Looks of the Week - 11/05/13

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

Black & White

Diane Kruger exudes elegance in a slinky black fringed Alessandra Rich dress with three-quarter sleeves. Her look is tied together with a white belt and strappy Louboutin shoes.
Blake Lively looked swanky in a white leather jacket and side-split skirt while being photographed for Lucky magazine. A pair of black biker zipped boots, mirrored sunglasses and a Giuseppe Zanotti clutch complete her modish look.
Olivia Palermo styled up her little black dress with a tri-tone Tibi tuxedo blazer, statement necklace and tribal beaded sandals by Pikolinos.

Chic & The City

Alessandra Ambrosio brightened up her beige Kymerah skirt with a vivid orange tank top by Lovers + Friends. She accessorized with a Gerard Darel bag and wedges by Chloe.
Beyonce keeps things refined in a tailored green blazer, styled with a white top and landscape photo-printed pants in shades of blue, both by Barbara Bui. A pair of see-through striped Christian Louboutin pumps fit her feet.
Victoria Beckham exemplifies sophistication in a black wool twill coat, crisp white shirt and and tangerine trousers, all from her own label...naturally. 
Jessica Alba is animated in a printed Dolce & Gabbana dress, savvily styled with a sunny yellow leather Burberry biker jacket and eye-catching Sigerson Morrison sandals.


Night Sky

Alexa Chung represents Christian Dior in a strapless midnight blue and black swing dress, worn with black ankle-strap heels and a bold red lip.
Heidi Klum looked rock chic in a sexy navy blue leather dress by Thomas Wilde.
Kate Bosworth is on a roll. The actress dazzled once again in a silver and white embellished top with blue-grey structured trumpet skirt by Miu Miu. Her metallic silver heels by Prada.


La Dolce Vita

Bianca Brandolini was striking in a red lace dress with voluminous sleeves by Dolce & Gabbana. Beaded flats sandals accompanied her outfit.
Constance Jablonski wears the black and white striped trend with ease. The supermodel looked dashing in the Dolce & Gabbana ensemble, adding an orange clutch for a flash of colour.
Italian magazine editor Giovanna Battaglia went all out an arresting red satin embossed dress with flaired out skirt and dazzling embellished shoes, both by Dolce & Gabbana.
Nicky Hilton whisks together two popular trends in Dolce & Gabbana attire, featuring a floral peplum top paired with a striped pencil skirt. Royal blue Manolo Blahnik shoes and a Proenza Schouler clutch finalize her outfit.

Enchanted

Emma Roberts was beautifully romantic a pastel peach Jonathan Saunders gown with chiffon tiered skirt, pink waistband and ribbon-detailed bodice.
Jordana Brewster stunned in a slim-fitting strapless Jenny Packham gown, fully encrusted with shimmering beads.
Sarah Jessica Parker makes a print splash on the red carpet in a purple Vintage gown.
Hayden Panettiere stood out in a silver and white linear sequined halter-neck gown by Rafael Cennamo. She carries a glittery box clutch by Edie Parker.
Katy Perry has festival fever in a cropped grey bustier top with matching brocade maxi skirt by Suno. A lilac floral crown, lace booties & rose pink Chanel bag wrap up her eclectic look.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape… 

But a woman of strength uses the power of kindness to keep her soul in shape. 

A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything… 

But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her…

But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone. 

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids doing the same in the future…

A woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes can also be a blessing

in disguise and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman knows how to walk on a tightrope in high heels...

But a woman of strength masters the art of walking tall after stumbling over. 

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face…

But a woman of strength wears grace. 

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey … 

But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong… 

A strong woman is one who gets her heart broken time and time again and still has the strength to gather the pieces to create a new life for herself. 

This is a Salute to you, dear friends, each of whom is a Woman of Strength.

*Author unknown, edited by me. Image via Larazo.

Harper's Bazaar - A Fling with Ruffles

Harper's Bazaar en Español
May 2013 Issue

If runways trends and fashion editorials are anything to go by, (and they usually are), ruffles are going to be hugely in vogue this season. Photographer Benjamin Kanarek captures new top model Sasha Luss in an alluring editorial for the Latin American version of Harper's Bazaar magazine. The Russian beauty takes center stage in an array of frilly designer wear, persuading even the toughest critiques of this theatrical trend.

This is possibly one of the most beautiful and cinematic studio shots I have seen so far this year. Sasha is spellbinding in a flamboyant scarlet red ensemble by British designer Gareth Pugh. Her flowering tier-ruffled flamenco skirt encircles a pair of chicly tailored trousers and is accompanied by a high-neck top with frilled bell sleeves.

Marni brings us the more toned down version of the ruffled trend in a midnight blue low-neck peplum dress with flaired skirt.

Retro meets ruffles in a cafe-au-lait shaded sheath dress by Marc Jacobs, the neckline is fitted with a cream frilled button-up bib.

Sasha strikes a pose in a two-tone asymmetrical black and metallic grey dress by Lanvin, with a sophisticated set of ruffles placed strategically on the shoulder and back.

Balenciaga are always at the forefront of innovation, mastering the art of architectural folds and flounces in this arresting black and pink dress with 3-dimensional peplum waist. 

Gucci serves up the ruffled trend in XXL for Spring 2013. Sasha models a cobalt blue pants suit with high-neck tunic featuring oversized ruffled sleeves.  

Sharp tailoring at Saint Laurent is perfectly contrasted with the frivolity of ruffles, in this white silk frilled shirt, worn under a slick black tuxedo.

With frills, come romance, as seen on the Spring 2013 runway of Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio. He presents an ethereal ice blue diaphanous gown, gently caressed by soft ruffles lined along the sleeves, bodice and skirt.

Are you in favor of the Ruffled Trend, is this something you would wear?

Red Carpet - The Met Gala 2013

Red Carpet Fashion 
The Met Gala 2013
'Punk: Chaos to Couture'

Fashion's biggest night lured out the world's most prominent designers and celebrities, all in celebration of this year's theme 'Punk:Chaos to Couture'. Fortunately, there was more couture than chaos at this event, although not many of the VIP guests lived up to the fashion punk protocol. This is a pictorial round-up of all the must-see red carpet dresses and trends from the Met Gala 2013. Please click on the images for a larger view.


Cut It Out

Heavy Metal

Short Circuit

Glamour & Gold

Guns 'N Roses

The Clash

Black Sabbath

The White Stripes

Sister Act

Green Day

Sheer Impact

Royally Blue

My Chemical Romance

Trail-Blazing

Who was your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2013 Met Gala?

Who Wore Alice + Olivia SS13 Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Alice+ Olivia 'Marla' Dress

The popularity of Alice + Olivia's Spring 2013 collection is unparalleled. This much loved celebrity brand has been the leading choice for many smart-casual red carpet appearances. 

In this fashion face-off, we see four young starlets strike their best pose in the Alice + Olivia 'Marla' dress...but who comes out on top?

1. Taylor Swift was the first to debut the dainty metallic brushed ivory dress on the red carpet, back in October 2012. The country star looked poised, pairing it with satin Charlotte Olympia cat-face pumps. A heavy fringe, pulled back hair and red lipstick accompanied her outfit. Something about this look says 'ballerina'.
2. Sarah Hyland picked out the boat-neck dress for a charity event on 6th April 2013. The 'Modern Family' actress wore a pair of black Giuseppe Zanotti bow-adorned peep-toes, and had her hair braided to the side.
3. Cheryl Burke of 'Dancing with the Stars' fame wore the classic cream frock with open back to a movie premiere on 22 April 2013. The professional dancer kept her locks sleek and straight and walked in gold metallic pumps.
4. McKaley Miller wore the exact same dress just a day after Cheryl, to the premiere of her new movie, 'The Iceman'. The young actress tried to give her outfit a more youthful styling with bright coral sandals by Marc by Marc Jacobs, and styled her hair in side-swept curls.

The 'Marla' dress by Alice + Olivia is currently available for $597

This is a classically elegant dress, and I think it's almost impossible to go wrong with it as a red carpet choice. Since the dress is quite similarly styled on all of them, it all comes down to the shoe. My favourite of the four has to be Taylor Swift, I loved the fit of the dress on her, as well as the matching shaded pumps. What are your thoughts?

Looks of the Week - 04/05/13

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

Geometrics

Ashley Madekwe takes a fashion risk in an off-white grid print jumpsuit by Topshop. Strappy black Saint Laurent sandals, a black clutch and an aquamarine manicure finish her look. 
Alexa Chung takes on the checked trend in a black and white block-print shirtdress by Paul Smith, worn with a skinny black belt and chunky heeled loafers.
Miroslava Duma gives us one more reason to love her style in a nautical navy and red striped cropped top and box-pleated A-line skirt by Michael Kors. Black and PVC Christian Louboutin pumps perfect her outfit.


The Glam Life

Nina Dobrev dazzled in a black Versace mini dress, embellished with gold beadwork. Her gold pointy toe heels are by Rupert Sanderson.
Nicole Richie debuted her chic new hairdo, with an equally voguish look to match. She wears a white chain detail dress by Saint Laurent, with pointy-toe heels by Manolo Blahnik.
Kate Bosworth defines elegance in a little black dress with sheer neckline and jewel-belted waist, which is by Oscar de la Renta.
Carey Mulligan went the opposite way of what I thought she would wear to 'The Great Gatsby' premiere. The actress looked attractive nonetheless in a red strapless midi-dress by Lanvin. 


Street Sophistication

Victoria Beckham looked polished in a dove grey high-waisted skirt with front slit and greige draped blouse with matching clutch, which is by none other than Victoria Beckham.
Cara Delevingne perfectly plays out the sports luxe trend in a chic black blazer, tee and skinnies, styled along with glossy metallic silver sneakers by Alejandro Ingelmo.
Karolina Kurkova makes her mark on the streets of New York in a trendy grey & white tweed jacket, paired with an asymmetrical cobalt blue culotte shorts by Zara and black ankle boots.


Gardenia

Zendaya Coleman brings in Spring, wearing a multi-tonal green palm-leaf print jacket and shorts suit by Juicy Couture. Her white ankle cuff sandals are by Gucci.
Ashley Madekwe makes another dashing appearance, pictured in a teal and jade green printed peplum top and skirt by Monique Lhuillier. A lime green Jimmy Choo clutch offers some brightness to her elegant look. Her black sandals are also by Jimmy Choo.
Diane Kruger takes a stylish stroll wearing a quirky duck printed trench dress by Marni in green, black and white. Flat ankle boots and a beige tote bag complete her outfit.
Olivia Wilde wears a forest green printed dress by MaxMara, accessorizing with a large statement pendant necklace, 'Duchess' clutch by Anya Hindmarch & Stuart Weitzman sandals.


A State of Grace

The Newsroom's Emily Mortimer was demure in a sheer long-sleeved scarlet Oscar de la Renta gown with matching waistband.
Michelle Dockery stunned in a sleeveless ultraviolet Elie Saab gown, fitted with waist frill, skinny belt and chiffon paneled skirt.
Sofia Vergara showed off her curves in an alluring teal blue Herve L Leroux dress with criss-cross bodice and cut-out detail. Purple jewels and a metallic clutch complete her look.
Kate Mara displayed the sophistication of simplicity in a pristine white Prada gown with bow-adorned neckline. A neon apple green beaded clutch added a pop of colour to her outfit.
Olivia Munn waves the flag for Marchesa, in an elegant black fitted gown with silver embellished neckline, which is far less ornate than what we are used to from the label.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Failure doesn’t mean you’re a failure,


It means you haven’t succeeded yet. 

Failure doesn’t mean you haven’t accomplished something,
 

It does mean you have learned something. 

Failure doesn’t mean you’ve been a fool, 


It means you have a lot of faith. 

Failure doesn’t mean you’ve been disgraced,


It does mean you were willing to try. 

Failure doesn’t mean you don’t have it,


It means you have to do something in a different way. 

Failure doesn’t mean you’re inferior,


It does mean you’re not perfect. 

Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your time,


It means you have a reason to start fresh. 

Failure doesn’t mean you should give up,


It does mean you should try harder. 

Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never make it,


It does mean it will take a little longer. 

Failure doesn’t mean God has abandoned you,


It does mean he has a better way.

*Author unknown. Image via Fashiongonerouge.com

The Cut-Out Dress Trend

Trendspotting

Cut-Out Dresses

This Spring, expect temperatures to rise, and I am not referring to the weather. Sexy cut-outs have scissored their way into mainstream fashion, influenced by the runway designs seen at SS13 fashion week. A multitude of different designers showcased cut-outs in their collections, each with their own unique spin. Here's a look at a trend that's a cut above the rest...

On The Runway

 Michael Kors and Emilio Pucci have already proved the marketability of the trend, with a slew of celebrities wearing their dresses. Balenciaga took the trend a step further by incorporating it into pants suits. Designers like Erdem, Jason Wu and Richard Chai showed off a more feminine side to cut-outs, while Alexander Wang and Cushnie et Ochs kept things perfectly parallel and geometric. Carven, Diane von Furstenburg and Narciso Rodriguez dealt in rich red hues, while BCBG and Roberto Cavalli stuck to a more monotone palette. 

Celebrity Inspired Looks

These stylish ladies have all opted for brightly coloured dresses whilst out advocating the trend. Zoe Saldana went for a safari print in Carven. I like Alexandra Daddario's more simple take on the trend in a pretty shade of pink. Nina Dobrev looked like a modern mermaid in her turquoise dress. Irina Shayk & Karlie Kloss were both striking in fitted frocks by Michael Kors.

Black and white has emerged as popular colour choices to display the precision of the cut-outs on a dress silhouette. Gwyneth was suave in a Michael Kors look similar to Karlie's, while Alexis Bledel combined both shades in her chic Pamella Roland dress. Selena Gomez played it risqué with side cut-outs and a high slit. Jessica Alba was already on top of this trend early last year, seen in a sexy white Narciso Rodriguez number. Kate Bosworth reinvents the Little Black Dress with slit shoulders and sheer panels, which is by Emilio Pucci.

Get With the Trend

1. Topform royal blue dress with one shoulder and cut-out side. $42 Nastygal.com

2. Lips Like Sugar mint green dress with cut-out strap back. $52 Nastygal.com

3. Lemon sleeveless dress with v-neck and midriff cut-out. $23 Forever 21

4. Peach Tasha dress with cut-out neck & pleated high-low skirt. $50 Boohoo.com

5. White sundress with cut-out back. £22 Asos.com

6. Black chiffon dress with criss cross cut-out straps and waist £45 Mango.com

7. Black and red colourblocked skater dress with cut-out neckline. $46 Asos.com

8. Cerise pink sleeveless cut-out neck skater dress. £32 RiverIsland.com

What do you think of the Cut-Out dress trend. Hot or Not?