Monday 26 December 2011

Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Collection

Karl Lagerfeld created some absolutely beautiful ensembles with his presentation of a Paris-Indian fusion that is the Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Collection showcased at the  Paris-Bombay Métiers d'Art show a few weeks ago.


Rich, luxurious fabrics and elaborate accessorising and embellishments produced such opulence. 
I have a great appreciation of the intricate details in this collection, along with the combination of textures, the mixing of metallic colours and general grandeur of each piece. 
Little  commentary is needed as the creations  definitely speak for themselves..


















Images courtesy of style.com

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Sparkle, Shimmer and Shine - Fabulous Festive Looks

Well that time of year is upon us, once again...Christmas! And hasn't it spun around rather rapidly this year?!


Are you slightly anxious about what to wear for all the Christmas and New Year Dos that are happening?! Well, I have selected some on-trend pieces to give you ideas on what to wear for this party season along with some tips on accessorising and dressing for your shape.

It really is all about maximising on the glam this festive season! Sequins, beading and glitter in abundance and this is the time of year when you can go completely over the top and get away with it! After all, its tradition, right? What's more, the catwalk sparkles massively this season, with designers such as Dolce and Gabbana leading the way:
Dolce and Gabbana A/W '11
Now, if you really want to shine (literally!) at the Christmas Do this year, then opt for the ultimate statement dress - a fully sequined number, like the two featured below. 
Team with contrasting but complimentary coloured accessories that also contain hints of the colour of the dress or chosen footwear to pull the outfit together cohesively.
But you can also, alternatively, just let the dress speak for itself and keep accessories to a minimum. 


(left to right, anti-clockwise) River Island gold,full length, sequinned dress, Aldo green siaperas, Topshop deco embellished clutch,  Dune champagne platform court,  Kurt Geiger bejewelled black sandals, French Connection cobalt blue sequinned, cap-sleeved dress, Topshop beaded clutch.


Are you tall with super-long legs and a slim frame? Then maybe go for a dress like the gold-sequined full-length River Island gown (as above). Do you possess an enviable curvaceous figure - particularly voluptuous hips? Then you can "rock" a dress like the French Connection cobalt blue which is structured to be fitted to show off that hour-glass shape whilst still keeping it chic.


Notice the similarities between the High Street River Island ensemble and the Dolce and Gabbana gown:
Optimum glitz: Right: Dolce and Gabbana. Left: River Island
Metallics are also all the rage this season so experiment with mixing textures using other on-trend fabrics such as fur, velvet and leather with your chosen metallic piece for an edgy, "glam rock" look. Fur is always a great way to bring in some háute couture:


Left to right, anti-clokwise: Topshop velvet gold studded corset, Topshop silver metallic pleated skirt, Zara patchwork sandals, Topshop Premium white square earrings, Warehouse flower double Alice band, Zara metallic dress
Whatever your outfit of choice this season, ensure that you carry it off with grace, individuality and class.


Happy holidays!

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Vogue's Online Fashion Week - Chanel Party Beauty Video

Make-Up Giant Chanel have shot a short video for the second day (today!) of Vogue's Online Fashion Week 2011 with ambassador Kate Montano sharing tips on how to look after winter skin, creating the perfect party looks and festive glamour along with Red Carpet make-up "cheats" using Chanel products. Enjoy....



Chanel Party Beauty Video - CLICK HERE


Monday 5 December 2011

Oh Beyoncé! You are beautiful, but where are your clothes, my dear?!

I was one of the millions of viewers, undoubtedly, who was intently watching ITV's "An audience with Beyoncé"  last night.
It has to be said, the girl's really been blessed with some raw talent. Her stage presence and commitment to her performances is unparalleled and as a fellow singer, I do also appreciate her incredible, effortless vocal ability.

However, I have a a little gripe with our friend Bey, I'm afraid, and that is her apparent increasing desire to be "scantily clad"! A particular example being the ridiculously risqué embellished catsuit (below) that she donned on the stage during last night's performance. The design and flesh-coloured fabric was very blatantly structured to make her appear to be almost naked (tut-tut), with just a few sequins and diamontés strategically placed to partially conceal her modesty.
Suffice to say, there was almost nothing left to the imagination. 
Beyoncé has a fantastic body with covetable curves in all of the right places, but some of them should really just be for Jay-Z's eyes only.


The revealing catsuit, ITV performance

Here's another "barely there" (and trés tacky) outfit that Beyoncé rocked back in 2009:

MTV Music Awards 2009 - Red corset and suspenders...really, Bey? Oh, this is very disappointing! 
It seems to be all the rage for artists to parade in next to nothing whilst gyrating erotically across the stage - Rihanna is an avid believer in this, as is JLo, Lady Gaga and even our Kelly Rowland appears to have jumped on that bandwagon. These are all attractive and beautiful women who have no need to strip off in order to be viewed as such.

"But it's a stage outfit and she's an artist..", I hear you say. But is that ever really a viable excuse to be indecently exposed? 
I ask you: does a breast or derrière cease to be what it is just because it is being displayed on a stage as opposed to the street?

What is of paramount concern is that these artists are essentially "role models" to the impressionable young girls of today who hold them in high esteem. They are being conditioned to believe that there are no boundaries when it comes to attire and sadly will desire to emulate this type of tacky dress-sense.

It is not my wish to come across as self-righteous but I am expressing these views in the hope of stimulating thought and encouraging modesty.

One of my mottos that I have in regards to fashion and displaying dignity and class that I would like to share is this: you can be appealing without revealing.
Don't subscribe to the lie, ladies - less is definitely NOT more and certainly not at the expense of your dignity.


On the flip side, and in the spirit of striking a balance in this argument,  here are some images of Beyoncé where she looks postively stunning, classy....and fully dressed!