Thursday, January 14, 2010

My new style crush...Zoe Kravitz



Well with parents like the super stylish Lenny Kravitz and beautifully eclectic Lisa Bonet, this girl not only had great genes to start with, but also two of the best wardrobes to raid.


You can see the influence of her parents’ styles in how she dresses, she’s part grungy rocker, part free spirited hippy. She has this fantastic eclectic look and devil-may-care attitude that looks like she just jumped out of bed and threw on whatever she found on the floor… and maybe she did!

Having just turned 21, she still keeps her makeup young and fresh, occasionally opting for a bright red lip, but in general quite reserved with her makeup. Her hair is usually left long and naturally wavy, however she recently took the fashionista plunge and chopped it off into a shaggy crop…not many people could pull that look off (I certainly would never attempt it) but she looks even better than before.


Some of my favourite looks are those of her caught shopping or walking around New York City, effortless and cool. Some vintage denims, plain tshirts, layered cardigans. My type of girl! However even for events, she follows the dress codes while managing to stay true to herself. See her at the Chanel A/W 09’ show wearing the Chanel monochrome tights and dress. She keeps it her own by layering lots of necklaces, unstyled hair, shades and a cool beret.


Another reason to love Zoe…her best friend is none other than Alexander Wang…yes, these two seem inseparable at events and the lucky girl gets to constantly wear his designs! Jealous much?! See them here at an after-party…she makes chunky heels with an oversized red hoody look good. And then of course wearing a Wang original at the Vogue fashion funds party. Grrrr. And i'm clearly not the only one who loves Zoe, she's also the new face of Vera Wang's Princess Fragrance!

To pull off the Zoe Kravitz look you’ll need to invest in a few staples. Worn denims, plain vests and t-shirts, layered necklaces, headbands, scarves and vintage jewellery, flat boots, …a best friend called Alexander Wang and oh I dunno, a bank balance as big as hers too?

'IT' Designer of the Future... David Koma




Cheryl Cole, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Megan Fox are all fans of fashion newbie David Koma, and although he’s been taking a lot of stick in the media industry about his quirky designs, he must be doing something right if all these famous fashionistas have been taking notice.

David graduated last year from the MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins and his first ever collection to go down the catwalk is the S/S 2010. One design now infamously donned the “CD dress”, which Cheryl Cole got slated for wearing on Xfactor.

He has given his own unique spin to the tribal and futuristic trend that a lot of designers were influenced by this season. A collection that is clearly not for the wallflowers, and is refreshingly not mainstream! His designs are injected with bright oranges and hot pinks, eclectic patterns and interesting embellishments that for once aren’t sequins, but he certainly must have a fan-base other than style-conscious celebrities, as fashion store Browns have now started stocking the young designers collection. So if you feel like taking a walk on the wild side, why not invest in a little Koma and stand out from the crowd!



Kinky Couture … Naughty, but oh so nice!



Those of you loving the Cheryl Cole 'Fight for this Love' video costumes are in for a treat… I have found where to get the dangerously sexy, spiked corset…and it will only set you back around 4000euro! The lethally embellished corset has 2-inch metal spikes and a plethora of studs, but the detail is all handmade with tender loving care…hence the hefty price-tag.


This corset is one part of the new Couture line launched by the sensual and sexy lingerie label Agent Provocateur. The line named “Soiree” has been described as the “ultimate luxury fantasy”. Other pieces available to buy (if you get on the very long waiting list) are a barely there “nipple cap” ensemble featuring strands of Swarovski crystals, while another all-in-one ensemble seemed to be made entirely of leather straps and metal studs.

Although the new line does also cater for those with less adventurous taste, with classic 40’s inspired 3-piece lace sets, pussy-bow neckties and cape details for a cuter look …it was definitely the raunchy sets that has got people talking! Perfect for those with a kinky tendency in the bedroom, this line of leather, studs, corsets and spikes won’t disappoint!

Fess up Kristen!!!

Okay so before I start getting hate mail…I too love Twilight blah blah blah! However, recently I have been seeing more and more pictures of Kristen Stewart looking gorgeously stylish…now usually this wouldn’t annoy me…except for the fact that everytime she is interviewed and asked about her style she plays along all nonchalant and claims she isn’t interested in fashion or trends!

Granted she has a stylist that makes her look this good…but if you have no interest in fashion…why bother having a stylist? If she is as uninterested as she claims, why not just wear jeans and a t-shirt to these red carpet events? Okay so there is the slight possibility that film exec bosses are telling her to look different while promoting the film, and maybe they hired the stylist…but she doesn’t seem like the type to just roll over and do what people tell her. Which is why I have come to the conclusion that Kristen Stewart is a closet fashion fanatic.

Check out her 6 most recent amazing looks:



Look 1) Kristen opted for a sheer leather dress by the Olsen twins line ‘Elizabeth and James’ for her Madrid presscall and finished her look with a pair of lust-worthy Christian Louboutin heels.



Look 2) At the Teen choice awards, she rocked out in Rock and Republic ‘Roma’ dress with plunging neckline and spiked skirt detail, but toned it down by wearing a white wife-beater top underneath.




Look 3) The first time when Kristen really looked like she’d been styled over because gone was the rock-chick, laid back edginess, in its place was a sweet girly look. She stepped out in Paris in a pretty strapless frock by J.Mendel, very classic and innocent…not exactly what you’d expect from Kristen.



Look 4) At the UK Premiere screening, she opted for a cheeky look in a multi-coloured Proenza Schouler outfit. The bright colours were great against her porcelain skin and the super-short mini skirt kept her looking ultra-feminine with a twist.




Look 5) At the LA premiere, the actress took a glamorous turn in a strapless white tulle gown by Oscar de la Renta. She kept her trademark messy hair, pale skin and dark makeup, but couldn’t get away from the Cinderella-esque style… I guess even ‘tomboys’ want a fairytale in the end.




Look 6) Here was the dealbreaker for me…no “tomboy”, uninterested in style would ever agree to wear this very risqué sheer dress. The dress, Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2010was paired with Giuseppe Zanotti 'Cindy' ankle boots. It’s edgy and quirky but still sexy…don’t tell me that isn’t premeditated style missy!

Now don’t get me wrong Kristen, I’m loving the new look…but you can’t fool me,
so come on and fess up…you’re a fashion junkie just like the rest of us!

Death of the Killer Heel?

I recently read an article in the Sunday Times Style magazine saying that the killer high heel has had it’s day…and the return of the kitten heels and sensible flats were back! Being 5”2 and a serious shoe fanatic with a closet destined to rival imelda marcos I’d like to severly debate this issue.

There are a million and one reasons why the killer heel will never die…we look better in heels, we walk better in heels, we have better posture in heels…wearing heels has even been proven to tone your upper thighs, so technically we could say wearing heels is exercise! Not only that, but heels are prettier than other shoes… you are never going to be able to compare a pair of flats to a pair of 5inch sex bombs. No Way! Shoes instantly cheer girls up, it’s like a cheaper version of therapy (well almost cheaper)…I have the most amazing pair of Topshop shoes that are aptly name “the breakup shoes”. Then I once had a very traumatic experience in Gatwick airport where I almost wasn’t allowed through the gates (long story), so again a pair of snakeskin fuschia Kurt Geiger heels were purchased in duty free and instantly the tears went away! High heel shopping is my cure for everything…to eliminate high heels from fashion, is like eliminating anti-depressants from a chemist!

Now don’t get me wrong, when I’m working or on a shoot I wear flats…not even I can run up and down Grafton street in stilettos all day. But when the occasion calls (ie. every weekend night or event) it’s high heels every time!

!

I will continue to love certain designers for continually pushing the boundaries with high heel designs. Last season Rodarte’s leather thigh highs were to-die-for and this season it’s all about Alexander McQueen! His latest S/S 10’ line had the most remarkable pieces of art I’ve ever seen, almost mythological in style. It’s refreshingly creative. Okay I won’t be buying a pair anytime soon…but I guarantee Topshop or some other highstreet label will bring out a more wearable version and baby, I’ll be first in line!

Friday, November 13, 2009

European Music Awards female fashion WARS!



Katy Perry, queen of quirky, kept her more sensible side on display while walking the red carpet as host for the EMA’s. She dazzled crowds in a stunning blush Marchesa gown with black lace detailing and a sleek up-do. She did however let her hair down as soon as she got inside the venue and donned a variety of crazy outfits, including a cheeky tribute to boyfriend Russell Brand by wearing a bespoke burlesque West Ham lingerie style outfit. Then there was the homage to a twisted prom night, in a wacky Victor and Rold designed ball-gown that looked like it had been attacked by mice. And although she was certainly hitting all the unique factors, the on-going burlesque theme, inspired by popular German Musical Cabaret is going to be huge next season with a lot of designers following the underwear as outerwear trend.

Beyonce also had a few costume changes throughout the night, but my favourite was definitely her red carpet look, in a shimmering Atelier Versace pink number which was unbelievably stunning,. The detail on the dress was exquisitel and hugged her in all the right places, her disheveled, big bouncy hair was a perfect contrast to the sleek style of the dress. Top marks for Sasha Fierce.
Brit singing sensation Leona Lewis tried to be a bit more daring than her usual look…she went for a super luxe sequined harem pants with a matching corset by designer Vivienne Westwood. Even though Hareem pants are risky at the best of times, it still looked a little boring! She had all the ingredients for a wow-factor look; sequins, corset, harem and of course Vivienne Westwood… but it just didn’t deliver!

Is Shakira morphing into Mariah Carey? It certainly looks that way in this mini “almost there” shimmer dress and slicked back hair. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. She looked way cooler at the VMA’s wearing a Balmain quilted leather mini dress with over-the-knee boots. Stick to rock n roll, sexy Shakira…it’s way more ‘she wolf’!

Pint sized popstar Pixie Lott usually impresses me on the red carpet with her sweet and sassy take on fashion, but she looked over-groomed, and a tad boring in her Dolce and Gabbana mini-dress. The sparkly shoes get a nod though…very nice!

Only rocker Juliette Lewis could possibly pull off this ultra-androgynous look, red lippy, leather on leather, bakerboy cap, over trouser boots, gold gloves and embellished belt. I love it on her…she just wouldn’t look right in a little dress…this is so much better.

Lil Kim aint so lil anymore…oh dear god! What was she thinking? There’s shock tactics and then there is ridiculous…this is ridiculous! I really, really did not want to see all of that. Leather hotpants are just so wrong, I don’t even think Gisele could get away with wearing them (who am I kidding, of course she could)! However, the jacket is actually very nice (if her breasts weren’t popping out the front) it’s got that military vibe with the gold buttons and the embellished detail on the shoulders…very on trend…that is about the only thing right with this look though!

Pocahontas eat your heart out, here we have Bar Rafaeli wearing a fringed Cavalli creation from his Spring/Summer line. Initially at first glance I didn’t love this look…but actually the nude colour, layered metal chain belts, and cool fringing make her very fashion forward but still understated.

All in all, an eclectic bunch of fashionistas there…as usual some hits, some misses…but without the misses I’d have nothing to slag off…so lil Kim, keep doing what you do best and look like trash. Thanks.

The Monokini…Practical? No. Sexy? Yes.

“The cut out swimsuit is this summer’s hottest trend, and certainly one bikini trend that just screams sex appeal…but is it practical?”




One of the biggest shock trends of the summer is cut-out swimsuits…otherwise known as the monokini! When the monokini came back into the limelight a few years ago, many thought they were just a phase, with only the super thin and super famous like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton daring to bare …until now! That scandalous ’60s bathing suit is this season’s hottest swimwear silhouette, and everyone is wearing them. More revealing than the one piece, the monokini is being worn by sexy celebs like Kim Kardashian and Audrina Patridge to hide their negative bits but highlight their curves with strategically placed cutouts. Although you don’t have to have their bodies to pull off this tricky trend!

My favorite designer styles are this season’s bandage dressing, dare-to-bare swimsuits from Hervé Léger. They were a typical example of spring’s extreme cut-out, knock-em-dead pieces that appeared on the runways of Spring 2009. But there are endless high-street styles to choose from too, with a variety of styles on option for maximum appeal. But make sure that you purchase a monokini that you will feel comfortable in, that way you will be oozing confidence at the beach, and what is sexier than a confident woman in a swimsuit?



So yes, this season’s swimwear may have been made for posing and not so much for swimming, but I think practicality is overrated! The only real downfall to a monokini is the risk of odd or unflattering tan lines. My advice? Invest in a little fake tan to even out those crazy patches!
Fashion has never been about practicality! If it was, then Thierry Mugler, Alexander Mc Queen and John Galliono would not have jobs!