-neck dress with pleated skirt and statement necklace by Salvatore Ferragamo.


Café Au Lait
Freida Pinto looked demure in a beaded blush drop-waist dress with front panels by Salvatore Ferragamo.
Camilla Belle embraced her feminine side in a beautiful almond chiffon Salvatore Ferragamo gown with plunge V-neck, clinched waist and tiered skirt.
Stylist Anya Ziourova exuded elegance in an ivory and gold pin-striped dress with wrap-a-round neck scarf and matching waistband.


Power Dressing

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor poses in a red textured knit Azzedine Alaia gown.
Charlize Theron was regal in a tasteful black Alexander McQueen gown with rich gold embellishings set upon the shoulders.
Olivia Munn took a neon risk in a studded lime Michael Kors gown with cut-out neckline.
Alessandra Ambrosio put her best foot forward in a sexy red key-hole cut-out dress with frill waist detail and strappy sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo
Ashley Williams is a classic beauty in this timeless Dior gown with attached neck-shawl.

Who is your favorite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Life isn't about keeping score.

It's not about how many friends you have or how accepted you are.

Not about if you have plans this weekend or if you're alone.

It isn't about who you're dating, who you used to date, how many people you've dated, 

or if you haven't been with anyone at all.

It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have.

Or what kind of car you drive, where you were sent to school or what clubs you got into.

It's not about how beautiful or unattractive you think you are.

Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to.

Not about if your hair is blonde, red, black or brown. Or if your skin is too light or too dark.

It's not about how smart you are, how smart everyone else thinks you are, or how smart standardized tests say you are.

It's not about representing your entire being on a piece of paper, hoping for others to accept the 'written version' of you.

LIFE JUST ISN'T.

But, life is about who you love and who you hurt.

It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.

It's about keeping or betraying trust.

It's about friendship, used as a sanctity or a weapon.

It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.

It's about what judgments you pass and why. And who your judgments are spread to.

It's about who you've ignored with full control and intention.

It's about overcoming jealousy, fear, ignorance and vengeance.

It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow, spreading it or stopping it.

But most of all, it's about how you use your life to either touch or poison other people's hearts.

Only you choose the way those hearts are affected, and those choices are what life's all about.

Author unknown, edited. Image via Tumblr.

Topshop's Trendy Pink PVC Skirt

One of the hottest commodities this season is Topshop's pale pink PVC vinyl pencil skirt. Already Sold out and Worn out by many different celebrities and bloggers, this sexy pastel skirt has made a memorable impression on fashion lovers everywhere. Inspired by the looks below, I created this set on ways to style the in-demand pencil skirt.

Pink PVC Skirt by Topshop, currently available only on Ebay. Black biker jacket, white shirt & all sweaters from Topshop. Pink & Black Lanvin Case via Net-a-Porter $385. White, rose & burgundy Reeds bracelets via Ebay $50. Pink & Burgundy pumps by Charlotte Olympia. Mint, rose & cream heels by Jean-Michel Cazabat. Pink and Mint Tribal spiked necklace by Shop Lately $23. Black Stomp ankle pumps at Topshop $100. Pink, mint and black colour-block bag by Jil Sander. Mint green pointy Ivanka Trump pumps at Lori's $85. Claire Vivier burgundy embossed clutch at Shopbop $210. White pointy-toe Dune pumps at ASOS $140.

Who Wore It Better?

Topshop's Pale Pink PVC Vinyl Skirt

British actress Ashley Madekwe featured the sophisticated pink skirt on her blog (Ashley Ring My Bell), expertly styling it with a white angora Topshop sweater, a slick black Balenciaga biker jacket and Saint Laurent ankle strap sandals.
Upcoming songstress Ella Henderson went for an endearing pastel pairing with a cool mint 'Jazzie' embellished knitted sweater and matching court shoes, all by Topshop.

Lucy Mecklenburgh looked elegant in the pastel pink PVC skirt, choosing to style it with a fuzzy black cropped jumper and chunky-heeled 'Stomp' shoes, both by Topshop. The reality star added a touch of burgundy to her look with a mock croc clutch.

The Saturdays singer Rochelle Wiseman-Humes was also spotted in the chic pencil skirt, outfitted with a black tshirt, floral statement necklace and nude ankle-strap sandals.

Ciara stepped out in the sought-after vinyl skirt, sweetly paired with a fluffy pink mohair sweater by Doriane van Overeem, Miu Miu sunnies & white pointy Gianvito Rossi pumps.

British model Atlanta de Cadenet opted to primly style her lacquered rose-hued skirt with a crisp white tied-up shirt and nude ankle-strap shoes.

Who Wore It Better?

As for 'Who Wore It Better' ... It's a really tough decision as each of these ladies bring something new and fresh to this highly coveted pink PVC pencil skirt. I liked the dash of burgundy Lucy Mecklenburgh added and I also liked Ashley Madekwe's polished styling.

Who do you think wore this popular PVC skirt better?

How would you style it?

*I apologize for my late response to comments, as my internet has gone on strike.

Dreaming in Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana
Womenswear Collection
Winter 2014

There's nothing like a designer daydream to set your week into motion, and this Monday felt like a Dolce & Gabbana type-of-day here at Frills & Thrills. It's amazing how the talented Italian duo reinvent lace every single season without a trace of repetition. This Winter sees yet another exemplary collection that fortifies their romantic design aesthetic. 

Here is a fanciful glance into Dolce & Gabbana Womans' Winter 2014 collection - these are the looks that were not presented on the runway.

Set 1

 Ruby red and blush pink lace royally collide in beautiful cocktail dresses and mermaid gowns, all wrapped up by wide satin bows. 

Set 2

Rose shaded floral wool and silk brocades bring forth a retro daytime elegance.

Set 3

Winter wouldn't be the same without a dash of leopard print, seen in luxurious lengthy coats, cigarette pants and a fierce animal printed evening gown.

Set 4

A variegated floral wallpaper print is painted upon floaty silk chiffon dresses, georgette tops and cotton trousers for a striking print-on-print look.

Set 5

White lace continues it's popular run from last season, integrated with engaging florals.

Set 6

The bold red winter coat is layered with grace, making it the go-to fashion piece that will instantly vivify any winter outfit.

Set 7

Intriguing black cotton lace & stretch cady dresses flourish in a pretty red & white poppy print.

Set 8

And finally, ensuring that our daydreams are filled with unprecedented glamour and fantasies of debutante balls and red carpet occasions, Dolce & Gabbana presents us with exquisite evening wear that will turn any girl into a distinguished Lady (Sets 8 & 9).

Set 9

The sheer black and white tulle and  lace dress with pink satin sash (pictured middle in Set 9 above) has set my heart aflutter.

   
Which Dolce & Gabbana dress are you daydreaming about?


*All images found via dolcegabbana.com

Looks of the Week - 12/10/13

The weekly round-up of clebeirty style, on and off the red carpet.


Peachy Keen

Vanessa Hudgens looked pretty in a two-tone peach and blush belted dress, styled with a black bag and Saint Laurent wedge heels.
I almost missed this savvy look Olivia Palermo wore during fashion week. The socialite dashed out in a printed One Dress a Day frock, contrasted by a pinstriped Lovers+Friends blazer with peach inner lining. A magenta clutch and coral pumps complete her outfit.
Una Healy paired her asymmetrical peach Finders Keepers skirt with a white tshirt, crystal necklace, Burberry bag and studded nude River Island gladiator sandals.


Urban Attitude

Naya Rivera displays her edgy urban style in a simple black slip dress, worn with a turban and black high-tops.  
Alessandra Ambrosio went stripey in a black & white leather paneled Rachel Zoe shift.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley put on her fabulous quilted black Burberry biker over a white tee, J Brand skinny jeans, a Givenchy tote and stiletto ankle boots.
Hailee Steinfeld was retro in a mod sixties ensemble, wearing a graphic black and white printed crop top & mini skirt by Thakoon Addition. Black tights & McQ heels complete her look.


White Wash

Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort wins best dressed for me this week in her impeccably chic white corset dress by Alex Perry, expertly styled with a gold metal belt, box clutch and gold BCBG ankle-strap sandals.
Kimberley Walsh displayed a more refined style in this elegant white long sleeved Halston Heritage gown with key-hole cutout.
Sienna Miller wears the little white dress trend with ease, seen in a polished look by Carven.


Dark Sparks

Jessica Alba is glazed in a curve-hugging Dior tube dress with grey and black houndstooth pattern. Strappy metallic Jimmy Choo sandals fit her feet.
Bella Heathcote brings romance to the usual black cocktail dress, wearing a beautiful embroidered look by Elie Saab.
Model Mary Charteris brought her unique bohemian styling to this shimmering silver evening gown with a black fur vest, wide leather belt and floral crown. I think the risk paid off.
Spanish beauty Nieves Alvarez stood out in a remarkable black embellished Elie Saab dress with long sleeves, low neckline and red clutch bag.


Princess Appeal

Tong Liya looked stunning in a white Georges Hobeika Couture gown with fluttery frilled neckline, crystal specked bodice and pink rose printed skirt.

Pixie Lott stole the spotlight in a sexy sheer tulle Yuvna Kim gown, the bodice smothered with dainty floral appliques. A bejeweled headband completed her whimsy look.

Li Bingbing was resplendent in a white embellished Elie Saab gown with sheer panels that perfectly compliment her svelte frame.

Who is your favorite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

You are here not to impress anyone, but to improve everyone. 

You are here not to grab all you can, but to give all you are. 

You are here not to regret where you've been or worry about where you are going. 

You are here to live with all the fullness and richness you can imagine. 

You are here to question, to answer, to search and to find. 

You are here to love, to experience, to know and to share. 

You are here to create, to encourage, to build and grow and support. 

You are here to think, to act, and by so doing,

 To make life all the more meaningful by way of your presence. 

You are here now, able to do all these things and more in this very moment. 

Go far, far beyond those pretenses and anxieties that only serve to weigh you down. 

You are here now, and the possibilities are everything you could ever imagine. 

Live them, here, now.

*Quote by Ralph Marston

*Image via Vogue Russia

Pastel Winter Coats 2013

Arguably one of the biggest winter trends this year is the pastel pink coat. But if you haven't quite taken to the syrupy sweet charms of this colour, there are other pastel shaded coats that are bound to brighten up dull cold days. I find these romantic macaron hues a refreshing exit from the all blacks, beiges and browns we're used to seeing for Fall. I recently came across a beautiful candy coloured editorial by the New York Times T Magazine, which inspired me to find a well-priced coat to match each of it's designer equivalents.


Blush Rose 

The Inspiration: Double layered rose pink Dior coats and white neck scarf, styled with Nina Ricci gloves, a Giorgio Armani bag and Bottega Veneta shoes.
The Investment Piece: A bonbon pink belted collarless coat by Jil Sander at Stylebop. $1609
On A Budget: A pale pink masculine studio overcoat by Zara. $299


Cool Mint

The Inspiration: An Emilio Pucci spearmint woolen coat, tied around the waist by LaCrasia gloves, with a leather Proenza Schouler bag in the background. 
The Investment Piece: A menthe green wool-silk Emilio Pucci cocoon coat at Stylebop. $3189
On A Budget: A mint green lapel double pocket wool coat at SheInside. $49


Baby Blue

The Inspiration: A baby blue jacket and skirt by Opening Ceremony, with a matching Mugler hood, complimented by Sermoneta gloves, a Reed Krakoff bag and Proenza Schouler shoes.
The Investment Piece: A classic duck egg blue wool coat by Chloé at Far Fetch. $1381
On A Budget: A powder blue 'Premium' boyfriend overcoat at Topshop. $250


Faded Lilac

The Inspiration: A lilac leather Proenza Schouler coat and matching skirt, with a Salvatore Ferragamo bag in the background and gloves by LaCrasia.
The Investment Piece: A lavender Burberry knitted merino wool coat. Burberry online. $2415
On A Budget: Lilac 'Camille' trench coat with double breasted black buttons at Nasty Gal. $88


Butter Cream

The Inspiration: An ivory Bottega Veneta coat with high standing collar and exaggerated hip pleating. It is accessorized with Mikimoto necklaces, LaCrasia gloves and a Cartier watch.
The Investment Piece: A Rodarte 'vault sculp' barrel coat in cream with asymmetrical collar and scallop-edged belt at Far Fetch. $3190
On A Budget: Four Seasons 'City Mac' champagne coat with high-pleated collar & belted waist. John Lewis. £90


Which pastel coloured coat will you be wearing this season?

Sophia Webster Shoes Fall/Winter 2013

It takes a lot to stand out in the competitive world of designer shoe labels, but Sophia Webster does just that with great aplomb. The award winning young British designer debuted her first collection last year to high acclaim. Instantly, her shoes became a hit with Hollywood starlets, magazine editors, bloggers and beyond. 

For Fall/Winter 2013, Sophia dips her paintbrush into a pot of bright pinks, citrus orange, purple & turquoise hues, along with holographic metallics that define her modern design aesthetic. Leather & suede are expertly pieced together to create unique pairs that make an unforgettable statement with their charm & vivacity. Geometric zig zags are tacked into multi-coloured winter heels with trendy cut-outs and ankle straps (Set 1). Electric animal prints jazz up sheer mesh shoes (Set 2) and strappy buckle-up sandals usher in sophistication (Set 3).

Sophia embraces the polka heart trend that is burning up everywhere by incorporating them into ballet flats and metallic pumps with sweetheart shaped fronts (Set 4). A quirky art inspired theme boasts animated paint-splashed pairs and a rainbow pencil printed wedge (Set 5). My favourite is Set 6, where elegance gets up to date with popular FW13 plaid pairs, tiara trimmed pumps and a sparkly textured hologram ankle boot with all the right moves.

This is a look at Sophia Webster's Fall/Winter 2013-14 Shoe Collection.

Set 1

Set 2 

Set 3

Set 4

 Set 5

Set 6

Sophia Webster shoes are available from a range of online stores including Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, as well as her own website. Which of these sets would you wear?