My Top 10 of 2010

With just one day left until 2011 is upon us, I thought I'd end 2010 on a celebratory note, with a look back at this year's sartorial superstars.

1. Kate Bosworth defines sleek chic with a flawless collection of red carpet looks to date. Minimal make-up and accessories ensure her look is fresh and never try-hard. Conforming to the less-is-more mantra her style epitomises youthful sophistication, whether in a multi-hued asymetric mini or a dramatic maxi and simple white tee (below).

 In Peter Pilotto

In Jil Sander

2. Earlier this year, I wouldn't have included Katy Perry in my top 10. The crazy coloured wigs, confectionary themed video and Snoop Dog cameos were more teenage nightmare than teen dream...but towards the latter part of 2010 everything changed! Maybe it was Russell Brand's influence (maybe not?!) or maybe it was a new stylist, who knows? Either way, KP looks fab; quirky, glam, cool, and giving Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money in the girly, ballerina style below. Need I say more?

 Sparkles and stripes

In a blush pink full-skirted dress

3. Rihanna needs no introduction. She may not be the only girl in the world, but she could be the only one worth considering in the style stakes come 2011, if this year is anything to go by. A brave, bold, colour chameleon whose outfit choices insist more is more!

 In a Zambesi two-toned minidress

In paint-box brights at Capital FM, London

4. I'm crossing all fingers (and toes!) in the hope that Florence performs at V next year. Either way, I'll definitely be focusing my festival outfits around something floaty and floral, a la Flo! Unusually she does boho beauty just as well as short and sparkly, and therefore easily steals her place in the my top 10.

 In Temperley London at Party in the Park, Leeds

 At The Brit Awards

Sheer and Summery

5. Olivia Palermo's social diary may include an enviable list of cocktail parties, fashion events and holidays in the Hamptons, but that's nothing compared to her wardrobe. Her perfectly polished ensembles comprise of both high-end and high street pieces complemented with luxury accessories, such as a trusty Hermes Birkin or Mulberry Neely, and the glossiest locks I have ever seen.

 A pink petal detailed clutch adds an unexpected pop of colour

 Sitting opposite me on front row at Julian J. Smith during London Fashion Week, Sept.

A gold Rolex, tan Birkin and silver ballet flats complete the look

6. Barely a week goes by without Diane Kruger being snapped with boyfriend Joshua Jackson in at least one Chanel outfit. With a love of beautiful clothes and beautiful boys, what's not to love?

In ruffled Chanel 

7. Gwyneth Paltrow has come a long way since the weepy Oscar's acceptance speech for which she wore something which looked like a cross between a 90s bridesmaids dress and a sugared almond. Nowadays she opts for sexy, grown-up glamour, with luminous blonde locks and figure skimming dresses.

 Playing peek-a-boo in Pucci, Dec.

8. As the daughter of an ex-Vogue editor-in-chief, her style is unrivalled. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld probably played dress up in the fashion department at French Vogue whilst the rest of us were teaming the latest Disney princess outfit with our mum's heels - I'm just a little bit jealous!

Beautifully daring in an LBD and McQueen clutch

9. Eva Mendes always looks stunning in shades that complement her golden, glowing complexion. 50s silhouettes are often favoured, with a nipped-in waist to show off an hourglass figure, reminiscent of old-school Hollywood sirens.

In frou-frou dusky pink Prada

10. As one of my all time favourite syle icons, I couldn't not include Alexa Chung in this round up of 2010. Whether in Chanel or Topshop, heels or flats, Alexa always looks individual, comfortable and effortlessly cool.

 Working 60s chic with bardot-esque hair, a Chanel shift dress and mary-jane flats 

In a Topshop cardi - cute!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!! :-)

Image source: http://www.glamour.com/

Vogue Russia Dec 2010

In astrological terms, I'm a Libran, and apparently of a balanced, diplomatic character. I read an article on my supposed traits, and not being hugely into horoscopes, I was surprised by its accuracy - although nothing mentioned about cynicism funnily enough...

This discovery followed one I had previously made; the beautiful astrology themed editorial in the December issue of Vogue Russia. Latvian model Anastasija Kondratjeva was shot by photographer, Matt Irwin for this simply stunning story featuring, what seems to be, the contents of a twinkling tresure trove. Bvlgari, Graff, Tiffany and Rolex fight for attention amongst the glossy spread, where each image is based on a sign of the Zodiac.

These are not horoscope pages which tell you "an interesting stranger will appear when you least expect it blah blah blah" although if those pages looked as good as this, I might me more interested.

Here are my favourites...

Aquarius - the water carrier

 Taurus - the bull

 Cancer - the crab

 Libra - scales...just because

Scorpio - the scorpion

image source: http://www.thefashiontime.com/

MTV Video Music Awards 2010

Celebs went crazy for metallics at the VMAs, held last Sunday at the Nokia Theatre in LA. An icy white carpet provided the perfect backdrop for shimmering shades from platinum and oyster to burnished gold.

Florence Welch looked a-mazing in a champagne hued floor length gown by Givenchy Couture. Panelling detail accentuates a teeny tiny waist, whilst matching accessories ensure a streamlined look. With the addition of the belt, as modelled during the Givenchy Couture presentation, Florence would have been bang on.

Gaga also enjoyed a golden night, not least because she walked away with eight awards...style-wise the steaks (ahem) were typically high in an outfit made of meat, and this Alexander McQueen creation - pure theatre.

Selena Gomez dazzled in a fluid Reem Acra dress with jewelled bodice and heels by Brian Atwood.

MTV's golden girls used metallics to highlight their Hollywood tans. Audrina Partridge chose a sparkling Isaac Mizrahi mini,while Lo Bosworth opted for an edgier style, wearing a burnished gold, single-sleeved dress with asymetrical neckline by Gabriela Cadena.

Katy Perry's Marchesa number combined the pretty and the punky, with a ruffled snowy white skirt and tattoo effect mesh body. Jimmy Choo heels decorated with silver stars accessorised perfectly.

Chung Does Couture

Admittedly, it's not often I dislike Alexa's choice of outfit (actually it's never), but the chosen ensemble for last week's GQ Men of the Year Awards is most definitely worthy of a mention. A long sleeved, jacket and pleated mini by Valentino Couture with metallic Chanel Couture ankle boots, proved a refreshing contrast against a red carpet full of body-con dresses and floor length gowns.

I looooove everything about this look, from the bow tie and the flowing jacket tail to the almost space-age style boots complete with pearly platform. More than anything though, I love how, despite the hoards of hot male atendees (JLS, Ed Westwick, Mark Ronson, Freddie Flintoff...) she refused to flash the flesh and wore something only women would truly 'get.'

Serious Shoe Lust Starts Here

It's usually at this point in the season, when I feel the need to start anticipating, if not constructing a carefully devised list of all my must-haves for Autumn.

I'm bored of flip-flops, there's not much need for sunglasses, and my maxi dresses no longer hold the maximum appeal they once had. I'm actually looking forward to opaque tights, leather leggings, the new season's shearling jackets...Mad? Probably! 

And then we come to the shoes, and River Island's very clever copy of the those from Miu Miu's SS10 collection.

Personally, I'd go for the navy option, worn with bare legs now, and thick tights and a mini when it's no longer wise to flash the flesh on a night out (unless frostbite's your thing).

OK, so they aren't Miu Miu (see genuine article below), but they are a pretty good option if you don't have around £300 to splash. Plus, River Island's version is slightly more wearable, with less of a platform and a lower heel; still, at around 4.5 inches, said shoes should probably not be worn around anyone afflicted with 'short man syndrome.'

And here are a few more images from Miuccia's gorgeous 'Meow Meow' collection...

Images from smokeye.wordpress.com

Festival Fever

So, seeing as Glastonbury kicks off today, I thought I'd put an end to my naughty lack of blogging, with a festival themed post. Unsurprisingly, all things fashion have become fest-focussed of late, and everyone who's anyone has been bulk buying the Batiste in preparation. I'm obviously a nobody, as I'm not going :( however, a friend's 21st in Derbyshire will be equally as fun, complete with champagne and cupcakes, and thankfully minus a tent.

Fearne, Katy and Alexa show us how to slum-it in style...

A Barbour jacket, floaty dress and Office boots are perfectly paired for a stylish but functional look.

Never one to blend into the background, Katy Perry ups her fash-credentials in neon Vuitton.

Alexa understands the importance of great accessories no matter what the occasion, coordinating muted tones with black espadrilles, peeking bra straps and of course, a quilted Chanel bag.

Despite the obvious paradoxes, this season designers showed us how catwalk and campsite can combine to form a very happy 'fashion marriage.'

Chloe brings the classic Barbour up to date, teaming its version with the only shorts to be seen in this season. Leather may be sweaty but at least it's waterproof!

Emmulate Kate in fringed boots and a waistcoat. Metallic printed hareems, as seen at Isabel Marant, add a touch of glamour and bring 2005s 'boho' into 2010.

If Katy Perry can wear Louis Vuitton, I can wear Balmain...(if only in my dreams).

Images from glamour.com and style.com

Influence by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

Yesterday, while convincing myself that I was doing valuable 'research' for the dreaded dissertation; I stumbled across something which I just had to buy. Instead of presenting me with the perfect book for my topic, clever old Amazon distracted my thoughts with 'suggested purchases.'

Amongst the beautiful hardback editions of The Sartorialist and Ten Years of Tom Ford (which at £72.56 and £50 respectively, I could quite easily bypass), up popped Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's, Influence.

For way too long now, whenever I go into Urban Outfitters, I manage to waste far too much time flicking through the pages, absorbing each beautiful image and feeling a tiny bit envious of their connections to Karl et al. So technically, it was a must-buy really, the consistent wasting of valuable shopping time being a crime of some sort, I’m sure.

I’m pretty excited about the book’s arrival, which should be any day now! In the meantime here are a few fashion treats, and if like me, you feel that Influence is a must-buy, simply click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/

 

Ashley in Calvin Klein

Mary Kate in complete outfit by Giambattista Valli

Mary Kate in Givenchy leather jacket, boots by Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton scarf

Images from Style.com & fuckyeahmarykateashley