Thursday 3 May 2012

The Courtin-Clarins: What a Gene Pool!

So ever since I read about these girls in Vogue last year, the Courtin-Clarins cousins have been one of my particular fashion pack favourites. These girls are just effortless glam from head to toe, oozing style from every pore, and being the heiresses to the Clarins cosmetic juggernaut we wouldn't expect any less. My particular favourite in the awesome foursome has to be Virginie, I just love they way she combines different prints and various trends to form one killer outfit. But the major talent that all four girls seem to possess is the knack for taking a new season's trend and making it their own, it must run in the blood. But the best part is that even with their massive fortune, these girls are thrifty shoppers! sure they might go out and splurge on an Hermes Birkin, but the girls have confessed to finding one off vintage pieces in op shops! I just LOVE that!
There really isn't any need for a full style dissection, these girls have it down pat, so I'll shut up and let the clothes speak for themselves. Take note, you might find some inspiration!

Effortless, easy, comfortable.
One could easily emulate this outfit.
Just love this look, So parisian chic!




The Glam troupe.
Gorgeous mix of soft and bold colours.




Virginie rocks a killer pair of mini shorts
with a simple blouse and singlet.
Very easily recreated!

Inspiration is everywhere my darlings, just take a look. xx

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Leighton Meester and that LBD

Leighton Meester is a personal style favourite of mine. I love her when she's dressed all prim and proper as Blair in Gossip Girl, or when she's rocking her edgy, rock-chic look. One thing you have to say about Leighton is that the girl knows how to wear that little black dress and rock it to the max!


First is Leighton's Emilio De La Morena dress she wore to the MTV Movie Awards. Leighton paired the simple black mini dress, with geometric cut out detailing on the shoulders, with a pair of black suede Louboutin booties for that extra edgy, youthful, sexy feel. Leighton's hair and jewellery is simple, with only a chunky cuff on one hand and her blonde hair (which looks fab by the way!) is pulled back into a messy bun. Leighton's typical style is to keep things neutral and wear designs that do all the talking.


Next up we have Leighton in a rather simple, prim black dress by Versus, reminiscent of Blair Waldorf with a high round neckline and short, flared skirt. Again we see very minimal jewellery, simple, casually tousled hair, and neutral make-up, with only a bright pink nail polish and a gorgeous pair of jewelled statement shoes by Pierre Hardy.



Last we have Leighton in a Michael Kors gown with a leather cut-out "bra" top that exudes that sophistication that comes with a black gown, but also conveys that young edginess that comes with leather cut-outs. Again Leighton kept the beauty routine simple with sleek straight hair, and neutral, nude make-up.

Leighton Meester might portray a girl who's personal style is ultra luxe and dramatic, but when Leighton dresses for herself she takes the simplest approach to ultra glam for maximum effect. Leighton is a disciple of the KISS principle. There is a lesson to be learned from this approach of stress free dressing.

So take like Leighton and breath deep, stress less, take the simpler approach to dressing up, and have FUN! xx

Sunday 22 April 2012

Wedding Dresses? Vivienne Westwood Naturally

So I wanna talk wedding dresses today, I suppose it's because my cousin got married today, but hey who doesn't enjoy a good wedding?
And when I think wedding dress I think... (no not Vera Wang) Vivienne Westwood, naturally. Ever since seeing my darling Carrie Bradshaw is that marvellous work of art in the Sex and the City movie I've always that of that as the perfect inspiration for a bride-to-be, bird and all. That dress really was a show stopper that was, well way over the top, but not in that superficial, ditzy, trashy sort of way. It was sheer style, elegance and individuality. With an essence of Carrie. In fact it was true Carrie, it just too bad Big stood her up and left in heart in pieces! But hey at least she looked fabulous while he broke it.


However Vivienne Westwood's current collection of stunning wedding gowns include an odd mixture of the usual over the top Westwood style and glamour but some piece showcase a style of a bygone era of the elegant 1920s. All ooze extreme luxury and elegance. 
A few of the current wedding gown designs take from the 20s, a time of burlesque, money and glamour. Glamour seems to be what Viv does best. These current dresses showcase simple clean line silhouettes with some fantastic detailing, draping and some gorgeous shouldering. One of the dresses is covered with sparkling beads and styles a beautiful cowl neck and a stunningly simple train dragging along behind. Another has this beautifully pleated meets draped bust detailing, minimal beading and just spills onto the floor. I simply died!


Then there were those simply breath taking, over the top, piece of art couture that just screams Vivienne Westwood. One was another silhouette in a beautiful off-white satin with an amazing box pleat train at the back and spilling soft flowing tulle from a ruched waist with a magnificent flower on the side of the wait. The bust showcased one similar to Carries, with intricately placed folds of fabric, jutting up in a very geometrical way that Westwood made seem casual. Love it. Then there's my BIG finale, and when I say big I mean BIG! This gown looks like Carrie's dress met one of Marie Antoinette, they mated and this is their offspring. Pure MAGNIFICENCE! What can one say about this dress? It really speaks for itself. I mean the ruching on the bodice, fabulous, the way the skirt flows from the waist, perfect, and the ruffles! The ruffles were exceptional! The whole thing, Devine! But you can see that.


What would you wear on YOUR wedding day and by who? Comment Below.
Unique and different is the next generation of beautiful. Remember that. xx

Friday 20 April 2012

BREAKING NEWS!!! Anne Hathaway Chops Beautiful Hair

And it's gone. Yep that's right GONE. Anne hathaway has chopped her famously long, luscious, dark, wavy locks for her new role as Fantine in musicale extraordinaire, Les Misérables. I was so shocked when i woke this morning that I simply had to share with you all. 




I have been a huge fan of Anne's since I saw her in The Princess Diaries, but now those long locks of hair (whether bushy or not) are now likely sitting swept into a pile in some hair salon somewhere!
As brutal as the cut is I'm actually applauding Anne for her dedication to her art and for making such a bold move, having cropped of platinum blonde curls myself. I hoping that she follows other actresses who  have opted for a softer crop after making the dramatic choice to let a scissor-happy hairdresser hack their hair off.

My overall opinion: I love Anne no matter what she does to her hair, and I think she looks great. It was just such a shock to see all that glorious hair gone. But good on her.


What do you think about the once Disney Princess's new do? Comment below
As the great actress Audrey Hepburn once said "A woman's beauty is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries or the way she combs her hair". xx




Thursday 19 April 2012

Rachael Taylor's Vogue Shoot

Just a quick post today. I really wanted to blog about Rachael Taylor's photoshoot for Vogue Australia in August last year that I happened to revisit today. Another Aussie beauty, I'm just loving everything Rachael at the moment. Her style is just so clean, fresh, natural and relaxed (you gotta love the way Aussies do fashion).

These were two of my favourite shots from the Vogue shoot (photographed by Nick Leary). There's just such simplicity in these photos allowing through a glowing vibe of natural beauty. The lighting is simple and plain, there aren't any obvious post-shoot alterations. Rachael doesn't even have much make-up on (not that she needs it mind you) and just a relaxed hair do (I adore her new choppy bob!). 
I love that green Gucci satin dress on her, it doesn't overpower her and is a dress anyone could copy, which is typical of Rachael's style of dressing. 
Then theres that glorious Gucci silk chiffon gown that makes Rachael look like she been wrapped in rays of sunshine. This was a risky colour for Rachael, being a relatively pale, blonde. A lot of blondes (myself included) can't work with yellow because it washes out the complexion giving a sallow, sickly look. However Rachael isn't one of us unfortunates. This dress looks amazing on her and practically makes her glow standing there in the sunlight, truly glorious!

Lastly I just had to include a picture of Rachael I saw in the Sunday Times Magazine a few weeks back. I loved this picture which actually happened to be the cover shot. I adored the peachy-coral blazer  she had on with a base of plain white cotton tee and crisp white mini shorts. And those glasses! How retro chic! Simply to die for.


As always feel free to post questions and comment.
So take some pointers from Rachael Taylor and remember never to let fashion own you, make it your own and dress to express! xx

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Chanel Pre-Fall 2012

Who could go past Chanel for luxury and style? So even though this collection was shown in december of 2011, I'm discussing it because it autumn/winter in Australia now, and fashion seasons run a season ahead of the weather (let alone the fact that Australia is already a season behind due to geographical positioning and such). But Chanel is a personal favourite of mine, ranking the top of my long list of favourite designers.
Chanel has always been known for its distinctive tailoring and elegant designs. Theres a reason that a little black Chanel dress of a Chanel tweed suit are wardrobe must-haves for any fashionista because what Chanel does with its clothing designs are simply timeless.

The pre-fall collection had taken some cultural influences from India, now the country of choice for the manufacture of exquisite hand-crafted pieces. However the genius of the Lagerfeld brain decided to reverse things and produce a line of superb Indian inspired pieces made in the legendary ateliers of the mighty fashion powerhouse. The traditional Indian Sari was "Largerfied", but also featuring the same patented Chanel suit and dress but with more draping, strong bold colours, swags of pearls and interesting bejewelled head pieces.


The tailoring and luxury are there in this collection with the layers of gold and sheer fabrics, those perfectly arranged pleats and draping, the intricate bead work, and the crisp cuts of those structured, fitting, gloriously white coats. Oh! It's enough to make my head spin!
There are still traces of that Byzantine inspired jewels.




And what is a Chanel suit without strands of pearls? In this case the traditional neckpiece has be used for detailed beading, draping, and belting as well as a glamourous neck accessory, and this only adds to that exotic vibe the House was aiming for. And you know, with a lot of the designer shows, the labels really amp up the drama with outrageous pieces and ensembles, and I love the theatricality of it all don't get me wrong, but there isn't anything about this collection that I wouldn't wear. Any girl walking down the street, or mingling at a party dressed like this would garner looks (and probably comments) of admiration (as well as some tinged with jealousy) from me.

Simply put, one just can't go wrong with Chanel, although the blogosphere is pointing out that there were some misses in the collection, which I am willing to turn a blind eye to. These designs (in fact, in my opinion, all their designs) are works of beautiful, beautiful art. Speaking of beautiful, note for a moment if you will the sheer stunning beauty of Chanel's models. There must be something in that specially filtered water they serve to the models over at Chanel or something. It's like Chanel has dibs on all the good stuff (which is a long way from where the company started if you've read the biography).

But that aside, Chanel still has that magical talent of being able to repeat nearly the same designs time and time again but with a few tweaks and modifications, instilling that timelessness in each and every one of their collections. The great founding genius herself said, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same". This i think is the very essence of Chanel's true and eternal style, weaved through every garment they create.

Comment and Question.

Remember, You elegance is the only beauty that will never fade! xx

Miranda Kerr: Easy Inspiration

This is my first ever blog! YAY!
So for my first ever post I'm going to write about my favourite Aussie model, Miranda Kerr.


What I love about Miranda is that her style is so simple and easy to emulate. Plus its rather cheap to copy too, which is rare with international models of MK's stature but always a welcome bonus.
Miranda really knows how to dress up a simple, plain tee or jeans with a sexy shoe, a versatile jacket and a large statement bag. Those gorgeous ankle boots, by Barbra Bui, really pick up that whole edgy vibe one gets from a leather jacket (love that whole quilted effect on her Balenciaga jacket). MK goes on to the play on that whole edgy vibe with a military trend khaki skinny jean. But to sweeten her edgy urban outfit Miranda adds a classic striped sweater by The Row and adds a Celine Clasp Calfskin Cabas Bag as a bit of a statement piece.


And again another example of a simple outfit anyone could copy. First of all a white blouse (everyone has one of those, though in this case MK's is by Alexander Wang). Second Miranda layers this look with a simple cashmere sweater and throws on an oversized boyfriend blazer, by Martin Margiela. Blazers are another wardrobe staple every fashion junkie should have at least one of (I have half a dozen). Blazers just go with everything and really emit a sort of relaxed sophistication. The lovely Ms Kerr then adds a sexy touch with her Acne belted micro mini leather skirt and her Barbra Bui ankle boots with buckle detailing (note these are the same ankle boots and tote bag worn in the previous photograph, how economical MK!). Then she tops off her preppy sophistication with a pair of classic, traditional black stockings. She even makes that box trolley look trendy.

Miranda Kerr is a big fashion inspiration to me. I just love the simplicity and rather normalcy she has in her clothes. Whenever I feel a tad overwhelmed with fashion trends I always look to Miranda for that spark of inspiration. To me Miranda seems like one of those rare models that has managed to remain genuine, grounded and "normal", and I think this comes across in what she wears which, although there are some big ticket items, can actually be affordable and accessible if you know where to look. And if the real thing can't be bought, a fashion savvy shopper can easily recreate the look for less. Perhaps I'm blinded by patriotism, but Miranda Kerr is one of those eternally classic fashion icons.

Any Comments or Questions? Post them.
Remember always stay classy and fabulous! xx

P.S. For some further Miranda outfit ideas head to: http://coolspotters.com/models/miranda-kerr/and/shoes?id=3453&page=1