Looks of the Week - 19/01/13

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

 Chromatic

Odette Annable makes a vivid shade statement in a jazzy purple Rachel Roy evening gown with neon yellow trim down the skirt. She perfectly accessorized with fluorescent yellow pumps by Christian Louboutin and a bright green clutch.
Kate Mara is sunlit and stunning in a simple yellow high-low hem dress by Christian Dior. A purple box clutch, crystal collar necklace and nude Giuseppe Zanotti heels finalize her look.
Rachel Bilson looked winsome in a striking fuchsia and black leopard print gown with long-sleeves, which is from Valentino's Resort 2013 collection.
Nina Dobrev was a vision in aquamarine Oscar de la Renta. Her flirty sleeveless frock in textured floral lace was styled with a metallic belt & silver Jimmy Choo strappy sandals.
Nikki Reed was lovely in a cerise pink straight-silhouette dress by Jenni Kayne She carried a sparkly Swarovski clutch bag.


Street Chic

Miranda Kerr styles a pair of Helmut Lang leather leggings with a white tee and an A.L.C leopard print cardigan. The Aussie supermodel accessorized with a Givenchy duffle bag, Isabel Marant suede and leather wedge sneakers and Prada shades.
Kate Bosworth's aviator street ensemble includes a colourful graphic print t-shirt, Helmut Lang shearling jersey jacket, white wash printed jeans, black Topshop ankle boots and a Proenza Schouler PS13 handbag.
Jessica Alba teams her chic navy blue blazer with a matching tee, skinny tribal print Genetic jeans and burgundy suede 'Paramour' ankle boots by B Brian Atwood.
Lauren Conrad wears her forest green skinny Rag & Bone jeans with a classic white shirt, leopard print belt and cognac suede ankle boots from her own collection.


Gold and Coal

Miranda Kerr glitters in a sequin embellished Dolce and Gabbana dress with three-quarter sleeves and delicate lace detailing. She wears a pair of Roger Vivier ankle-strap sandals.
Selena Gomez is decked out in a baroque embellished gold mini dress by Atelier Versace with bustier bodice and a structured peplum waist. 
Krysten Ritter made an elegant appearance in a slick black satin peplum look by Dior, with sequined sleeves and shoulders. Her ankles-strap sandals are by Brian Atwood.
Scarlett Johansson 'wears the pants' with poise on the red carpet. Her fitted crochet buttoned-up top is paired with slick cigarette pants and black pumps, all by Dolce & Gabbana.


Pattern Book

Marion Cotillard tries out the printed suit trend, courtesy of Prabal Gurung. Her ensemble includes a tailored tuxedo jacket, white & black blouse with botanical print slouchy pants.
Cara Delevingne showed support for Brit designer Jonathan Saunders, wearing a cobalt blue summery dress with golden orange floral design from his latest collection. Heavy black boots brought an edge to her outfit.
Rose Byrne boldly wears prints head-to-toe, in a navy blue and white patterned suit by Diane von Furstenberg, with sleeveless key-hole cut-out top and slim-fitting pants. Satin Charlotte Olympia sandals are paired with her look.
Jessica Alba commits to the bold checkerboard trend, made popular by Louis Vuitton, in a black and white block-print dress. I would have loved to have seen a coloured shoe with this, red or neon yellow perhaps.


Pretty in Pastel Pink

Felicity Jones exuded grace in a strapless shell pink Miu Miu gown with peplum and bejewelled brooch. A satin clutch and silver grey pointy-toe shoes complete her look.
Sienna Miller brought out her sweet side in a dainty rose pink dress with floral embroidery by Valentino. She wore nude Louboutin pumps with her outfit.
Kate Beckinsale was regal in a petal pink column gown by Gucci, the focal point being oversized ruffles on the strapless neckline.
Julianne Hough's faux mohawk complimented the slight edginess of this blush pink Jenny Packham gown, which features structured beaded shoulders, a low neckline and satin panels down the side.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

I believe that within me lies an extraordinary radiance, 

and I commit to letting my light loose on the world. 

I believe that the source of my power and wisdom is in the center of my being, 

and I commit to acting from this place of strength. 

I believe that I possess an abundance of passion and creative potential, 

and I commit to the expression of these gifts. 

I believe that the time has come to let go of old notions and unhealthy attitudes, 

and I commit to re-examine what I've been told about beauty and dismiss what insults my soul. 

I believe that negative thoughts and words compromise my well-being, 

and I commit to thinking and speaking positively about myself and others. 

I believe that young women are in need of positive role models, 

and I commit to being an example of authenticity and self love. 

I believe in the relationship to care for my body with respect, kindness and compassion. 

I commit to balancing my life in such a way that my physical being is fully expressed and nurtured. 

I believe that joy is essential part of wellness, 

and I commit to removing any obstacles to joy and creating a life that is full of exuberance. 

I believe that a woman who loves herself is a powerful, passionate and attractive force 

and I commit from this day forward to loving myself deeply and extravagantly. 

Quote by Jan Phillips. Image found via axioo.com, edited by me.

Who Wore It Better - Awards Show Edition

Who Wore Black Better?
Awards Season 2013

We are only a week into awards season and already there are three fashion face-offs to rate and review. Interestingly enough, all three of these are looks are in black, with two of them designed by Emilio Pucci. Either the stylists didn't look back into the red carpet archives or perhaps they felt these dresses needed to be reinvented. You decide...

Round One

Stunning supermodel Natasha Poly was the first to debut this Emilio Pucci gown on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival last year in May. Natasha had her dress adapted to include a longer-length train. She styled her look with a skinny leather belt, Louboutin heels, a side-tied fishtail braid and smouldering smokey eyes.
Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts wore the Resort 2013 dress to the Critic's Choice Awards last week, on 10 January 2012. The strapless black column gown features a sheer V-insert on the bodice. Naomi wore side-swept waves and a smokey eye, and accessorized with green and blue drop earrings and a sparkly Edie Parker clutch.
In the Emilio Pucci Resort 2013 Lookbook, model Jourdan Dunn is pictured in the dress with a casually styled black jacket and flat sandals.

The Verdict: My vote very easily goes to Natasha Poly, I love the added fabric to the skirt, and the belt adds more definition to her waist, I was also lured in by the charming side-braid. 

 Round Two

Leslie Mann first wore this knee-length Emilio Pucci dress to a Governor's Awards ceremony in December 2012. The 'This is 40' actress paired her dress with a bronze pair of Rupert Sanderson heels and a metallic clutch. Her hair was tightly pulled back with minimal make-up.
Amber Valletta made an appearance at a pre-Golden Globes party in LA wearing the same dress this past weekend. The sultry frock features sheer long-sleeves and side cut-outs, as well as a sheer halter neck panel and front-slit. Amber kept things simple with plain black pointy-toe pumps. Uncombed locks and red lips complete her look.
On the Fall 2013 runway, Lindsay Wixon modeled the enticing black dress for Emilio Pucci, with a bejeweled hairband and matching heels.

The Verdict: I am going with Lindsay Wixon on this one, I much prefer the wavy locks & styling on the runway. I found Leslie's guise too severe & Amber's tousled hairstyle too casual.

Round Three

Former Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko stunned at this year's Golden Globe Awards in a lace and taffeta dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Her gown has a fitted bodice with lace frill laid over a folded mermaid skirt. Olga had her hair tied up in a voluminous bun, with simple makeup.
Two months earlier, Olivia Wilde wore the attractive charcoal gown with scalloped strapless neck to a museum gala event in New York. Olivia carried a Cartier clutch, her hair was also elegantly worn up and her makeup was bolder with strongly lined eyes.
In the Dolce & Gabbana Evening 2013 Lookbook, the black gown is similarly styled with pulled-up hair, a black clutch bag and drop diamond earrings.

The Verdict: As ravishing as both ladies look, I like Olga most in the dress, I find the fit most flattering on her. The model also deserves a mention for looking splendent in the dress.

Who do you think wore each look better? Let me know what your verdicts are.

Elie by Elie Saab Bridal Spring 2013

The new year also means weddings bells for some and with so many beautiful gowns on the market, how does one find inspiration? Well...to make sourcing your dream wedding dress a little easier, Elie Saab has designed a breathtaking Spring 2013 bridal collection for Spanish brand Pronovias. Saab brings his expert touch and lavish embellishings to the exquisite range, creating immaculate ivory and white gowns that bridal dreams are made of.

He whirls together organza, tulle, delicate beaded lace and floral appliqués, spinning romantic princess dresses into reality. For Spring 2013, brides have an option of an off-the shoulder empire line design with three-quarter sleeves and grosgrain waistbands. Sheer beaded bodices with cap-sleeves and sizeable ballroom skirts are another a way to make a grand entrance. A dress from this palatial range will probably cost more than the entire wedding itself...so for now all we can do is just bask in these pictures of bridal beauty.

If you are planning a wedding this year, I hope these gowns will inspire you find your own dream dress. You can view more of the collection on Pronovias.com. My favourites are Monet and Monceau. Which of these Elie Saab gowns would suit your bridal style?


*P.S. This post is dedicated to the lovely Meg from Second Floor Living, who is planning her wedding this year and searching for the perfect dress.

Red Carpet - Golden Globe Awards 2013

Golden Globe Awards 2013

Red Carpet Fashion

The second most anticipated awards show, (after the Oscars) took place in Hollywood last night, luring out some of the most exquisite evening gowns. The Golden Globes red carpet was glittering with A-list stars, all dressed to the nines and beyond. Here is an overview on who wore what. Click on the images for a larger view. 

At First Blush

Ballet blush pink was the most romantic shade of the evening, beginning with Amy Adams stunning in a Marchesa bustier gown with trumpet tulle skirt. Megan Fox followed in an ivory lace gown by Dolce & Gabbana. This is the best I've ever seen Hayden Panettiere look, she added a magenta pink clutch to her beautiful pale pink Roberto Cavalli gown. Amanda Seyfried went draped and laced in an ethereal Givenchy gown.

Red Alert

The most statement-making shade of the event was crimson red. Claire Danes looked incredible just a month after having her baby, while Zooey went bold and retro in an Oscar de la Renta strapless ballgown. Both Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Lawrence were dressed by Raf Simons for Dior, in scarlet dresses with leather black belts.

Midnight in LA

A few midnight blue hues were spotted, first on a shimmering Jodie Foster in Armani. Morena Baccarin stood out in this interesting pleated gown by Valentino, featuring sheer sleeves and a black sequined panel down the front. 'The Good Wife' Julianna Margulies picked out this lace embroidered dress by Emilio Pucci. 

 Stardust

Intricately embellished evening gowns were a highlight on the red carpet. From soft metallic silvers to rich gold tones, dresses were beautifully beaded and fitted with lace. Emily Blunt seems to favor cut-out dresses while Michelle Dockery was sculpted in a Vauthier couture column gown. Kerry Washington was splendid in her sheer beaded tea-length dress by Miu Miu. I loved mum-to-be Kirsten Bell's enchanting lilac grey gown by Jenny Packham.

Back to Black

Black seemed the most popular colour of the evening, with more than a dozen stars wearing charcoal gowns. Both 'Modern Family' actresses Sarah Hyland and Sofia Vergara opted for strapless corset gowns. Julianne Moore went modern minimalist in a Tom Ford ensemble. Stacy Keibler was statuesque in a silver ribbed Armani gown and Debra Messing placed all the drama of her Donna Karan gown on the heavily ruffled skirt.

 Ocean Breeze

Serene sea breeze shades were a breath of fresh air. Rosario Dawson & Jessica Chastain wore very similar aquamint hues. Nicole Richie went demure in a long-sleeved sky blue embroidered Naeem Khan gown, while Lucy Liu fearlessly wore a floral curtain print ballgown. Thandie Newton kept an edge over the others in a crystal encrusted mini by Giles, with pink heels.

Motley Crew

A few mixed looks that may interest you from the event. Emily Deschanel looked regal in an embellished shouldered Badgley Mischka gown. Julie Bowen brought some colour to the carpet in a unstructured teal Halston gown. Cody Horn was poised in a lavender Vionnet dress with black banding. Olivia Munn was dressed in a turquoise and black Armani column gown. Show host Tina Fey opted for a shorter length in this floral embroidered L'Wren Scott dress.

Berry & Burgundy

Aubergine was seen on 'Girls' actress Lena Dunham in Zac Posen, as well as Taylor Swift, who wore a custom-made Donna Karan gown with imposing train. Jennifer Garner shimmered in a cranberry red Vivienne Westwood dress, while Naomi Watts impressed in her exquisite burgundy look with attached trail of fabric by Zac Posen.

Bringing Sexy B(l)ack

Kate Hudson was outstanding in a figure-loving McQueen gown with cut-out neck and gold embellishments. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore an alluring halter-neck look from Saint Laurent with wide leather belt, which was another favourite from my awards season wish list. Nicole Kidman also opted for Alexander McQueen, her column gown featured a sheer studded bodice. Eva Longoria and Katherine McPhee both put their best foot forward in sexy black gowns with revealing necklines and thigh-high slits.

Sorbet Sensations

Sienna Miller is back on the red carpet circuit, making waves in a flouro-pastel Erdem dress with 3D floral appliqués. Kelly Osbourne's peppermint fish-tail gown is by Zac Posen, her lavender tresses match the pastel theme. 'Modern Family's' Ariel Winter delighted in a floral printed frock by Valentino. I was excited to see Jessica Alba wear this melon silk faille mermaid gown by Oscar de la Renta, which was on my red carpet wish list. Halle Berry shows off her amazing figure in an asymmetrical printed Versace gown with high slit.

White Light

Anne Hathaway was imperial in a elegant white Chanel gown. Jennifer Lopez in yet another fitted nude illusion bodice dress with strategic embroidery. Julianne Hough played the fairytale princess in this wonder of a gold-beaded white gown by Monique Lhuillier, which I also had pinned to my wish list. Lea Michele was ravishing in a fully beaded Elie Saab gown. Heidi Klum jumped on-board with the high-slit trend in a one-shouldered Alexandre Vauthier couture gown.

Who is your best and worst dressed at this year's Golden Globe Awards?

Looks of the Week - 12/01/13

It's the first of the year, this is the weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

Easy Elegance

Emma Stone makes an impact in cardinal red, her strapless sweetheart neck dress with bejewelled flower belt is by Lanvin. Emma went for all red accessories, with a box clutch, heavy neckpiece and Louboutin pumps.
Emmy Rossum brought out the sunshine in a stellar yellow dress by Christian Dior, the simplest of designs sometimes work the best. Her heels and clutch are also Dior.
Karolina Kurkova wears an impeccably tailored dress with cut-out neck by Cushnie Et Ochs. Futuristic strap sandals by Alexander Wang complete her look. 
Molly King combines both the sporty dress and cut-out trend in this raspberry tennis dress by Three Floor. Her T-Bar block heels are Casadei.
Naya Rivera showed off her more sophisticated side in this cafe latte collared jumpsuit from Alice by Temperley. A skinny silver belt, metallic Jimmy Choo pumps and a Diane von Furstenberg clutch style her chic look.

Playful Prints

Kerry Washington is boldly printed in a pink and orange floral extravaganza by J.Mendel.
Solange Knowles broke every patterned rule in the book, in a jazzy block print suit by Just Cavalli, her purple and orange diamond print clutch and black and white strappy sandals further instilled the psychedelic theme. You either love it or hate it.
Kerry Washington once again wows in a uniquely printed look, this time a puffy horse print skirt with material for miles by Giles. I originally had this outfit pinned onto my red carpet wish list, but thought it was too far out...apparently not.
Rachel Weisz makes a polished appearance in this elegant flower print russet dress by Bottega Veneta. Her gold metal soled heels are by Charlotte Olympia.

Feminine Flair

Krysten Ritter was enchanting in a cornflower blue Randi Rahm dress, decorated with floral appliqués. An aqua clutch and nude Jimmy Choo pumps finalize her outfit.
Dakota Fanning is back to blonde and looking charming as always, pictured here in a dainty white lace Nina Ricci dress, styled with swanky metallic brogues.
Felicity Jones was pastel pretty in floral printed frock by Valentino, paired with peach pumps.
Rosamund Pike displayed the beauty of this delicate lemon lace asymmetrical Erdem dress, adding a vibrant pop of orange with her two-tone Elie Saab sandals.
Abigail Spencer picked out this romantic ivory dress by Valentino, featuring self toned embroidery and long cuffed sleeves. Her sparkly peep-toe pumps are Giuseppe Zanotti.


Casual Chic

Bella Thorne's Parisian chic look includes a striped lettered sweater, leather leggings & Charlotte Olympia kitty flats. A red hair bow is the cherry on top of a very cute outfit.
Jessica Chastain ups the street style ante in a sophisticated caped coat by Dolce & Gabbana, paired with a Gucci bag and glossy nude platform pumps.
Cheryl Cole showed off her trendy airport style in an orange and white Intarsia sweater by JW Anderson, worn with a leather mini skirt and edgy suede spiked Alaia ankle boots.
Queen of Cool Kate Moss warms up in a luxe leopard Zara coat & black skinny jeans. Flat ankle boots, a black Saint Laurent duffle bag & grey fedora accessorize her voguish ensemble. 


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

*Please stop by for my round-up of the Golden Globes red carpet on Monday.

Red Carpet - Critic's Choice Awards 2013

Critic's Choice Awards 2013
Red Carpet Fashion Roundup

Two awards shows back-to-back, things in Hollywood are really starting to heat up. Last night saw the red carpet studded with a few big name celebrities at this year's Critic's Choice Awards. Here is a condensed roundup of the most striking looks from the event.

Blonde beauties Naomi Watts and Jaime King both looked royally chic in all black. The styling of Jaime's Jason Wu gown is impeccable. Jennifer Lawrence took home the awards for 'Best Actress' in this exquisitely tailored Prabal Gurung gown.

Eva wore a beautiful plum-berry hue, while Molly Sims went voluminous in a violet silhouette and Amy Adams opted for a two-tone draped dress with indigo skirt by Vionnet.

Higher hemlines were also a feature on the red carpet. Leslie Mann was saccharine in a candy pink lace frock. Nina turned heads looking like an aquatic princess in a turquoise beaded mini by Monique Lhuillier. Marion kept things playful in a floral embellished Zuhair Murad dress.

Clea DuVall went Grecian in this white chiffon wonder of a gown, Elle Fanning was a delight in a white Chanel dress with pink and green floral appliqués, only she could look this cute in what would otherwise seem like a wraparound bath towel. Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway were pure elegance in their respective looks.

I found Famke's gown too heavy on fringing and frills. I was excited to see Emmy Rossum wear this stunning navy and white speckled Carolina Herrera gown, which I had on my red carpet wishlist. I like that Amanda went edgier in this royal blue lace embroidered Marios Schwab gown with pleated skirt.

Tangerine was the official colour of the night. Helen Hunt exuded grace in a lace-insert dress by Philip Armstrong. Jessica Chastain proved that redheads can wear red and Kerry Bishe was demure in her citrus shaded Pamella Roland gown with sheer long sleeves.

Who was your Best Dressed at this year's Critic's Choice Awards?

If you missed this week's Friday Frills, catch it here.

Friday Frills

This poem reminds me that when we least expect it, someone somewhere may be inspired by something we do or say. It could be your comments, your views, your values or your kind actions. And although it may seem simple or insignificant to you - you never know; to someone else, it may mean the world and influence their lives for the better. We each have the ability to make a positive difference in someone's life...sometimes without knowing it at all.

You never know when someone
May catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word,
Or something you may do
May open up the window
Of an inquiring mind that seeks wisdom & light.
The way you live may not matter at all,
But, then again you never know...it might.

And just in case it could be that
Another’s life through you,
Might possibly change for the better,
With a broader and brighter view.
It seems it might be worth a try
At pointing out the way to the right.
Of course, it may not matter at all,
But then again...it might.

  So keep on doing whatever it is you do,  

You may inspire one soul or perhaps even a few.

                                                                                   

*Poem by Helen Marshall, edited by me. Image via weheart.com