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

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.

MTV Movie Awards 2010

I aim to celebrate fashion through my blogging comentary, featuring what, in my opinion, are the best looks, the most stylish and inspirational. Sometimes, however, it's hard to be complementary and all too easy to be critical.

Sunday night's MTV Movie Awards saw more style shockers than I care to recall, with Katy Perry leading the way as a repeat offender. In order to save the best 'til last, I inevitably have to start with the worst...

Zuhair Murad dress with Rock & Republic heels.

Hmmm, I've seen transparent mesh 'decorated' with strategically placed crystals before. Britney Spears wore something strikingly similar in her Toxic video...word of advice to Katy Perry; take fashion tips from Britney and you will end up with a truly toxic look. Regarding the blue wig - words fail me.

Dress by Herve Leger, shoes as before

Dress by Atelier Versace, platform pumps by YSL

It puzzles me as to why Christina Aguilera still insists on relentlessly championing the hair and make up of a 50s sex siren. It isn't new or surprising anymore, it's standard and what is expected from Xtina (cringe). The bandage style top with oversized chain straps is all a bit Jodie Marsh, and the bottom half weirdly reminds me of the body of a blackbird, all shiny feathered and oily looking. Far too try-hard and far too tacky when paired with a peroxide quiff and stripper heels.

Dress by Dolce & Gabbana

I don't want to jump on the bandwagon and become yet another one of Kristen Stewart's very harsh critics, but when you are a star of cult classic movies, and have access to the world's greatest stylists, I think you should use them.

Pamela Roland jumpsuit

Lindsay Lohan; always cheap, never chic.

Now for the best part, providing the perfect remedy for the above...

Dress by Giambattista Valli

Looking fresh and demure, Jessica Biel proves you don't have to let it all hang out in order to get noticed.

Dress by Louise Goldin

Jessica Alba looks super cool in sheer, sparkling leggings and a sports inspired dress, by British designer Louise Goldin.

Yigal Azrouël dress, Sergio Rossi heels

Whitney gets it just right, as usual, setting off her golden tan in zesty lemon and nude body-con. Gold accessories add the perfect dose of glamour...check out the shoes!!!

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall with Roger Vivier accessories

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall with Jimmy Choo shoes

I've spotted Amanda Seyfried out and about in a whole host of super stylish outfits recently. Definitely one to watch I think...

Whitney Port: Style File

Whoever said having your own personal style was all about loyally following one particular look or formula was wrong. I'm not sure that anybody has actually said this, but it's the general consensus, right? Stick to what suits, job done...Sure it's safe, but it's also a tad dull.

The 'Sienna effect' highlights my point exactly, as girls and women of all ages embraced the Boho trend season after season. By having such a definite style, and hardly ever straying from the skinny jeans or maxi skirt and gladiators combo, Sienna Miller's look was easily replicated. Yes, she did look great, but by 2008 we were all a little bored of Boho, no?

Whitney Port, on the other hand, likes to mix it up. Whether at work or play, her stylish mix of Californian cool and New York gloss never fail to inspire. Quirky combinations keep her look fresh, unexpected and formula free. The only common features appear to be her trade mark honey-hued locks and effortlessly long legs.

Cute & Casual

Never knew florals and a frown could look so chic?

Pink flats add a pop of colour

Trying out the tribal trend at this year's Coachella

Groomed to perfection in geometric brights and brogues

Love this 50s inspired playsuit!

High-tops shoot to the top of my wish list after spying this look

Proving she can play the casual card just as well without the sun

After Dark

Leather shorts, this season's hottest item

Steering clear of her usual edgy style in favour of girly glamour

A simple white tee = easy chic

Needing this dress, right now!

A Topshop jacket adds a touch of Brit grunge

Patterned tights inject interest into an otherwise simple look

Nautical + Floral = Potential nightmare, actual dream

Another successful white dress and patterned tights combo

The Hills star turns to Hollywood glamour