Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tuesday Thrills - Nanine Fine Wear

Fashion by Nanine Fine Wear

Cape Town based designer Nanine du Plessis created Nanine Fine Wear to suit the sophisticated and classic style of South African women. Her designs are approachable and timeless. She constructs investment pieces that are made from the best quality imported fabrics. Her Winter 2011 range offers comfortable work to weekend wear in classic designs, neutral colours and favorable silhouettes.


1. An indigo wool jacket with pleather trim and belt will warm up those chilly winter days. 
R1 300. Black stretch Ottoman jodhpur style pants. R690 
2. A trendy colour block stretch Ponti knit dress. R890
3. This black trench jacket with stone cord piping is a winter essential. R1 370. It is paired with soft classic fit pants. R670
4. The navy melton swing jacket also comes in beautiful teal colour. R1 330. The classic pants comes in pinstripe as well. R670
5. A colour block ponti jacket with metal buttons. R1 250
Paired with a stretch ponti knit pants with zip detail. R760




6. The melton swing jacket in a caramel colour. R1 130
Soft classic pants. R670
7. A comfy soft knit v-neck top that can be worn with jeans or work trousers. R570. It is also available in taupe, charcoal and vanilla.
Camel stretch twill pants with zip detail. R690
8. A stone coloured trench Jacket with black cord piping detail. R1 370
Paired with soft classic fit pants. R670 
9. The soft knit V-neck top is paired with a taupe stretch twill pants with zip detail. The pants is also available in black and camel. R690
10. Camel stretch ponti knit with zip detail. Also available in black and and grey. R1 210

Nanine Fine Wear is available from selected boutiques all over the country. To find a stockist in your province, visit naninefinewear.com

Monday, May 30, 2011

Closet Confidential with Anthea

On this edition of Closet Confidential, I got to fashionize with Cape Town based blogger Anthea, who has a passion for leather, comfortable clothing and vintage dresses. Anthea has an inspiring sense of style, which she shares on her blog, Embracing Style. 
These are some of her fashion favourites and style secrets.


Describe your personal style 
It is most of all comfy with a mix of girly, granny, classic and quirky. I alternate between these styles depending on my mood. 

What has been your best fashion buy? 
The Aldo combat boots I had my friend bring me from USA. I wear it so much that it has to be my best buy.

Most extravagant fashion purchase 
I am going to purchase it as soon as I can find it! I am looking for the perfect pair of leather boots. All of my purchases to date have been quite affordable.

What are your favourite accessories?
It has to be leather bags. Can you tell by now that I am a fan of leather? I think a leather bag can make a girl feel special. It lasts long as well and it does not chip or fray!

What is your idea of a no-fail outfit? 
Something that you are 100% comfortable in. If you feel great in your outfit then how can you go wrong?

Where would you like to shop til you drop? 
Country Road. Seeing that I love leather so much it makes sense since their bags and boots are gorgeous. There items seem like the kind of items that you can keep for a long time because of the quality. They also have amazing classic styles.

Best Fashion Trend 
That's a hard one! At the moment it has to be the granny chic trend. It really appeals to me, probably because it's comfy and you can incorporate vintage items. I do love vintage!

Worst Fashion Trend 
There have been so many but I think the worst was skants.You know, the skirt and pants in one. They became popular sometime during my teenage years. Skirt or pants, choose one!

Who are your style icons? 
I admire the styles of so many ladies even fictional ones. I love how cute and girly Peggy from Mad Men dresses. I think Olivia Palermo looks perfect all the time! Bloggers Anne-Catherine Frey and Louise Ebel have amazing style as well. 



What is on your fashion wish list? 
I long for a pair of Swedish Hasbeens with all my heart and soul! I will even settle for look-alikes. I also want a pair of leather boots possibly Chelsea Boots, a leather biker's jacket, a pair of dark blue flare jeans and a cape. I am always on the lookout.

What are the 'must have' items in your closet and why? 
For me personally, an array of dresses is a must have. I am definitely a dress person. I wear them casually or formally in Summer or Winter. They are comfy and they make you feel pretty. Everyone needs a pair of jeans that fits them perfectly simply because it is so versatile. You can dress it up or down and always rely on it if you don't know what to wear.

Fabulous fashion advice
Be comfortable in whatever you wear. I honestly think dressing is about making yourself happy and not others. So, you don't always need to follow trends. Stick to what you love.



*Special thanks to Anthea for participating in this interview.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Looks of the Week

My Best & Worst Fashion Picks

This week, beautiful and bright coloured evening gowns caught my fancy. 



Katie Holmes is sublime in a silk fuchsia blouse and bow, which she paired with a matching pleated skirt. She wore the dress to the Annual Drama Desk Awards. The outfit is from her own design line, Holmes & Yang. A black clutch and heels completed her look.

At 'The Tree of Life' premiere, Angelina Jolie looked ravishing in a crimson red asymmetrical silk chiffon gown by Jenny Packham. The colour looks great on her, she should wear it more often.


Fergie surprised me by gracefully pulling off this yellow chiffon gown by BCBG Max Azria. The embellished strap gives the dress a bit of sparkle. I like that she paired it with a bright blue clutch bag. Fergie wore the dress to the 2011 Fifi Awards, where she received the 'New Celebrity Fragrance of the Year' award.

'The Tree of Life' actress Jessica Chastain complemented her red hair by wearing a teal green mermaid gown by Roland Mouret. The waist band is accented with a splash of chartreuse. 

On the other hand, these looks made me cringe...

Heidi Klum attended an art exhibition in New York wearing a mini by Vivienne Westwood. The combination of animal print, shiny chintz fabric and a low exaggerated neckline is too flashy.

Zoe Kravitz attended the 'X-Men:First Class' premiere in a silver velvet Alexander Wang dress. There's no design to this dress, it's ill-fitting, old fashioned and would be better off as a nightdress. 

Kourtney Kardashian wears an Aztec print jumpsuit by Torn. Harem pants are bad enough on their own, converting them into a jumpsuit is even worse. 

Korean actress Han Hyo Joo attended the Baeksang Arts Awards in a whirlwind of ruffled lace tiers. This white Nina Ricci dress is overwhelming her and it's such a pity - if the top were plain, this could have been a pretty look.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Stylista of the Week - Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu
Stylish Star of the Week

Lucy Liu spent the week promoting the animated movie 'Kung Fu Panda 2', to which she lends her voice. The actress chose to wear knee-length dresses with belted waists in monochromatic colours. She also kept her looks simple by not wearing any jewellery.


For the Los Angeles movie premiere, Lucy wore a strapless white Marchesa dress with layers of uneven tiers. She paired it with a skinny black belt and nude Jimmy Choo heels.

In NYC, Lucy stepped out in a black Antonio Berardi jacquard dress. The low white collar neckline and full skirt prevented this dress from looking too matronly. She carries a fabulous cerise pink Roger Vivier clutch. Take a closer look at the cute color block heel on her strappy Casadei sandals.
 

Lucy wore white again at a different NYC event during the week. She looked chic in a simple Givenchy sheath dress, with a wide mirrored belt by Michael Kors. She holds a two-tone clutch bag by Roger Vivier. Her nude heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Friday Frills



We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life,
But we can decide what happens in us,
How we can take it,
What we do with it,
And that is what really counts in the end.
Joseph Fort Newton

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Coloured Jeans Trend

Denim jeans in delectable shades are a huge trend this season. Add a refreshing splash of colour to your rail of tedious blue jeans. If you're intimidating by the bright colours, you can opt for subtle pastel shades instead. This streetwise trend has been a hit with celebrities, as shown below.


Top Row
Electric Blue: Kim Kardashian, Malin Akerman, Hayden Panettiere and Khloe Kardashian.
Canary Yellow: Jada Pinkett Smit
Clover Green: Anna Kendrick
Mint Green: Cameron Diaz

Bottom Row

Lava Red: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cheryl Cole, Hayden Panettiere and Khloe Kardashian. 
Burgundy: Rachel Bilson and Alexa Chung
Candied Pink: Katy Perry

Tips for Wearing Coloured Jeans

* Team your coloured jeans with neutral tops like black, white, beige and grey.
* Coloured jeans draw attention to your bottom half- this is something you need to be comfortable with.
* A biker jacket or blazer will complement your look.
* Add a printed scarf to jazz things up.
* Keep accessories to a minimum.
* Make sure your jeans are a skinny fit. A colourful wide leg will make you look like part of the Brady Bunch.
* Wear your jeans with ankle boots or flats. Heels make it look too dressed up.
* Have fun with the exciting colours on offer.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Olivia Palermo in an Issa Dress

Love This Dress
Olivia Palermo dressed in Issa

Stylish socialite Olivia Palermo wore this exquisite Issa dress for Qatar based magazine, Haute Muse.

The luxurious silk jersey gown is striking in a rich violet shade. It has pleated panels that create a beautiful flowing effect and is made from 100% silk. The dress by UK-Brazilian label Issa is available for $885 or R6220 from Net-a-porter.com

Olivia wears rust coloured platforms by Charlotte Olympia. The Italian-made leather and satin court shoe retails for £546 (which is about R6185), on charlotteolympia.com 

Tuesday Thrills - Urban Glamour Handbags

Clutch Bags
by Urban Glamour


Handcrafted from the highest quality leather, Urban Glamour typifies what the essential South African handbag is all about. This Johannesburg based brand represents all that is bold, classy and colourful about handbags. Their designs have dazzled savvy shoppers both locally and internationally, with bags being sold in SA, New York and Germany. That's pretty impressive for the two young designers who started this company just 3 years ago.

Urban Glamour bags are so sophisticated, they can take you from an afternoon tea to a glamourous night out. The styles are timeless as well as trendy, featuring exuberant shades and interesting textures. These elegant clutch bags first caught my eye when I saw them at the Thula Sindi runway show here. These are a few clutch bags from their latest collection.




1. The New York Clutch in cerise pink and black. A simple structured leather bag. Also available in tan & white and red & black. R699
2. The Frivolous Clutch is feminine and flirty in a gorgeous aqua colour. R450
3. The Two Tone Clutch is such a versatile, modern piece. I would pair it with something bright. There is also a stylish travel bag in this colour combination. R699
4. The Daring Clutch mixes denim and leather for a bag that's high fashion street wear. R550
5. The Long Evening Clutch adds a fresh burst of citrus to any outfit. R550
6. The Bling Clutch combines luxurious textiles with traditional Ndebele hand beading. Also available in a regal navy blue. R650
7. The Drama Queen Clutch will definitely turn a few heads in a rich emerald green colour with leather and silk finish. R699


For more information visit www.urbanglamour.co.za

Monday, May 23, 2011

Divas and Darlings - Billboard Music Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion
The Billboard Music Awards 2011


Las Vegas glittered with singing stars at last nights' Billboard Music Awards. 
Here is the best and worst of the red carpet arrivals.

All Black

Fergie 'dominated' in an Hervé Léger leather dress with cut-outs, clasps, a harness, high neck, peplum skirt and very smokey eyes. Her fringed clutch is by Alexander McQueen and platforms by Christian Louboutin. Nicole Kidman played it safe in a short sleeved, long length beaded gown with pockets by Dolce & Gabbana. She wore her hair in a loose side plait. Kylie Minogue's little black embellished dress is by Alexander McQueen. She towers in fringed booties by Christian Louboutin. Selena Gomez is a knockout in Dolce & Gabbana. The Disney star's black dress featured hip cut-outs, a sweetheart neckline and thigh high slit. Her gorgeous ankle strap sandals with red bows are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Something Different
Rihanna accepted the 'Top Female Artist' and 'Radio Artist of the Year' award at the event. She was surprisingly toned down in a loose-fitting white suit by Max Azria. She paired it with nude pointy toe heels by Christian Louboutin. Kelly Rowland wore a hot pink bandage mini by Hervé Léger with strappy nude sandals. Taylor Swift was slightly overdressed but sparkled nevertheless in a gold sequined gown by Elie Saab. Her Veronica Lake side swept waves look so beautiful. Taylor won the 'Top Album Artist' and 'Top Country Artist' award. Keri Hilson chose a 70's inspired Rachel Roy chartreuse mini with sheer sleeves and a green belt.

 'Oh No' Outfits
Singer and model Nayer looked like a psychedelic maypole with multi-coloured ribbons tossed over her nude bodysuit. I don't think Ke$ha will ever make any best dressed lists. She wore a glittery grey mini with cuts in all the wrong places and a tulle train. Nicki Minaj likes making bold unfashionable statements but this light blue sequin-tassel outfit really belongs to Cirque du Soleil. You would think that Platinum selling artist Beyonce could afford to buy a dress but no - she just wound some silver string around her. This is truly hideous and by that expression on her face, I think she knows it too.

The Friendship Files

I am truly blessed to have such a large group of amazing friends from all over the country. Our bonds have remained faithful over the years and we have grown closer, stronger and wiser together. To honour them, I have created 'The Friendship Files'. I posed the same question to each of them, and they responded with their honest opinions and truthful thoughts. I collected all of the answers and posted it below. The question I asked is : "What does being a good friend mean to you?" Most of the replies were based on the general rules of friendship, with a few interesting ones in between.




What Does Being a Good Friend Mean to You? 


*A good friend is someone who you can meet after years and pick up from where you left off like it was yesterday.
*One who pulls me off the ground when the world has their feet on me.
*A good friend is someone who doesn't judge you, who's never afraid to tell you the truth and someone who you can confide in, completely knowing your secret is safe.
*A good friend will never date your ex, even if you say you're okay about it.
*Your girls should always come before anyone else - that means guys basically.
*Only a true friend will be totally honest with you...'Like girl, maybe it's time you go on a diet! Your butt does look big in that.'
*A good friend is a shoulder and ear when you need it.
*Someone who does not mislead you.
*A good friend is someone that's always there for you, good times and bad, in person, over the phone, email, BBM, whatever. That person takes the time to connect with you. And even when life gets hectic and they don't, you know that if you call or msg they will make time for you.
*Not letting your friends go out dressed like Miley Cyrus.
*Being able to tell your best friend that the guy she's dating is a real jerk.
*Someone I can trust and who dresses a little bit...normal. You should be able to tell your friend the new jersey she bought makes her look like the sequel to 'Who let the dogs out?'
*One who is always available to listen to me at my loneliest minute.
*In need of a support group? Cocktail hour with the girls - which is always, be it 3 in the morning or 11 at night.
*Having a friend honestly tell you what she thinks about your new haircut, even if it's bad. That means someone who will bravely say to you, "Are you bringing the mullet back in fashion? Now let's get that fixed before anyone else sees."
*A good friend will stretch your vision and cherish your dreams.
*A true friend can go for long periods of time without speaking to you and never question the friendship.
*The one who will always respect my decision, guide me when I move off the part and accept me for the random person that I am and never ever split on me.
*Only a true friend will help you conspire and execute an evil revengeful plan against your loser ex.
*A true friend is someone who's there for you when the good times roll and the tough times tear you apart.
*A good friend is someone whose relationship with you is not tarnished by lack of time spent together or the vast distance of physical space between you.
*A true friend doesn't care if you're broke, when your house is a mess, about your past or if your family is filled with crazies...They love you for who you are.
*A good friend is one who will lie for me but not to me.
*The three most important qualities of a good friend is honesty, dependability and empathy.
*Your best friend will knock on your door at 2am with cartons of chocolate chip ice cream, soppy movies and a box of tissues after you've had a bad break up.
*A good friend will tell you things you don't want to hear, not because they want to hurt you, but because they care.

And finally, my personal favourite:
*Being a good friend means participating in your friends' blog questionnaire by posting your inner most thoughts.

Thanks to all my BFFs for their wonderful insight.


Saturday, May 21, 2011

Divas and Darlings - Young Hollywood Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion
Young Hollywood Awards 2011

The 13th Annual Young Hollywood Awards took place in Los Angeles last night, where Tinseltown's most promising new stars were honoured. Here are some fashionable looks from the event.

 Rising Stars

Aimee Teegarden won the 'TV Actress of the Year' Award. She wore an asymmetrical black dress with fabulous pink and black heels. Elle Fanning won the 'Film Actress of the Year' Award. She looked cute in a silk romper with high ruffle neck by Marc Jacobs.


Most Elegant

 Troian Bellisario (of Pretty Little Liars) is graceful in a sequin bodice gown with white pleated skirt by Alice + Olivia. 'Star of Tomorrow' Award recipient, Isabel Lucas wore a halter neck lace panel dress by Ralph Lauren.

The Risk Takers


Kat Graham was edgy in a black leather mini with bright blue and red corset. Camilla Belle won the coveted 'Young Hollywood Style Icon' Award. She wore a white sheen tailored suit by Tom Ford. Her black heels are by Sergio Rossi.


Pretty Little Liars

 The team from Pretty Little Liars were thrilled to win the 'Cast to Watch' Award. Ashley Benson wore a beige pleated dress by Robert Rodriguez, contrasted with a black belt, clutch and heels. Lucy Hale wore a black and blue lace mini by GUiSHEM. Her Giuseppe Zanotti strappy sandals were not the best choice for this dress.

Looks of the Week

Star Style
The Best and Worst of the Week

These are my favourite and not-so favourite looks of the week.


Vanessa Hudgens attended an event in New York wearing this black and brown ensemble. I wouldn't have thought that these two colours go well together but Vanessa manages to pull it off. Her two-tone brown pleated maxi dress is by Robin Brouillette. Vanessa wore a black blazer with upturned cuffs over it. She carries a Givenchy bag and accessorized with lots of silver jewellery. 

Kristen Bell looked adorable at 'The Hangover II' premiere in LA. She wore a candied peach strapless dress with an icy blue asymmetrical chiffon overlay. The pairing of the two colours are pretty as they are unexpected. She paired her J Mendel dress with nude Brian Atwood sandals.


Ashley Tisdale continues to surprise me with her fashion picks. She looks lovely in an Alice + Olivia navy and white nautical dress. The fitted high waisted skirt and looser striped tank is very flattering on her. I would've preferred a pop of red instead of her nude Yves Saint Laurent heels. 


AnnaLynne McCord is street chic in this outfit. Her leather jacket is by Esprit, white tank by Armani Exchange and metallic jeans by Calvin Klein. Her outfit is urbanized by a green & brown striped tie, chocolate trilby and Christian Louboutin pumps. I can see myself wearing this look - minus the fluorescent yellow nails.



Gwen Stefani made another appearance on the Cannes red carpet, this time in Armani Privé. It looks like someone took black masking tape and stuck it onto her white sheet-like gown. Then they took a scissors and cut out a diamond shape in the bodice. Let's not even talk about the eye makeup.

Freida Pinto attended the Amfar Gala in Cannes in a lurex mini dress by Lanvin. The high bateau neckline is making her neck look shorter, the sagging sleeves are making her shoulders look wider and the swamp colour is not appealing. On anyone.


Courtney Love. Was in Cannes. Why? We may never know but she made her presence known in this hot mess by Givenchy Couture. I can't even make head or tail of this dress, all I see is a very low neck, gigantic bows, feathers and tulle.

Naomi Campbell wears a fully feathered Versace dress in canary yellow. May I add that this many yellow feathers only look good on an actual canary.

Who Wore the Masculine Suit Better?

Masculine Suit Trend
Who wore it better?

American socialite Olivia Palermo and Brazilian-Italian actress Gaia Bermani Amaral channeled the masculine runway trend this week, both in stylish suits. 



Olivia Palermo attended the 'Midnight in Paris' screening in New York City wearing a simple black suit with cropped pants and a boyfriend blazer. Her rolled up sleeves added a casual feel to the suit. She wore a soft white shirt and loose black tie underneath. Olivia added a dash of leopard print with Charlotte Olympia platform pumps. She also (strangely) carried a perspex clutch, through which all the contents could be seen.

Gaia Bermani Amaral
attended the Calvin Klein party in Cannes, wearing a tailored masculine suit. Gaia's midnight blue satin suit also featured cropped pants. She tucked in her buttoned down white shirt, showing off a silver chain belt. Gaia carried a gorgeous bright pink geometric bag by Matthew Williamson for Bulgari. Her look was completed by violet satin double platform pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo.


I like both these looks, but I'm leaning towards Gaia's - probably because of her lovely use of unusually coloured accessories. Which look do you prefer?

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Second Stylish Week at Cannes 2011

This Week's Style Assembly
from the Cannes Film Festival 2011

While the rest of went on with our normal lives, another stylish week at Cannes continued. Stars pulled out all the stops at the various events held in the French Rivera this week. 
These are some of the highlights.

The classic black gown was given a twist with these four variations. Zoe Saldana was whimsical in a floral-print organza gown by Vionnet. I like the dress, just not the elasticated striped belt - it feels too casual. Gwen Stefani wowed in a shimmery fishtail gown with halter neck from her own fashion line, L.A.M.B. A gold belt accentuated her waist. Li Bing Bing wore a beautifully beaded gown by Zuhair Murad, with large chiffon bow and sash. Clemence Poesy's pleated black Chanel dress is an elegant pick, although I find the heels too high for the length of the dress.


Punchy colours brought vigour to the red carpet. Crowd pleaser Fan Bing Bing wore a pistachio green gown by Oscar de la Renta. The gown was volumized by gathered folds. I'm not fond of her Heidi-hairstyle. The stunning Alessandra Ambrosio wears an aqua Roberto Cavalli dress with embellished bodice. Actress Jessica Chastain was vibrant in a strapless sunflower yellow dress by Zac Posen. Model Bar Rafaeli donned a deep blue Roberto Cavalli gown, which fit impeccably. Her pulled back ponytail added to the sleek look. Asian actress Zhang Zilin was breathtaking in Elie Saab. The rose red chiffon dress features a lace-trimmed asymmetrical neckline and soft draping. For me, this look is perfection.

Muted tones were trendy at last night's Amfar Gala. Kirsten Dunst wore a hazy pink sheer gown with diamond shaped appliqués by Chanel. Michelle Rodriguez shows off the embellished back of her Jean Fares Couture dress. Such a pretty pale pink colour and the pockets add an interesting touch. Uma Thurman strikes a pose in a gracious grey Chanel gown with a row of roses on the neckline. Her dress also features pockets. Rosario Dawson shines in Roberto Cavalli. Her strapless dress has a silver sequined bodice and cream pleated skirt.

Friday Frills



We do not understand joy until we have felt sorrow,
Faith until we are tested,
Peace, until we are faced with conflict,
Trust, until we are betrayed,
Love until it is lost, and
Hope, until we are faced with doubts.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Savvy Girls Guide to a Smokey Eye

How to create the Perfect Smokey Eye

The smokey eye is a timeless and glamourous look, seen on runways, models, celebrities, in magazines...and now on you. If you've always loved this smouldering makeup look, but didn't know how to achieve it, this guideline is especially for you. My friend Shakira is a talented Johannesburg-trained, Cape Town-based makeup artist. She shares her steps on how to create the perfect smokey eye.



Step 1: Choosing a base that will keep eyeshadow flawless is very important. Apply foundation around your entire eye area. Then apply concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. The ideal consistency for this is a cream concealer. Set with loose powder - which will also help catch all the shadow that falls underneath your eyes. Alternatively, you can use an eye primer - MAC 'paint' is a great one.

Step 2: Starting with the eye shadow - choose a highlighter in either a matte finish for the day or shimmery finish for a night time look. A white, cream or pearl coloured highlighter is ideal. Wipe the highlighter over the entire eyelid, up to the brow bone.

Step 3: Use a darker colour and line your eyes with an eyeshadow brush. You're not restricted to just black, you can choose any dark colour you like - blue, purple, green, brown or grey (as pictured above). Use the same colour to line the bottom part of your eyelids, just under the lash line. Then use a cotton bud to softly smudge the top and bottom of your eye line.

Step 4: You will need an even darker colour shadow to create a full smokey effect (such as the black one pictured above). Softly pat the eye shadow with a brush over your eyelids, making sure to stop before the crease. 


Step 5: Remember that the key to a perfect smokey eye is to blend. Take a flat shadow brush and blend. You don't want to see any definite lines.

Step 6: Take your shadow brush and dip it into the darker coloured shadow. Close your eyes, put the brush tip into the crease, then open your eyes (with brush still in place) and sweep it from half way to the end of the crease.

Step 7: Use the highlighter again, and brush on to the brow bone, following the eye brow shape.

Step 8: You can now choose to be more dramatic by taking a black liquid liner and lining your top lashes. For extra 'Oh la la' use an eye pencil to line the bottom eye lid. You can stick to black or a dark colour you prefer. Make sure you wipe away any excess powder that's underneath your eyes.

Step 9: Mascara, Mascara and Mascara...layers of it. You can use a lash curler to curl your lashes upwards first, for that Va va voom appeal. 

Step 10: With a brow brush, comb your brows neatly into place. You can even colour them in with black or dark brown shadow. Set with brow gel.


Remember to keep lips natural. When applying strong makeup, keep the focus on either lips or eyes - never both.



Here are some celebrity smokey eye looks to inspire you. As you can see, this style of eye makeup suits any hair colour, eye colour and skin tone.



From the Top: 
Keira Knightly lined her bottom lash line with pencil and used a dark brown eye shadow. 
Dianna Argon bats her eyelids under smokey eye shadow. 
Jennifer Lopez used a charcoal and steel eye shadow blend, which works superbly with her dark lined eyes. 
Camilla Belle used a soft brown shadow underneath her bottom lashes. 
Mila Kunis wears a sultry smokey eye better than most, darkly rimmed with black eye pencil.
Taylor Swift uses dramatic black liner and silver highlighter to bring out her blue eyes. 
Kim Kardashian amps up the volume with curly fake lashes. 
Notice how all these smokey stars kept the rest of their makeup simple with pale rosy blusher and nude glossy lips.

Try out these 10 easy-to-follow steps to crease your own irresistible smokey eye. Good Luck!


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Britney Spears for Harper's Bazaar

Cover Girl Britney Spears
for Harper's Bazaar June/July 2011

Britney makes a comeback on the June/July cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine. The pop star looks elegant on the cover and inside the mag, showcasing a more grown up and polished look. I wish she would dress like this in reality - classy dresses, toned down make-up and natural looking locks.

 Britney wears a fitted white dress with cut-outs by Bill Blass.

Britney models different versions of the little black dress.

Top Left - She wears a sheer embroidered dress with fringing by Isabel Marant. 
Top Right - Britney 'stars' in a flowing chiffon gown by Dolce & Gabbana.
Bottom Left - Her black-on-black stripe dress is by Emanuel Ungaro.
Bottom Right - Brit sizzles in a lace sleeved dress by Blumarine.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Special Offer on Beaut Vintage Clothes

Get 20% off your Beaut Vintage purchase
with Frills and Thrills

I am excited to announce that Beaut Vintage has offered all Frills and Thrills readers a 20% discount on their gorgeous vintage clothes. Thanks to Sharon from Beaut Vintage for this special offer.



If you're a Fashionable Friend and Follower of my Blog, a special 20% discount is available to you at the Beau Vintage online store. 

*All you have to do is enter the code Frills20 when paying for your vintage find and the 20% discount will automatically apply. 
*The discount code can be used on all items except gift vouchers.
*This offer is valid until September 2011.
*Shop www.beautvintage.com for all the above looks and more.
*See the post below for my write up on the range.

Happy Shopping!