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

Lara Stone - The Face of CK and Fashion As We Know It

Since signing with IMG in 2006, Lara Stone has catapulted into supermodel stardom. Despite being dubbed the 'anti-model' due to her gappy grin and curvy proportions (by model standards at least), she managed to break the mould, landing contracts with Prada, Louis Vuitton, H&M, Givenchy and Calvin Klein amongst others.

Daria Werbowy & Lara Stone in H&M S/S 10 campaign shot by Patrick Demarchelier

Although she replaced Kate Moss as the face of Calvin Klein Jeans in 2007, the new contract will see Stone front all brand apparel advertising and catwalk appearances for autumn, marking the first time in years Calvin Klein has chosen one model to front all three of its brands (Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans).

The Collection campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Natalia Vodianova have all previously benefitted from the kudos of being Calvin Klein girls, however, with a long list of credible covers, campaigns and editorials already under her tightly cinched belt, it may be CK who benefits the most.

Cool Covers

i-D, November 08, shot by Alasdair McLellan

Numero, September 09, shot by Karl Lagerfeld

British Vogue, December 09, shot by Mario Testino

Amazing Editorials

Another, Spring 07, shot by Horst Diekgerdes

 V magazine, May 09, shot by Mario Testino

Controversial French Vogue shoot for which Lara's skin was painted black

October 09, shot by Steven Klein

Runway Ready

S/S 08, R-T-W Marni

S/S 09 R-T-W Stella McCartney

S/S 10 Givenchy couture

The queen of the catwalk married the err...queen of British comedy, David Walliams earlier this year wearing an ivory satin dress by Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci. Held at Claridge's, the service was typically 'fashion' with guests including Jefferson Hack and Tom Ford.

So, in a little less than 5 years, Stone's been thrown into the world of all things fashion, adored by Carine Roitfeld, multiple designers, top phtographers, oh and David Walliams...whatever next? I can't wait to find out.

Belles of the Ball

Last night, whilst the rest of us prepared for the working week ahead, in our pyjamas with a cup of tea perhaps, the fashion elite slipped into their couture and cracked open the Cristal for the annual Costume Institute Gala. Co-hosted by Anna Wintour (who wore SS08 Chanel couture btw) and held at Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the glittering event gave the brightest style-stars yet another chance to shine. And my ten best dressed dolls are (in no particular order, because that would just be too hard)...

Jessica Szohr's caramel complexion carried off this nude silk tulle and black lace gown to perfection. Long, lean limbs were a key feature for both Gossip Girls, as Jessica's halterneck Atelier Versace number showcased her arms in the same way Blake's dress accentuated her 'look-at-me' legs. Sapphire blue Marchesa ensured Blake Lively sparkled amongst a sea of neutral tones.

Since nude is the new black, for SS10 at least, it was hardly surpising that a few celebs opted for this on-trend theme. Gwen Stefani paired a whispy, champagne sheath dress from her L.A.M.B. line with the usual dramatic red lips and smoky eyes. Contrastingly, Sarah Jessica Parker took an altogether more natural approach, styling her Halston gown (yes, another one!) with perfectly polished skin and a Carrie-style corsage...lovely!

Proenza Schouler catapulted Chloe Sevigny even further up the style charts, with this teal tutu dress. Amazing, with understated hair and make-up and chunky shoes by the same label.

Zoe Saldana appeared elegant and sophisticated in figure a hugging Calvin Klein creation. Proving less is most definitely more, accessories were kept to a minimum with nothing more than an oversized cuff and mirrored clutch. Although, more was, well, more, in the case in Jennifer Lopez who chose to work old school Hollywood glamour in icey blue Zuhair Murad with similarly stunning results.

Next up...best dressed couples!

Marking their first public appearance together since Jude's affair with the nanny (oh, and not forgetting having a baby with an unknown 'model') this was the occassion for Sienna to dress to impress like never before. The plunging neckline and graduated hem of her Emilio Pucci dress ensured Sienna looked quirky but classic, and although I hate to say this, she did have the best accessory of the night! No need to look so smug, Jude...

Diane Kruger and Josh Hartnet were another impecably dressed duo. Proving frou-frou frills, embellishment and glitz aren't the only way to achieve glamour, Kruger's Calvin Klein floor-sweeper is one of my firm favourites. Clean lines and crisp white appear modern and polished amongst fussier silhouetes.

And finally, although not the best look of the night, Gisele proved that supermodels really do look good in a bin liner (a shredded, Alexander Wang bin liner.)