Saturday, March 31, 2012

Looks Of The Week - 31/03/12

This week's celebrity style round-up.


Street Wise
Emma Roberts was spotted in Soho wearing a deluxe leopard print coat by New York and Company. She added an edge with skinny leather trousers, Isabel Marant suede ankle boots and a black Celine 'Boston' bag.
Kate Moss springs into the pastel pants trend, wearing a pair of cropped satiny mink trousers, belted with brown. Kate simply paired it with a black buttoned down shirt, a Stella McCartney 'Falabella' fold over clutch bag and black YSL 'Opyum' heels.
Brooklyn Decker was style-bound on the streets of Germany, in an eye-catching Isabel Marant jacket, printed in navy and blue cotton quilted tie-dye, adorned with colourful beads, red cotton stitchwork and mirrored embroidery. A light grey Theyskens' Theory mini accompanied the jacket, along with orange and plastic ankle-strap Christian Louboutin pumps. 
Elizabeth Olsen was bundled up in a fuzzy oversized black coat and grey washed skinny jeans while in New York. An adorable felt fedora, black Chloé 'Angie' handbag and flat ankle boots complete her cozy look.

Short and Shaded In
Jennifer Lopez shows off her curves in a figure-hugging, long-sleeved, acid green Michael Kors mini. JLo took a colour blocking plunge and put on a pair of neon pink pointy-toe heels by Casadei. She also wore a silver Hermés cuff bracelet.
Karolina Kurkova was a sunny vision in Vienna, looking lovely in a deep yellow jersey knit dress with gold metallic belt by Stephane Rolland. Burgundy velvet ankle strap heels kept her look interesting.
Agyness Deyn attended the Jameson Empire Awards in a vibrant red House of Holland long-sleeved frock, decorated with a metallic purple dispersed houndstooth print. Agyness brought in an element of her offbeat style, with chunky tie-up platform boots.
Hilary Swank looked swanky (yes I said it), in a purple plum Salvatore Ferragamo dress with sheer neckline, tiered pleated skirt and bucked belt. She accessorized a flap clutch, fishnets and black pumps. 

Dashing Dames
Supermodel Jessica Stam gave us two remarkable looks this week, starting with a graphic black and white contrast pleat frock, worn with a spectacular pair of yellow, cream and black Roger Vivier 'Prismick' leather and suede sandals. She carried a black clutch, also by Roger Vivier. Her new brunette locks compliment her beautifully.
For her second look, Jessica looked pretty in another striped and pleated dress, this one in peaches and cream shades with beige leather belt by Chloé. Jessica styled her outfit with ivory wooden heel wedges by Tod's and a slick beige jacket.
Nicky Hilton does the vampish vixen look oh-so-well. The socialite rocked a laser-cut black leather scalloped-neck Valentino dress to the labels' Rodeo Drive store opening. Her choice of accessories amplified this ensemble, with a red crystal studded clutch bag, strappy crystal mesh sandals and bright red lips.
Rachel Zoe was also in attendance at the Valentino event, looking modish in a black and white bold zebra print dress, paired with black tights, Louboutin heels and a black clutch bag.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Get The Alexa Chung Look With Vero Moda

Danish brand Vero Moda joins forces with our favourite style icon Alexa Chung, to bring us a collection that is graceful and timeless for Spring 2012. Alexa is the perfect ambassador for the ultra chic fashion label, as she embodies the kind of laid-back, easy-to-wear glamour that their clothes represent. This season, Vero Moda appeals to our modern vintage side, with a charming range of earthy toned essentials from soft pleated skirts, pretty print mini dresses, light knit tops, parkas and skinny ankle cropped jeans. We can now achieve the effortless casual-elegant look that Alexa has made famous, without the exorbitant price tag.









Get the Alexa Chung Look with Vero Moda here.


*All photographs are courtesy of Vero Moda.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Mirror Mirror


I have learnt that everything is beautiful, but being beautiful isn't everything.
 Sometimes beauty is an outward display of captivating good looks, but most of the time, it's an inward reflection of a beautiful, benevolent heart, a caring soul and an engaging mind. Beauty isn't measured by the digits on a scale, by the tiara in a beauty pageant or by the shade on a box of hair dye. Beauty doesn't fall within the rigid realms and narrow expectations that society conceptualizes it to be. It lies within you. Within your ability to rise above very obstacle, your belief in a greater good and contribution thereof, and in your capacity to offer compassion without expectancy, and kindness without gratitude. It is found in the flashlight of strength that you're able to shine through life's darkest moments, your courage to face the dawn of every new day, your innate glow, set alight by your unfading optimism and charismatic spirit. It lies in your confidence to be yourself, and not a mirror image of what you see in a magazine. In your willingness to learn from your mistakes. In your patience to accept criticism; and to use it constructively, not destructively. Gazing into a mirror will only show what you want to see; it's your choice to either let that be the best that's within you or the superficial constraints that society places upon you.

Written by Me


*Picture found via Tumblr. Please do not republish.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tuesday Thrills - Carolee Jewellery

An exquisite combination of elegance, opulence and classic sophistication, Carolee jewellery is a success story that has been told for the past 40 years. Using the finest materials, gemstones and pearls, this designer brand traces upcoming trends and meticulously crafts them into ornate pieces of jewellery. Varying between lavish multi-strand pearls and dainty silver bracelets, there is a Carolee design to suit every taste, from antique and colourful to classic and glamorous. Carolee jewellery create beautiful hand-made pieces that are perfect for bridal parties, anniversaries, proms and presents...And just in case any of us are ever required as extra's on Gossip Girl ;)

Pearls
1. Classic Antique Gold Plated Pearl Torsade Necklace. $95
2. 40th Anniversary Pearl and Gold Cast Clear Necklace. $250
3. Elegant Bride Three Row Pearl Necklace. $85
4. Lux Antique Garden Ornate Frontal Necklace. $125
5. Linear Pearl Teardrop Earrings. $38
6. Lux Antique Garden Flower Collar Necklace. $150

Coloured Stones
7. Lux Candy Couture Mixed Shape Bracelet. $65
8. Lux Candy Couture Double Drop Earrings. $38
9. Lux Candy Couture Mixed Shape Necklace. $125
10. Acapulco Paradise Colour Blocked Necklace with Turquoise beads. $85
11. Plum Pudding Charm Bracelet. Gold plated with glass beads. $50
12. Lux Rock On Frontal Stone Drop Necklace. $125

Silver & Gold Sparkle
13. Topaz Oval Stone Flex Bracelet. $65 
14. Topaz Crystal Stone Double Drop Earrings. $38 
15. Pearl & gold plated 40th Anniversary Charm Bracelet. $95
16. Classic Silver and Crystal Sparkle Pavé Bangle. $65
17. Lux Silverstone and Crystal Bangles (set of 3). $95
18. Lux Gold Plated Square Links Bracelet. $75


Browse more of these beautiful and luxurious designs on Carolee.com and select your favourite statement piece. You can shop the brand via their website and also locate an international stockist nearest to you. The Antique Gardern Ornate Necklace (Number 4) is on my wish list. Which is yours? 


Happy Shopping!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Dress Deja Vu - Pink or Yellow?

Last week, we saw Kaley Cuoco knock it out of the style park in a bright yellow Tadashi Shoji dress. I loved the sweet girly appeal of the dress and remembered seeing a similar design on Jenna Dewan a few months back. This is 'Dress Déja Vu' with a citrus twist. The only difference between the dresses are the sleeves and colour. Both are made of a delicate pleated lace with tiered tulle skirt and ribbon criss-cross belt.


Kaley Cuoco picked out the sleeveless sunflower yellow version of the shimmer lace dress from Tadashi Shoji's Spring RTW 2012 line. Kaley wore metallic copper Mary Jane's by Brian Atwood and a Swarovski embellished white and gold clutch bag.
Jenna Dewan wore the long-sleeved coral coloured variant of the Tadashi Shoji frock to the premiere of "the Vow' in early February this year. Jenna playfully added red accessories, with an oval Edie Parker clutch bag and pointy toed Casadei pumps.


I think both candy-coated dresses are equally beautiful and were impeccably styled on the red carpet. Could you pick a favourite?


P.S Thanks to Style Servings for featuring me on her lovely blog here.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Looks Of The Week - 24/03/12

The weekly celebrity style watch...

Comfortably Casual
Alexa Chung is yet again the queen of 'cool casual'. The TV personality mixes up a black Bella Freud literary top with a multi-hued Celine mini skirt and black patent loafers by Nicholas Kirkwood. Yes, if I had those long legs, I'd only wear flats too.
January Jones brought stripes to her New York street style in a long-sleeved Splendid dress, worn under black leather biker, with navy blue tights, studded black boots and a dashing tri-coloured Prada Pyramid accordion frame leather bag. 
Jennifer Lawrence was out doing the talk show rounds in NYC, looking retro-chic in a nautical inspired ensemble, made up of a white V-neck Joie 'Tahoe' blouse, along with a navy blue Holmes & Yang button-down skirt and white Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap heels. She added a pop of colour with a red skinny YSL belt.
Only Victoria Beckham can put the 'posh' into a simple black tank and a pair of flare denim jeans. She added her inherent stylish touch with a pair of Cutler & Gross sunglasses, Rolex watch and a chain handle hexagonal bag from her own line.

Pick-A-Colour
Jennifer Lawrence shows off her stellar figure at the NYC screening of her highly anticipated new movie, 'The Hunger Games'. The blonde actress wore a sexy plunge-neck forest green dress with flare pleated skirt and belted waist by Calvin Klein. Metallic ankle strap Calvin Klein sandals fit her feet.
Kaley Cuoco glowed in yellow at a charity event in Beverly Hills. The comedic actress looked fetching in a sunny daffodil lace Tadashi Shoji dress, with tulle tiered skirt and a criss-cross ribboned belt tied up in a bow. Glossy metallic gold ankle strap pumps by Brian Atwood finished off her adorable outfit.
Elizabeth Banks continues on with her bright colour streak from last week. Her burnt orange belted Andrew Gn dress features a low neck, gathered sleeves and is slightly ruffled down the skirt. She wears silver mirrored peep toe heels by Christian Louboutin.
Eva Longoria was elegant in a magenta form-fitting Victoria Beckham dress, boldly paired with black Christian Louboutin 'Daffodile' platform pumps and a matt crocodile chain handle hexagonal handbag which we saw Victoria Beckham wear earlier.

Posh 'n Polished
Lily Collins shines at her premiere of her new fairytale flick, 'Mirror Mirror. Keeping in character (with magic wand and all), she donned a princess-prototype black and gold poufy-skirt dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Lily is another celebrity to catch on to the ankle strap trend, with heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Teresa Palmer dazzled the crowd at the premiere of her new movie, 'Wish You Were Here'. She picked out an enchanting Collette Dinnigan dress with embellished bodice and fully fringed skirt. I'm not fully convinced by her black peep toe sandals though.
Olivia Palermo wore a white Tibi gown to a Gala in Germany. This is fashion gold for me. I love the simplicity and sheer femininity of this wispy white dress with peplum flounce. Refined styling, soft make-up and glossy curls...Perfection. 
Troian Bellisario is another starlet who wore Tibi on the red carpet this week. Her two-tone ivory cap-sleeved dress contrasts tweed with silk chiffon panelling, and has an inverted pleat on the skirt. Turquoise earrings added a hint of colour to her slick, sophisticated look.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday Frills



A Few Thoughts Worth Remembering...

Your presence is a present to the world.
 You are unique and one of a kind.

Don't try to be someone you aren't, because then you will never find out who you really are.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
 You will make it through whatever comes along.

The only way to live happily ever after is one day at a time.

Don’t put limits on yourself.
 No dreamer is ever too small, and no dream is ever too big.
Don't be afraid to take risks...if nothing's ventured, nothing's gained.

Know that sometimes promises can be broken as quickly as they were made.
And that giving up doesn't mean that you are weak, it means that you are strong enough to let go.

When things go wrong, don't be discouraged. Instead, take a moment to be grateful for the things are still going right.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
 The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.


Remember that a little love goes a long way.
 Remember that a lot...goes forever.

Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
 Life’s treasures are the people by your side and not the material things.

Realize that it’s never too late to make a change.
 Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

Always have hope and strive for happiness.
 And don't forget to take the time to wish upon a star.

*Author unknown, adapted by me. Photograph of Florence Welch from Florence & the Machine album art.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Who Wore The Mint Green Blazer Better?

Who Wore It Better?
A.L.C Mint Green Blazer

You know that pastel blazers are the next big thing for Spring, when it's been spotted on not one, but three stylish celebutantes all in the span of two weeks. The mint green 'Zoe' blazer from A.L.C is a collarless wool blended piece, with black lapels and front flap pockets. It was the jacket of choice for these three ladies this month...

Ashanti was out promoting her new single at the Power 99 iHeart Radio theatre. The R&B singer brought the quirky side out of her A.L.C blazer, wearing it with a pair of Rag & Bone colour-blocked skinny jeans. The white wash jeans are painted with 'glass panels' of different colours - orange, mint and pink. A light pink collared shirt and sky high nude Giuseppe Zanotti platform heels finish off her look.
Kaley Cuoco attended the Academy of Television's Annual Hall of Fame Gala wearing the same minty fresh blazer. 'The Big Bang Theory' actress teamed the tailored blazer with an all-black ensemble; including a black tank top, leather leggings, black clutch and ankle boots.
Kim Kardashian, unlike the other two (who picked it out for public appearances), wore her blazer while out at the gas station filling up her Ferrari. Kim looked sleek in a black tee, Siwy black skinny jeans and gorgeous lace-up & cut-out Christian Louboutin suede 'Lagassi' pumps. 


The A.L.C 'Zoe' blazer sells for $695 at Barneys.com

As for who wore it best, maybe it's those heels...but I'm giving it to Kim. She brought a simple sophistication to this look. Isn't it strange how Kim's casual wear is everyone else's 'event' wear? What are your thoughts?

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Kate Moss 'Checks Out' in Couture for Vogue

Recipe for a successful fashion editorial:
*Take 90's supermodel extraordinaire Kate Moss, 
*Dress her up in the most exquisite creations from Spring 2012's Haute Couture collections, 
*Artfully shot by photographer Tim Walker and styled by the genius Grace Coddington, 
*Set against the opulent backdrop of the Ritz Hotel in Paris,
*All this for the April 2012 issue of the world's most renowned fashion magazine, Vogue
The results? Astounding...

Here is Kate Moss in the beautifully shot editorial called 'Checking Out'.

Kate adorns the Imperial Suite in a majestic piece from Christian Dior's Spring Couture Collection. She is resplendent in a crimson red silk strapless gown, which tiers into a colossal skirt, clustered by a multitude of frills.

Kate enjoys a high tea at the Hemingway Bar, wearing a lustrous gold lamé gown by Alexis Mabille Couture. If there was ever an apt place to wear this ostentatious floral couture headpiece, the Ritz is it.

'Shopping + Chanel' are two familiar words in Kate's vocabulary. She lounges in the Imperial Suite dressed in a midnight blue embroidered organza coat with floral motifs. 

Kate is captured in sea of pink foam in the luxurious bathroom of the Coco Chanel Suite. She mirrors her surroundings wearing a pastel pink and silver lamé dress and (hanging) cape by Balenciaga, which was especially designed for Vogue.

If Marie Antoinette lived in modern times, she would probably hang out at the Ritz, don't you think? Kate enchants in a fanciful powder blue jacquard and lace gown, with dainty matching lace ankle boots, custom-made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The elaborate shell-like headpiece is by Julien d'Ys.

Dressed to perfection, Kate looks outstanding in another grandiose creation by Christian Dior. She dons an extravagant black and white embroidered silk tulle ballgown. 

A 'Ladies in Waiting' portrait is featured within the same editorial, starring models Sigrid Agren, Patricia van der Vliet, Josephine Skriver and Mirte Maas. These dames blend into the upholstered background, wearing romantic floral gowns by Valentino Couture.

A memorable shot on the mantlepiece, Kate looks sensational in a raspberry red silk chiffon draped Giambattista Valli gown, with lavish gold neckpiece.

Which of Kate's Couture looks are you loving?

*Photos courtesy of Vogue.com

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday Thrills - Aqua by Aqua

British brand Aqua by Aqua creates solid and structured looks that reinforces simplicity, with purpose. The savvy fashion label strongly defines each of their ensembles with sharp, streamlined tailoring in a monochromatic, print-free palette of black, white, purple, green and orange. From body-con dresses, trendy peplums and floaty frocks, A by A will have you enraptured by their crisp, minimalistic looks.

Aqua by Aqua are currently hosting a massive sale, where you can pick up trendy designer inspired looks for a fraction of the cost. Every outfit you see here is available in other colours.

The Peplum
1. Vendela Dress in purple. A sweetheart strapless structured mini dress with peplum waist. £31.50 / $50
2. Sequin Klingon Dress. A silver sequined mini with sheer black contrast paneling and elevated peplum waist. £42.50 / $67.50
3. Schiffer Dress in orange. A fitted inner dress, circled by a round peplum. £37.50 / $59.50
4. Lobster Dress in white. Square-neck body-con dress with symmetrical V-shaped peplum.  £80.50 / $127.50

Separates
5. Sunray Maxi Skirt in orange. A sheer pleated skirt (£80 / $126.50), worn with a long-sleeved and gathered She-Ra Bodysuit. £32.50 / $51.50
6. Travolta Trousers. A stone-shaded high waisted, wide-leg trousers. £17.50 / $27.50. It is paired with a sheer Psyche Top with gold mesh strip. £15 / $24
7. Heidi Bodysuit in khaki. A square-neck bodysuit (£15 / $24) worn with a matching high waisted Garter Maxi Skirt. £35 / $55.50
8. Hadrian Jeans. A black high waisted skinny jeans with metallic gold mesh panels. £20 / $31.50.  It is slickly paired with a Plato Bodysuit, which has a high neck with arched shoulders and low back. £52 / $82.50

Voluminous
9. Swinger Dress. A wafty black trapeze swing dress. £20 / $31.50
10. Egg Maxi Dress. A loose fitting egg-shaped maxi dress with pockets. £98 / $155
11. Hercules Dress in teal. A voluminous silk capelet dress with exaggerated shoulders and low back. £47.50 / $75
12. Sequin Cape Dress. A two-tone black and silver sequined cape-style dress with cowl neck and rounded hem. £95 / $150.50

Evening Wear
13. Chuck Maxi Dress. A curve-hugging purple plum gown with sidelined keyhole cut-out. Also available in a mini version. £102 / $161.50
14. Lopez Maxi Dress. Gorgeous lime green raw silk gown with halter neck. £42.50 / $67.50
15. Ursula Dress. A sparkly two-tone black and gold sequined number with belted waist. £31.50 / $49.50
16. Flapper Maxi Dress. A vintage charmer, this dress features a fitted mini with detachable fringed skirt, so it can be worn in two ways. Also available in a mini version. £42.50 / $67.50


This glamourous range is available to purchase online from AquabyAqua.com  They ship internationally within 3-5 days for a flat rate of £15. Aqua by Aqua also have a few stores in the UK, the street addresses are up on their website. At these reasonable prices, it won't be difficult choosing more than one piece to take home.


Happy Shopping!


*All photos credited to Aqua by Aqua

Monday, March 19, 2012

Put a Spring In Your Step - Shoe Trends 2012

Shoe Trends 
Spring 2012

Long gone are the days of the 'dainty' pair of heels, because this Spring, shoes get brighter, wilder and bolder. The wedge heel is revamped with new prints and interesting textures such as sequins, woven raffia, satin and wood. Colour blocking is here to stay, with your palette set in dazzling neons. The ankle strap is the must-have sexy sandal of 2012. Heels are wider and chunkier, offering more support and a utilitarian edge. Those looking for some spunk will find a few new-fangled pieces to spice things up. And all the above-mentioned trends can be subsumed into just one...the hottest trend of Spring 2012 - Tangerine.


Wedges

Colour Blocked

Ankle Straps
 Avant- Garde

The Chunky Heel
 Everything's Orange























Are you ready to step into something sensational this Spring? Which pair is on your wish list?


*Photos courtesy of the designer's websites.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Looks Of The Week - 17/03/12

The week's round-up of hottest celebrity style on and off the red carpet.

A Twist Of Tangerine
Nicole Richie has been hitting all the right style notes this week. She sported a vibrant silk tangerine pants with tapered leg and embroidered waistband by Sass & Bide. Nicole paired it with a cool white t-shirt, draped black leather Krisa jacket, black pumps, slouchy bag and a silver ornamental necklace and 'Chelsea' sunnies from House of Harlow 1960.
Elizabeth Banks wowed the crowd at 'The Hunger Games' LA premiere in a shocking orange one-shouldered Versace number covered in plastic paillettes. Her nude heels are by Jimmy Choo. The dress is amazing on her, but slightly disappointed with choice of shoes.
Mandy Moore looked charming in a white Lela Rose dress with circular cut-out sleeves and peplum. She kept her heels plain with black Brian Atwood pumps, ensuring that all eyes would fall to the stunning tangerine Kate Spade clutch.
Christina Ricci has been looking better than ever, don't you think? The actress dressed up a pair of vivid orange silk brocade shorts with a classy silk black tee and beige clutch bag. She added a long gold necklace and ankle-strap wedge heels to this super cute look. Her entire ensemble is by Maiyet

Jackets and Slacks
Rachel Bilson was on duty at a Sunglass Hut Spring event in Los Angeles. The 'Hart of Dixie' star put on a pair of bright pink wide-leg, high-waisted pants by Isabel Marant. Rachel kept things simple with a plain white tee, black chain bag and black blazer by Vanessa Bruno.
Olivia Palermo gave us two impressive looks this week. First, a pair of paint-splatter Paige skinny denim jeans with a dapper navy blue blazer, wine red Armani satchel and lace and black 'Avery' heels by L.A.M.B
For her second look, Olivia also picked out a pair of printed pants, in a colourful tropical floral by Topshop. A citrus yellow knitted Topshop sweater and fringe-egded black Giorgio Armani jacket added depth to her look. Olivia accessorized with a tan Meli Melo 'Thela' bag and leopard print Mulberry heels. An eclectic but impeccable mix.
Miranda Kerr is becoming a 'LOTW' regular with her elegant and easy-to-wear street style. She donned a dark-wash pair of Nobody skinny jeans under a checkered cotton-crepe Marni duster coat, which has contrasting black panels. Miranda carries a deep red Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Asphalt handbag and strides in black leather and suede lace-up Tabitha Simmons ankle boots.

All Dressed Up
Isabelle Fuhrman attended 'The Hunger Games' LA premiere in a dainty nude tulle Oscar de la Renta dress, flecked with sparkly gold beads. She maintained a neutral colour scheme with matching gold clutch and peep-toe heels, both by Jimmy Choo
Ellie Kemper was pretty as a picture at the '21 Jump Street' premiere in LA. Her pastel pink Oscar de la Renta frock was smothered with delicate silk organza floral appliqués. A complementary pink belt and clutch bag enhanced her girly look. Ellie's silver slim ankle strap heels are by Alexander Wang.
Nina Dobrev displays that a little black dress need not be boring. Her burnished black jacquard dress by Rachel Zoe is adorned with taffeta ruffles. Nina's Jimmy Choo leopard print tie-up heels and sky blue Rebecca Minkoff clutch bag were a compelling choice.
Elizabeth Banks makes her second appearance, this time at the Paris premiere of 'The Hunger Games'. The blonde actress once again opted for dazzling colour, in a pink-plum Marc Jacobs dress, drenched in sequins with a 3D floral design on the neckline. Her heels and clutch were low-key in basic black.
AnnaLynne McCord went retro at the 'Stop Staring' fashion show in LA, in a fetching black and white ensemble from the range. The 90210 actress tried out one of Spring 2012's runway trends, wearing a cropped midriff baring bustier top, along with a white circle skirt. A pillbox hat, embellished clutch and heels complete her quirky look.


Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday Frills


It takes strength to be firm,
It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to conquer,
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain,
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in,
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide feelings,
It takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to stand alone,
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to admit you're wrong,
It takes courage to make it right.

It takes strength to love,
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive,
It takes courage to live.


*Unknown. Image via Weheartit

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Who Wore Proenza Schouler Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Proenza Schouler Mint Sweater


Two reality TV stars battle it out in a Proenza Schouler tiger print sweater, both worn in the same week. Nicole Richie and Khloe Kardashian were snapped wearing a mint and black intarsia cotton-knit sweater with mesh raglan seam detail by US design duo Proenza Schouler.


Left:
Nicole Richie was out in New York city doing promos for her new show 'Fashion Star'. The petite star wore the cute and cozy long-sleeved sweater with a pair of skinny black jeans. She accessorized with tan suede 'Callan' pumps, a cream and yellow leather oversized 'Riley' clutch and a chic pair of 'Carmen' sunglasses, all from her own range House of Harlow 1960.
Right:
Khloe Kardashian wore the same tiger print jersey this week, paired with a black flair leather mini skirt and a dazzling pair of spiked Christian Louboutin 'Bridget' ankle peep-toe heels.

This 'simple' looking sweater retails for about $545. I prefer the way Nicole has styled it, she added pieces of her own personality with the interesting bag and different coloured heels. Khloe's look felt too elementary in comparison. What are your thoughts?

Closet Confidential with Bailey Schneider

I was lucky to score a style interview with one of South Africa's favourite radio hosts, the bubbly and vivacious Bailey Schneider. Bailey shares snippets of her exciting life as a media and TV personality on her blog Vanilla Blonde. Along with a passion for shoes and vanilla tea, Bailey shares her love of fashion on today's edition of 'Closet Confidential'.


Describe your personal style
I like to think I am stylishly comfortable. I love the classy, elegant look with Boho chic mixed in so it's not too preppy. I also dress according to my mood. There are days when a pair of leggings or jeans and a tee is good and when I feel like putting on the red lipstick and stepping out in a dress. Nicole Richie is one of my icons and I adore the way she can make a pair of jeans and a white shirt look so stylish.

Three beauty products you cannot live without
I never leave the house without wearing mascara. My favourite is the Maybelline XXL. Sunscreen is another absolute must and Bronzer, which just wakes up any skin (especially if you're looking tired or a little sick.) 

Do you have any fashion addictions we should know of?
I LOVE shoes. They always fit. I alternate between heels, wedges, sandals and pumps. I'm also addicted to accessories. I can never have enough. A striking piece of jewelry, a colourful scarf or a trendy hat can really spruce up any outfit. I also have a lot of perfumes - I love their bottles and fragrances. 

A good lead to my next question...What is your signature scent? 
Oh no. This is hard. I have a LOT of perfumes. I'd have to say my signature scent is between Michael Kors and DKNY Women and Be Delicious (Day and Night.) 



How would you define the street style in your city?
Johannesburg is a fast-paced Cosmopolitan city. Most Joburgers are stylish. I find that most people dress up and are far more comfortable in being unique and wearing something that defines who they are.

Which South African designers do you admire?

Hmmm... This is difficult. This may make me seem like I’m sitting on the fence, but I genuinely appreciate and admire everyone. Every designer is trying to make their mark with their vision not only locally but internationally too and they're doing it. It makes me proud.


What has been your best fashion buy?
I've bought some amazing boots that have lasted me so many seasons and always look stylish. My Victoria Beckham denim jacket - it's so versatile and can be worn across seasons. 

For anyone traveling to Johannesburg, where would you advise them to shop? 
The new section in Sandton City is fantastic. I'm glad I can now say Zara - swoon. I'd also suggest Cotton On. Woolworths is another good one - they have great buys. We have great vintage stores too and you can find some real gems. 



Five essential items of clothing that you always have in your closet, regardless of trend or season?
Jeans and leggings, blazers, cute fitted tee shirts, the (LBD) dress and the classic black heel. 

What is your all time favourite trend? 
The LBD (Little Black Dress.) It will always be timeless and sexy. A great pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt will also always be trendy and elegant – mix it up with great accessories and you have a winner every time. 

What is your all time worst fashion trend? 
Blue eye shadow and red lipstick together is a BIG NO NO, teased, frizzy hair and those harem pants – I just don’t get it. I think they look like you're wearing a nappy - a FULL nappy. 

You are always attending glamourous media events, how do you decide what to wear to them?
This really is mood related again and depends on the function. Sometimes I dress uber glam and other times a more subtle approach works better. I believe that having great hair can enhance an outfit too and I love the opportunity to dress up in gorgeous dresses and do very sexy hair and make-up.

A Fabulous piece of Fashion Advice...
Dress for your body shape and dress to be comfortable. Comfortable doesn't mean frumpy, it means being in something that makes you feel good and therefore makes you feel and look confident. There is nothing worse than tugging on an outfit that is too tight or too short. Not only do you feel uncomfortable, you LOOK uncomfortable – not the stylish, confident look you want, I’m sure. Don’t be afraid to wear something that is different. If it suits you and you feel good in it, wear it… People will admire you and secretly wish they too could “pull it off”. Promise.

*Special thanks to Bailey for taking the time off her busy schedule to do this interview.
Pictures via Polyvore & Google images.