Friday Frills

Allow yourself to dream...and when you do, dream big

.



Allow yourself to laugh...
and when you do, share your laughter

.

Allow yourself to cry...and when you do, let it be the solace to your sadness.

Allow yourself to be determined
...and when you do, you will find success.


Allow yourself to set goals...
and when you do, reward yourself as you move forward

.

Allow yourself to believe in yourself
...and when you do, you will find self confidence.



Allow yourself to lend a helping hand...
and when you do, a hand will help you.



Allow yourself relaxation...
and when you do, you will find new ideas.



Allow yourself to learn...
and when you do, learn all you can.

Allow yourself love
...and when you do, you will find love in return.



Allow yourself to be happy...and when you do, you will influence others around you.



Allow yourself to be positive
...and when you do, life will get easier.

*Adapted poem by C.Pulsifer. Image via weheartit.com

The September Issues 2012

'The September Issue', as we have learnt from the movie of the same name, is the most pivotal edition in a magazine's year. It's a change of season, advertising is at its peak before the holidays and new beauty and makeup lines are being released. Therefore editors try to get maximum exposure with covers that are dynamic, topical and trendy. Here are some of the most striking September Issues for 2012 from the world's biggest magazines. 
Warning : Image overload ahead.

Stunning model turned actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dons a floral cherub print playsuit by Dolce & Gabbana for her stint on the cover of Elle UK.

Vogue Japan goes dark and edgy with Karlie Kloss wearing a gunmetal grey mesh dress and black leather belt by Yves Saint Laurent.

Supermodel Constance Jablonski covers Harper's Bazaar Australia in a shimmery purple look with whimsical hat from Louis Vuitton's Fall 2012 collection.

Coincidence or copy crime: Both the Spanish versions of Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire feature the same black and gold embroidered sheer corset bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana. Left: US Model Guinevere van Seenus and right is Belgium's Delphine Bafort for Marie Claire.

These two magazines will probably rank in the highest sales because of their iconic cover girls. Victoria Beckham makes a splash as guest editor in Glamour USA, while Lady Gaga makes a fresh-faced and rather understated (for Gaga standards) appearance on the highly anticipated cover of Vogue. She looks almost animated in a rich magenta patchwork gown, custom designed by Marc Jacobs for the editorial.

South African beauty Candice Swanepoel turns on the heat in a deep plum tulle and floral appliqué gown by Gucci for Numéro Tokyo. 

Making a double impact in this radiant long-sleeved red embroidered dress by Christian Dior is Bella Heathcote for Vogue Australia, and actress Milla Jovovich for Tatler Russia. I think that Bella's beautiful display on Vogue Oz has become my favourite pick of the month.

Katy Petty strikes a pose in pink for Elle Magazine USA, looking pretty in a dusky mink and glitter embellished Bottega Veneta dress. 

Both Vogue España & Marie Claire China picked out an orange infused geometric print dress from Prada's Fall 2012 collection for their covers. Spain placed Belarusian belle Maryna Linchuk on their cover, while China put actress Cecelia Pak-Chi Cheung in the spotlight.

Vogue Paris took a unique route for their September 2012 issue, channeling the supermodel powers of three legendary ladies - Kate Moss, Lara Stone and Daria Werbowy. All of the renowned catwalk queens wear the same black sheer dress by Dolce & Gabbana. My favourite here is Lara (top left).

English Rose Keira Knightley makes a welcomed cover comeback, for Harper's Bazaar UK, commanding attention with a smouldering stare in a feathered coat by Chanel. This is my second favourite cover for September 2012. Love the burgundy rose colour, font & layout.

Fashion's current most famous face, Karlie Kloss graces Vogue UK in a multi-hued silk digi-print menswear inspired look from Jonathan Saunders Fall 2012 range. Her shirt could not be seen on its own on the runway.

Our favourite damsel in distress, The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev suits up in a navy and white belted geometric print coat and trousers for her feature on Canada's Fashion magazine. This look is from Prada's very popular Fall 2012 collection.

Jennifer Lopez adorns the cover of Instyle Magazine USA, wearing a scarlet red and black lace insert slip dress by Givenchy. I am least thrilled by this cover.

Prior to her shocking short blonde emo crop, Miley Cyrus made a demure appearance for Marie Claire USA in an ecru satin embellished look from Christian Dior's Fall 2012 range.

And finally, making an impression with not one but six cover girls, Vogue China presents two versions for September 2012. From left: Xiao Wen Ju dons a blue Miu Miu suit, while Liu Wen and Lindsay Wixon both wear masculine looks from Prada's Fall range. Then we see a host of Louis Vuitton ensembles, worn by Marie Piovesan, Daria Strokous & Tian Li.

If all these September 2012 Issues were on the same magazine stand, which one would you buy first and which would you rather borrow?

Clover Canyon Fall Collection 2012

If you have never experimented with prints before, like myself, this season would be the ideal time to start. From recent runway inspiration, prints are slowly taking over, finding a place on the rails of department stores and with labels like Clover Canyon. Their Fall 2012 collection precipitates a torrent of creative & fascinating prints, all in accord with one of the season's most significant trends. The Californian brand's intrepid & graphic designs are not for fashion's faint-hearted, they are boldly eye-catching and command attention from head to toe. 

Bodycon dresses, flowy tunics, primly buttoned shirts, tailored blazers and chicly cut pants have all been painted on with a pastiche of colours and innovative prints. The label sights its inspiration from classic and contemporary art, with each piece individually hand cut and sewn. Clover Canyon's unique and floridly patterned Fall range has been designed with a masculine-feminine theme in mind, the artistic details is a manifestation of trailblazing style in motion.

Sophisticated and fashion forward, one can embrace this shift towards prints with a single skirt or shirt or you could push all style parameters by opting for a fully printed suit. 

Are you overwhelmed by this inundation of printed pieces, 
Or is this a trend you could warm up to?

*All images belong to Clovercanyon.com

Looks of the Week - 18/08/12

The weekly roundup of celebrity style on and off the red carpet. 
This was a great week for Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale who went across the Atlantic to promote their over-publicized new movie, 'Total Recall'.

Pretty in Pink

Nikki Reed was delightful in a cerise pink Loft mini dress, which she contrasted with a slick black leather jacket, rounded clutch and ankle-strap sandals.

Jennie Garth, who hasn't a spot on LOTW before, looked lovely and vibrant in a Loft bubblegum pink and coral colourblock chiffon dress, accented by a neon yellow collar and belt. Jennie's look was completed by nude sandals.

Shay Mitchell looked ultra chic and trendy in a shocking pink satin Rebecca Minkoff blazer, worn over a white tshirt and glossy leather shorts, also by Rebecca Minkoff. She finalized her outfit with a colourful statement necklace and cream Armani heels.

Snapped in Style

Mollie King oozed vintage charm while out shopping in Los Angeles. 'The Saturdays' singer (who I always seem to confuse with Sienna Miller), wore a sandy beige and white collared shirt dress by Oasis, clinched in by a braided belt and further accessorized with brown strappy Ralph Lauren sandals and an orange MCM tote bag.
Jessica Biel went upscale and high-styled on the streets of London, refined in a romantic ivory lace jumpsuit by Valentino. Jessica added her own colour twist with a pair of vivid orange pumps and carried a Fendi baguette bag.
Vanessa Hudgens displayed her bohemian chic style at a music festival this week. The 'Spring Breakers' actress looked adorable in a white crochet tribal fringe tunic dress by Nightcap, paired with black tights, cowboy boots and a wide-brim fedora by Free People.

Summer Brights

'Modern Family' actress Ariel Winter brought out a bold blue Jay Godfrey halter-neck dress to an LA event, cutely paired with multi-coloured 'Hayden' heeled sandals by ASOS. 

Kate Beckinsale tries out the neon trend in a jazzy acid green jacquard print dress by Preen, worn with white pointy toe Walter Steiger heels and her never failing sunnies.

Miranda Kerr took her fashionable style back home to Australia, looking pretty in a tropical print Lisa Ho mini dress, which she teamed with black Manolo Blahnik heels.

Kate Beckinsale once again goes for brights in this sweet two-tone ensemble consisting of an H&M coral top and turquoise Diane von Furstenburg pencil skirt. Her spiked nude shoes are Christian Louboutin.

Return of the Red Dress

We recently saw a surge of red dresses in celebsville and it seems this is a trend that will hold its ground for some time to come.
Eva Longoria looked dashing while out in LA in a crimson red v-neck ASOS pencil dress, which she matched with a pair of Charlotte Olympia 'Dolly' platform pumps.
Ariel Winter once again impresses with her flirty and enthusiastic style, in a cherry red and purple draped Jay Godfrey dress with frilled hem, paired with nude platform pumps.
Jordin Sparks showed off her svelte new figure in a fiery red peplum dress by Alice + Olivia. Like Eva, Jordin opted to match her dress with her shoes, in heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
'Jane by Design' actress, India de Beaufort was elegant in a ruby red vintage dress, with longer hemline. India added aqua blue hoops and sparkly Jimmy Choo sandals to her outfit.


Total Fashion Recall

Jessica Biel looked resplendent in this frothy white frock by Giambattista Valli, which she wore to the the London premiere of her movie. The dress features a sheer sleeved shirt, feathered peplum and floral embellished pencil skirt. Jessica added a pair of on-trend neon 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin. 
At yet another premiere for her new movie (this time in Germany), Jessica dazzled in a fully beaded black halter neck gown by Elie Saab. 
Kate Beckinsale also thrilled in Germany, looking utterly graceful in a cream and gold long-sleeved, rose swirl printed gown with v-neck by Naeem Khan. 
Kate went for black swankiness in London, donning an exquisite strapless gown with giant waist bow and glittery detailing by Donna Karan. Her pumps are by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

P.S. I am off for the long weekend, so I will catch up with you again on Tuesday. 
Ciao for now!

Friday Frills

After a while you learn the subtle difference 

Between holding a hand and chaining a soul. 

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning, 

And company doesn't mean security. 

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts

And presents aren't promises. 

You begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, 

With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child. 

And you learn to build all your roads on today 

Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for your plans. 

After a while you learn that even sunshine 

Burns if you have too much. 

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul 

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. 

And you will learn that you really can endure 

More than you ever thought you could. 

That you really are special 

And that you really do have the grandest worth. 

So live to learn and know yourself 

And in doing so, you will learn to live.

*Poem by Veronica Shoftshall, with adaptions. Image via weheartit

Fall Shoes by Alexander McQueen 2012

Alexander McQueen
Fall/Winter Shoe Collection 2012-13

Whoever said that shoes had to be practical and actually wearable, obviously did not see the supermodels strutting down Alexander McQueen's Fall 2012 runway in those outlandish heels. Or should I say - no heels? Some of the unconventional pairs on show had no heels at all, but instead featured a curved metal 'horse shoe' sole. One would need to take a class to walk in them, I presume.

We can't deny the creative brilliance and virtuosity that Sarah Burton has harnessed when constructing these phantasmic pieces of shoe art. Ostrich feathers, shaggy fur, ruffles and rosettes, leather and suede all play a role in making this shoe collection one that surpasses anything we have ever seen before. In this fashion realm at least. 

The Fall/Winter 2012 shoe collection has been toned down from the ostentatious looks displayed on the runway, to a more - dare I say it 'sensible' range. The uber sexy sky-scraping ankle boots and nude shaded sandals will harmoniously fit in with a voguish winter wardrobe. However the sharply sculpted, frilled and fur-covered pairs may only find its place in the closets of the Lady Gaga's and Rihanna's of the world. Whatever your fancy, this collection does makes for captivating viewing.

I would secretly love to try on the pastel pink or red ruffled organza pair. 
I don't think I would get very far in it though. 
Are there any of these fanciful McQueen pairs that you would like to try on too?

Who Wore It Better - The Dianna Agron Edition

Dianna Agron is best known for her portrayal as 'Quinn Fabray' on the popular TV series 'Glee', however, she is quickly gaining fame as a fashion icon in Young Hollywood too. The 26 year old actress faces off in three different looks on this edition of 'Who Wore It Better'. She picks out lovely feminine frocks that either inspires the style of other starlets or which just happen to be carbon copy coincidence. You decide...

Round One - Stella McCartney

Dianna was the first to wear this elegant black velour-front peplum dress by Stella McCartney back in August 2011. The dress is an impeccable fit on Dianna, this look seems to be made for her. She styled it with cropped waves, YSL Tribtoo pumps and red lipstick.

Next is It-Girl Miroslava Duma, who wore the chic fitted dress to a Glamour Event, along with sleek straight hair, a Bottega Veneta clutch bag & nude Christian Louboutin 'Pigalle' pumps.

Kim Kardashian was spotted out in NYC in the same dress almost a year later than Dianna. Kim added gold cuffs and a trendy pair of Christian Louboutin 'Bis Un Bout' PVC and patent pumps. When compared to the other two, this dress doesn't seem the best silhouette for her.

The Verdict: It's a difficult choice between Miroslava and Dianna, as they both looked exceptional in this Stella McCartney dress, but my vote goes to Dianna, it's just the perfect fit.

Round Two - Alice + Olivia

Dianna was the first to wear this Alice + Olivia golden sunflower print dress with box-pleat skirt in April this year, while in New York City. She kept warm with a woolen coat and stepped out in navy blue 'Cosmic' pumps by Jimmy Choo.
We recently saw Holland Roden wear the exact same dress at the last month's Teen Choice Awards (July 2012). The Teen Wolf actress looked pretty, pairing her version with a skinny metallic belt, gold Lauren Merkin clutch and nude 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin.
Just a week later, jazz singer and actress Renee Olstead wore the sunflower dress to a Nylon event in LA. Renee picked a pair of Fendi platform pumps to complete her look, and an animal print bandana scarf that leaves much to be desired.

The Verdict: Holland Roden wins this round hands down, her styling was complimentary to the dress and she somehow gave it girlier appeal.


Round Three - Tracy Reese for Anthropologie

Dianna was eye-catching in a Tracy Reese for Anthropologie 'Impressionist' dress, which she wore in June 2012. The pretty silk-linen digital print dress was paired with a black and silver belt, Coach legacy leather bag, glittery Miu Miu heels and snazzy turquoise sunnies.
Talk about Déja vu - just one day before Dianna wore the dress, Disney actress Caroline Sunshine wore it to the LA Film Festival on 18 June 2012. The 'Shake It Up' star carried a bright pink clutch to match her pink dip-dyed hair and walked in nude pointy toe heels.
Oprah's right-hand Gayle King picked out this seemingly youthful dress with grassy print hemline for a CBS event last month on 29 July. She invigorated her look with lime green Manolo Blahnik sandals. I find this look too young on her.

The Verdict: I'm really not taking sides, but I have to give this final round to Dianna, she took an edgy risk with the accessories and it paid off. 


I would love to hear your thoughts on each look. If you'd like, in the comment box, type in Round 1 to 3 and next to it, let me know who you think wore each dress best.

Neon-Matic

The neon trend has finally found its way to the Southern Hemisphere, and we can expect some blazing hot and incandescent looks ahead. From designers to celebrities, bloggers to street style icons, the fluoro frenzy has taken the fashion world by storm. While it's not really ideal to wear blinding orange or glaring green from head to toe (unless you want to be fined by the fashion police for disturbing the visual peace), you can add neon to your wardrobe in small doses. These are some of my favourite fluorescent finds.


Green

First Row: Neon green reflective sunglasses by DSquared £156 at Shopbop. Lumo green scarf, £14.95 at Nelly.com. Casadei ballet pumps £200 at Farfetch.com
Second Row: Aaiko Nonna neon green skinny jeans €64 via Polyvore. Jeffery Campbell Lita heels $159.99 at Solestruck.com. Neon on a Whim dress at Modcloth.com $52.99
Third Row: Neon stone necklace by Adia Kibur $60. Fluoro green Cambridge Satchel $170. Hailey Jeans Co neon pinhole skinny belt, $3.99 at Amazon.com

Orange

First Row: Neon orange metal crescent collar necklace, $12 at sheinside.com. Joanne Stoker Martini Sunset sandal in orange plexi and suede, $588 Topshop Ponte boyfriend blazer £40. 
Second Row: Joan and David Heidee leather flat with bow adornment, $160 at endless.com. Paul & Joe ruffled neck dress £102 at stylebop. Proenza Schouler pouchette, $1735 at Barneys
Third Row: Nixon The Time Teller Neon watch, $75 at Bloomingdales. Leigh & Luca Lily flowers scarf, $77 at pinkmascara.com. Stella McCartney skinny patent belt $128 at kirnazabete.com

Pink

First Row: Haute Hippie Henley silk blouse, £178 at Farfetch.com. Yochi pink crystal pendulum earrings, $60 at endless.com. Jimmy Choo Kafira mesh and suede lace-up ankle boots, $1 995 at Saksfifthavenue.com
Second Row: Adia Kibur neon stone necklace, $54 at Shopbop. La Mer Collections neon pink motor chain wrap watch, $120 at Piperlime.com  Bottega Veneta Intreccatio Dream flats, $445 from Mytheresa.com
Third Row: Diane von Furstenberg Harper envelope clutch $365 at Shopbop. Vivienne Westwood draped corset top. Budding flower Alice band, $3.80 at Forever 21.

Yellow

First Row: Juicy Couture neon starter bracelet, $62, Forzieri.com. Bow pendant necklace, $13 at Delias.com  Fluoro yellow Cambridge Satchel, $170 at JCrew
Second Row: Christian Louboutin Havana patent leather brogues $425 at net-a-porter. French Connection Mimosa Mist sequined shorts, $120 at Piperlime. Toywatch ring embellished with Swarovski crystals, €95 at Jades24.com
Third Row: Cut 25 crepe de shine sulphur high-low skirt, £125 at Oxygenboutique. Bellissima geometric cut-out cuff bracelet $40 at Endless.com. Jimmy Choo Abel pumps at $525

Are you also infatuated by the neon trend? How would you incorporate it into your closet?