Summer's Here!!

Easter Bank Holiday weekend at home, post dissertation, has translated to major relaxation sessions with friends and family, involving lots of good food, drink and of course waaaay too much chocolate in every shape and form. Unusually sunny days ensured the well deserved break was made just perfect, but at the same time, provided me with a slight cause for concern after a quick glance through my practically non-existent summer wardrobe.

Clearly not sharing my dilema, Alexa effortlessly accessorises a simple white velvet dress with vintage pendants and electric blue nails...all about the neo-nail this summer. Happiness in a bottle, courtesy of OPI.

Rihanna Rocks

Never one to shy away from controversy, Rihanna released her video for upcoming single S&M last week, which led to its ban in 11 countries and a sensorhip of the song lyrics on Radio 1. We all know as soon as  a ban is imposed, it's pretty much guaranteed to be a success - remember what happened with football stickers, tamagotchis, and yo-yos? - so I'm predicting S&M will be number one very soon. Ok, so this is not exactly material for the school playground, but then again, Rihanna's never pretended to be a sickly sweet export of The Mickey Mouse Club.

With an explosion of clashing colours and an array of latex costumes it's a little Gaga-esque, but that's never a bad thing, unless you're a censorship bore I guess...

One thing that seems to have been overlooked, however, is the fact that Rihanna actually promotes healthy eating in the video. 'Everything in moderation,' I believe is the correct term - so clearly a great role model, right?!

Ice cream - yum!

Banana - one of your five-a-day, check!

Cream - a good source of dairy

Popcorn - the healthiest cinema treat

Anne Hathaway in Marni

Too cute for words, this Marni ensemble definitely caught my eye whilst skimming over Vogue.com this morning! Admittedly, Anne's brave and slightly eccentric choice won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it. The cropped knit exposes just enough when paired with the high waisted pants, and whilst a collision of prints used to be a no-no, it's set to be a huge trend for SS '11.

Image source: glamour.com

Black Swan can do no wrong

Last week I went to see the much anticipated Black Swan, and can wholeheartedly say that it lived up to the hype - in fact it's my new favourite film. Whether you are a ballet fan, a lover of fashion, or simply a film fanatic, get your coat and go - now.

I'm sure (in fact I know) that I am not alone when I say that I love a good dance film, but Dirty Dancing / Honey / Flashdance this most certainly is not. Those in search of a cheesy chick-flick need not apply, Black Swan is far more than that and beautiful in every way. 

Natalie Portman's character is cast perfectly - well who else has the body of a ballerina without actually being one? - and the costumes are truly stunning, thanks to a little help from New York design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. (Quite how much involvement they had with regards to design is fast becoming a subject of controversy, see here...)

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8296452/Black-Swan-costume-designer-bites-back.html

 Rodarte designer, Laura Mulleavy with Natalie Portman.

If the costumes aren't enough to hold your attention for the entire duration the gripping storyline sure will. Miss it, miss out!

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.