Looks of the Week - 14/12/13

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


Bottled Green

Olivia Palermo warms up in a luxe cream fur trimmed cardigan coat and bottle green leather skirt, expertly styled with a burgundy clutch and maroon Louboutin pumps. 
Jessica Hart doubles up the leather in a dark green top and black skater skirt by Charlotte Ronson, teamed with gold mirrored heel boots and a tri-tone clutch.
Millie Mackintosh blankets her bottle green jumper and skinny jeans with a colossal yet very cute feathered coat, black fedora and studded ankle boots.


Modern Mavens

Naya Rivera shows off her refined side in a grey tweed pencil skirt and sleek black bodysuit by Michael Kors, along with Casadei pumps.
Olivia Palermo pairs her oversized white tuxedo waist coat with a black blouse and cropped pants, smartly accessorized with printed Manolo Blahnik shoes and an embellished clutch.
Nicole Richie cements her fashion icon status in this polished black and white ensemble featuring a Lovers + Friends turtleneck top and a Holmes & Yang maxi skirt.
Reality star Lucy Watson looked pretty in a white feathered Lipsy skirt with cream tank, a Dorothy Perkins black tailored blazer and black pumps.
Hayley Atwell manifests chic simplicity in a white collared black evening gown by Jasper Conran, along with a white Jimmy Choo clutch.

In Living Colour

Kim Kardashian firmly places her style footing in this saffron yellow silk Lanvin dress and oversized Max Mara coat, worn with embellished chain sandals by Tom Ford.
Adriana Lima smoulders in a vivid cherry red mini dress with accented sweetheart strapless bodice & lace trimmed hem, courtesy of Notte by Marchesa. Her heels are by Giuseppe Zanotti.
British actress Daisy Bevan was perfectly contoured in an emerald green lace off-the-shoulder Burberry dress with embellished waistband. She added bold contrasting accessories including white peep-toe heels and a cerise pink bag.
Olivia Wilde shows off her superb maternity style in this cobalt blue David Koma dress with sheer white neckline, geometric embellishments and cap-toed Jimmy Choo shoes. 

Winter White

Khloe Kardashian tuned into the LWD trend in an A.L.C Tolan draped mini dress with Gianvito Rossi PVC edged shoes and studded clutch bag. 
Karlie Kloss showed off her supermodel physique in this polished little white Kaufmann Franco strapless dress with exaggerated pockets and metallic Christian Louboutin shoes.
Lily Aldridge is romantically dressed in a cream sheer and lace embroidered long-sleeved Valentino dress, contrasted by red heels and a red lip.
Candice Swanepoel looked swanky in her cut-out white mini dress with geometric halter neck and black pointy-toe shoes.

All About Elie Saab

Nina Dobrev dons a royal blue Elie Saab gown with lace frilled bodice, collared neckline and flowy maxi skirt. 

Anna Kendrick looked festive in her choice of a striking red and lace panelled gown by the Lebanese designer.
Amy Adams went elegant in an exceptionally fit black column dress with high-neck alternate lace stripes, also by Elie Saab.

Evening Elegance

Vanessa Hudgens embodies sophistication is this distinguished black cropped blazer and floral textured skirt by Hugo Boss.
Naomie Harris flaunts an exquisite ruched chiffon coral gown with lace neck and sleeves, which is by Monique Lhuillier. 

Alessandra Ambrosio was scintillating in a taupe Hugo Boss gown with extreme plunge-neck and wide gold metallic belt.
Nicole Scherzinger poses in a riveting black origami draped gown by Michael Costello.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

P.S. We are celebrating a national holiday here in Safrica,  so I will be away for the long weekend. Chat back on Tuesday.

Friday Frills

The good you find in others, is in you too.


The faults you find in others, are your faults as well.


After all, to recognize something you must know it.


The possibilities you see in others, are possible for you as well. 

The beauty you see around you, is your beauty.


The world around you is a reflection, 

A mirror 
showing you the person you are. 

To change your world, you must change yourself.


Be a reflection of what you want to see in others.

If you want love, give love.

If you want honesty, be honest.

If you want respect, give respect.

Whatever you care about, is your responsibility.


What you see in others, shows you yourself.


You mirror what the world mirrors to you.

See the best in others, and you will be your best. 

Seek to understand, and you will be understood.


Listen, and your voice will be heard.


Show your best face to the mirror, 

And you'll be happy
 with the face looking back at you.

*Author Unknown. Image via Tumblr.

The Party Dress Edit 2013

Party Dress Ideas
For The Holidays 2013

It's that time of the year where party invitations flow freely and there's a fancy event to attend around every corner. Be it the annual office affair, a formal Christmas dinner, a summer soiree (here in the Southern Hemisphere) or a New Year's Eve bash, you will be guaranteed to need a show-stopping dress to make the date even more memorable. I have selected my favourite Party Dress picks from around the net to inspire you to find your own ideal holiday outfit. Please click on the images for a larger view.

Season's Sparkle

Festively Red

Slip Dresses

Gold Spice

Sugar Coated

Draped Dresses

Monochrome

Feathered Frocks

Which of these party dresses would you pick for your holiday event?

Who Wore It Better - The Bella Thorne Edition

Who Wore It Better?

The Bella Thorne Edition

2013 is the year that Bella Thorne has gracefully emerged as a young style icon, displaying intrigue and quirkiness with her innovative sense of fashion. Bella has also been the perfect poster girl for Blumarine this year, favoring the Italian brand for many of her red carpet appearances. But this 16-year-old has been caught wearing the same outfit as other starlets more than six times. Trendsetter, or copycat? And Does She Wear it Better? You Decide...

Round One

Bella wears a red and pink rose printed monochrome ensemble by Blumarine, featuring sheer sleeves, a folded tulip skirt and ankle-cropped pants, along with black pumps.
Behati Prinsloo selected to wear the same Blumarine outfit sans any pants.
Verdict: I like it on all three, it's a very pretty and girly look that a petite teen, a Victoria's Secret beauty and runway model all wear charmingly.

Round 2

Bella Thorne adorns a playful orange & white graphic printed look by Katie Ermilio, with cropped top and peplum maxi skirt. A statement necklace & black sandals style her outfit.
Jaime King picked the same look, shortening the length of the skirt & adding metallic pumps.
Verdict: Although this isn't my favorite look from Bella, I will chose her because this eclectic outfit suits her youthful style. I also like the topknot.

Round 3

Bella looked engaging in a pastel pink stripe and floral frock with draped skirt by Blumarine. She jazzed it up with green Bionda Castana shoes and a nude clutch.
Jada Pinkett Smith wears the same winsome dress with snazzy suede pink and red Alaia sandals and a rosy Jimmy Choo clutch.
Verdict: I love Jada's heels but I like the fit of the dress on Bella. 

Round 4

Bella is pictured in a navy blue and white Alice + Olivia window-pane printed dress with A-line flaired skirt and tie-up sandals by Prabal Gurung.
Mena Suvari wore the same strapless dress a year earlier with bright red Brian Atwood heels.
Verdict: Mena wins this one for me with her savvy pop of colour.

Round 5

Bella wears yet another look from Blumarine's Fall 2013 line, this time in a blush shade with sheer yoke & sleeves, embellished by aqua & white floral appliqués and metallic pumps.
Amber Kuo enhances her outfit with a crystal necklace & nude studded Louboutin pumps.
Verdict: I prefer the fit and styling of this dress on the runway model.

Round 6

Bella looked dreamy in the fairy-like sheer floral dress with nude inner corset by Blumarine.
Kacey Musgraces wore the same stunning dress to the CMA Awards 2 weeks before Bella.
Verdict: I preferred this delicate look on Bella, her braided crown added to the romance.

Does Bella Wear it Better? 
List numbers 1 to 6 and let me know what you think below.

P.S. My next post will be on Wednesday.

Looks of the Week - 07/12/13

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

Party Favours

Brazilian model Ana Beatriz Barros dons a charcoal grey finely checked Louis Vuitton slip dress, with the hemline dipped in sparkly silver sequins.
Lea Michele picked a festively Xmas red lace embellished dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
Alexa Chung keeps her Stella McCartney mini dress under wraps with a smokey grey overcoat, her polished look accented by a checked clutch and ankle-strap Burberry heels. 
Gwyneth Paltrow kept it minimal in a sleek fitting Prada dress with pastel pink and burgundy bodice, and black pleated skirt. Prada sandals complete her outfit.


Red Around the Edges

Is it possible to love Olivia Palermo's style even more? The fashionista wears a red, blue and white tribal striped coat over her red shirt and denim skinny jeans, along with a sassy pair of printed Manolo Blahnik pumps and tan leather backpack.
Gwen Stefani displays her flattering maternity style in a red long-sleeved tunic dress, worn with black tights and knee-high boots.
Lily Collins steps out in a ruffled Givenchy denim skirt, styled with a black tank and blazer, nude scalloped Chloe pumps and a red sling bag.
Nicole Richie chicly throws her tailored red Saint Laurent blazer over a crisp white shirt, wide-legged jeans and Balenciaga bag.


Vanilla Mist

Clémence Poésy jazzed up her pristine white floral lace Valentino gown with neon yellow ballet pumps and a studded clutch. 
Keira Knightley reworks her romantic ivory ruched Chanel wedding dress with sheer long sleeves, adding strappy gold Jimmy Choo sandals.
Bar Rafaeli wore lace head to toe in this posh Michael Kors look with belted waist & bell pants.

Cotton Candy

Laura Bailey was engaging in this metallic rose pink Roksanda Ilincic midi dress, teamed with strappy white Charlotte Olympia sandals.
Amanda Seyfried wears a dusky pink lace Valentino dress with nude pumps.
Hayley Atwell went for a quirkier look in this multi-pastel hued floral printed Holly Fulton dress with embroidered bodice.
Suki Waterhouse looked ravishing in a lilac lace plunge-neck dress by Burberry Prorsum.
Nicola Roberts wears a dreamy petal pink flaired out gown by Halston Heritage.


After Dark

Juana Acosta charmed in this floral bubble peplum gown with mermaid skirt by Oscar de la Renta, adding a red clutch and lip for a pop of colour.

Naomie Harris exuded elegance in a strapless black Alexander McQueen gown with gold embroidered peplum, which is fit to perfection.

Clémence Poésy makes her second appearance this week in a beautiful yellow and black lace embroidered Erdem gown with sheer yoke.

Season's Greetings

Allison Williams was beguiling in a three-quarter sleeved black lace gown with ruffled tiered tulle skirt by Oscar de la Renta.
Noomi Rapace stunned in a fire-engine red embellished bodice dress by Elie Saab Couture, with a matching floor-length cape adding to its regality.
Sienna Miller showed signs of her bohemian style in an alluring silky emerald green spaghetti strap gown by Burberry, adding a bold statement necklace for effect.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Don’t ever let people tell you that you aren’t good enough. 


Because you are.

 

Don’t ever give up your dreams, 


Because you need them.

 

Don’t ever compromise your morals
, 

Because they make you who you are.



Don’t ever hide your feelings
,

Because someone’s willing to hear them.



Don’t ever think you’ve got it all figured out, 

Because the next moment you won’t.



Don’t ever live your life in the past,


Because then you’ll miss out on the now.



Don’t ever let people bring you down
, 

Because they don’t deserve to.



Don’t ever be someone you aren’t
,

Because then you’ll never know you who really are.



Don’t ever let someone tell you how you feel
, 

Because it’s not their right to.



Don’t ever give up something that feels right
, 

Because it probably is.



Don’t ever worry about the petty things, 

Because they just don’t matter.



Don’t ever run away from your problems,


Because they always find you.



Don’t ever be afraid to take risks
, 

Because they make life worth living.



Don’t ever let someone take away your happiness,
 

Because it was never theirs to take.

*I also want to bid a sad farewell to our late great President Nelson Mandela. 
 He changed the way the world saw our country and he brought freedom and light to a nation without hope.

The December Issues 2013

Cover Girls
December 2013

Your Holiday Season reading just got a little more interesting with these captivating covers from around the globe. I have picked the December 2013 issues that have stood out to me most, along with their catwalk counterparts.

Cara Delevingne does her ambassadorial best for Burberry Prorsum on the cover of Numero Toyko's Holiday 2014 issue. The Brit It Chick wears a sheer lilac lace blouse and aquamarine embossed pencil skirt from the label's Resort 2014 range.

Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana dazzles in a quilted silver foiled creation with draped tulip skirt by Balmian for Vogue Thailand.

Doutzen Kroes does mixed prints by Givenchy for this engaging Elle Portugal cover. She wears a tartan and rose chiffon printed blouse and layered skirt.

Nicole Kidman is ethereal on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia, featured in two exquisite ivory ruffled lace dresses by Armani Privé.

Latvian beauty Ieva Laguna graces the cover of L'Officiel Thailand in an imperial grey and white embroidered capelet dress by Alexander McQueen.

The effervescence of Kate Hudson shines through on the winsome pink-tinged cover of Harper's Bazaar USA. The actress wears a dusty metallic rose corset dress by Lanvin.

Supermodel Arizona Muse wears winter white by Calvin Klein for her Vogue Korea cover, along with a very creative use of fairy lights as a fascinator. Christmas party hat idea? Sorted.

Arizona Muse is also photographed for Vogue Australia's cover, posing in a burgundy and lemon floral and beaded dress from Prada's Resort 2014 range.

Olivia Wilde appears in the same sparkly gold Julien MacDonald dress for two December covers - Cosmopolitan Bulgaria and Cosmo Singapore. You may recall Taylor Swift wore this glitzy cut-out number just last week at the AMA's.

Cate Blanchett wears a dreamy cream ruffled gown by Armani Privé with matching frilled background for her romantic stint on Harper's Bazaar UK.

Natalie Portman dons royal blue Dior Couture on the cover of Marie Claire Korea.

Natalie Portman also features in the South African December 2013 edition of Marie Claire, prettily dressed in a blue and white full-skirted frock by Giambattista Valli couture.

Julia Stegner represents her homeland version of Vogue Germany in Gucci's instantly recognizable emerald green and gold sequined feather dress.

Serbian export Tamara Lazic wraps up in a trendsetting pastel pink teddy coat by Carven for Be Magazine France.

Harper's Bazaar Singapore places Dutch model Melissa Tammerijn on their December 2013 cover in a slinky gold lamé wrap dress by Saint Laurent.

Bette Franke adorns the front cover of Harper's Bazaar Spain in a festive red leather and lace figure-hugging gown by Zuhair Murad.

Kate Moss brings her star power to British Vogue in a luxurious feather fringed white mammoth coat by Alexander McQueen.

Which of these December 2013 magazines would you pick up first from the same newsstand?

Ziad Nakad Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014

Contrary to popular non-fashion blogger belief - there can Never be too many pretty dresses. Ever. And Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad has proven just that with his breathtaking treasury of couture gowns for Fall/Winter 2014. In a world where only 2% of the population can afford such lavish decadence, I am convinced that this collection should be part of that splendor.

A ruby reverie fires up this exquisite range with crystal drizzled evening dresses that accentuate the female form in all the right places. Mermaid dresses are unsparingly embellished with intricate beadwork and dainty floral embroideries. The volume of detail involved in each dress is profound, Nakad's complex sense of design and use of opulent fabrics create an equipoise of sensual glamour and regal sophistication.

Sapphire, violet and emerald gowns enrich the jewel themed collection, with softer hues present in mint, lilac, ivory and gold. Sheer tulle and chiffon are heavily contrasted with densely sparkled droplets that have been hand-beaded onto low-neck bodices and fishtail skirts. Ziad Nakad propels the art of couture into a new state of grace.

This is a look at Ziad Nakad's bedazzling Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection. 

Set 1

Set 2

 

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Which of these Ziad Nakad sets will you be daydreaming about?  *All images found via www.ziadnakad.com