Plait's a problem

(Alexander Wang)
At the moment I'm in a rut. A hair rut. I've been trying to grow out a 'Pob' that turned into a neat-bob, that turned into a sienna miller eat-your-heart-out shaggy do' for the best part of two and a half years - and now my hair is almost the ideal length, its wasted on me. Yes, inspiration flits my way occasionally as i peruse Grazia or flick through Elle, but nothing sticks.

The only thing that has grabbed my interest is the Wang plaits of s/s10. I hesitate in wearing a style like that just yet though because i always associate such things with summer? Playing gymnastics with my little sister (and occasionally brother although he would never admit to such a thing) licking calypso ice lollies on the grass, my hair in a loose plait and my sisters fashioned the same. Except now these plait - which two years ago may have seemed 'country' are on the runway. Swishing from models heads; recreated, disheveled, pinned and sprayed. Last summer hair was centrally parted, a strand of hair taken from each temple, braided, then pinned at the back of the head. This year its about one big plait. Fish-tailed or pulled up to the models crown. Here's some pictures which may inspire you to adopt the plait with your hair....


A/W10 Dior

Nicole Richie

Blondie

Mega plait/twist

London Fashion Week

This week it one exciting time to be around the city. London Fashion week kicked off on Friday and continues to this wednesday, where designers Antonio Berardi, Nicole Farhi, and of course the quintessentially British brand Burberry all show their Autumn/Winter '10 collections. My most anticipated shows this season are Erdem, Louise Goldin and Basso & Brooke as these designers never dissapoint. Im interested to see where Louise Goldin takes her futuristic coned-bra beauties of seasons past for winter, and Basso & Brooke's Carribean colour-schemes. We've already had a sneak preview of Erdem's satin blue petal dress worn by Ashely Olsen at the Golden Globes, which has wet our appetites and left us hungry for more. Watch this space....

The Dresses that got away...

Left on the rails but not forgotten, these dresses may not have made it on the red carpet at The Grammy's or even the Golden Globes, but are still leave us frothing at the mouth and delirious with desire.


Glamourous silk drape Lanvin dress.
(Keep an eye out for Alber Elbaz's pre-fall collection where mix-match animal prints and Parisian chic are tres beau)


Lavender Gucci dress, with contrasting noir detail and central thigh-length slit.


Nude Grecian maxi-gown by Elie Saab.


Powder blue hand-stitched dress, Elie Saab Couture

Google with the girls

The end of January has come and gone, the new years resolutions have taken a turn for the worse and perhaps worst of all - the hope that spring is just round the corner has faded. As a little pick me up, myself and some girlfriends decided to reap the benefits of Google Images, lay in bed watching deal or no deal and surround ourselves with stuffed animals, cups of hot sugary tea and fur blankets....here are the results. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did:


Mary Kate in sequined mini-dress


Alber created this luxe Lanvin dress for S/S10


Elie Saab Couture


Kate's gorgeous Calvin Klein peachy dress


Ashley's Prada Turban headband and Givenchy bag

I want to share..

I want to share with you this week....Chanel Le Vernis. How beautiful is this nail colour? I brought it over the christmas period when buying for others made me crave something of my own to play with!



Nude polish to me is demure, classy and elegant. Not only will it blend in during the day, but is an amazing colour for spring. I always use two coats, then a clear gloss over the top to stop chips and create shine.

*TIP: Paint a clear coat of nail polish over your nails every day to minimize chipping and keep nails looking fresh.*

Colour: 485 DJANGO

Christmas Finds

This weekend was supposed to be the busiest for the high street, with less than a week to go until christmas. I finished up some christmas shopping today, but do you find its much more tempting to buy for yourself? Especially when you know its completely selfish to do so. Anyway here's what caught my eye on the high street....







1. Tea and Sympathy Please hot-water bottle, Velevt Brighton
2. Velvet longline brassier, Topshop
3. Pearl Necklace, Accessorize
4. D&G L'Imperatrice perfume, Debenhams

Coleen Atwood

Coleen Atwood is having a bit of a moment right now. As costume designer for the latest musical hit-film Nine, which features a plethora of gorgeous stars, she has achieved Patricia Field like status.

Having previously worked on successful films like Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago and Sweeney Toddit's nice to see a costume designer thriving right now. Here are some stills from the film and previous works....


Penelope Cruz - Nine


Kate Hudson - Nine


Johnny Depp - ALice In Wonderland (2010)


Mia Wasikowska - ALice In Wonderland (2010)


Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter - Sweeney Todd

Marchesa

Georgina Chapmans brand Marchesa has been seen on the likes of Katy Perry, Diane Kruger, Kerry Washington and Kate Beckinsale - and it's no suprise. The S/S 10 collection is extremly covetable with the elegant designs ranging from starched silk kimono dresses to corseted evening gowns. Full bows nip in waists, overlaid black lace is crafted on nude silk and cream taffeta decorates mini dresses. Even if you can't afford to be a fairytale princess like J.Lo or Penelope Cruz, a girl can dream and we can take comfort in the fact some high street stores will be reproducing similar designs at a fraction of the price come spring.
<3


Olivia Wilde


Penelope Cruz


Camilla Belle and Katy Perry


Jennifer Lopez


Blake Lively


Kristen Bell

Weekend Inspiration

Take inspiration from these lovelies this weekend, and combine chic separates to achieve NYC cool or Hollywood luxe.



Kristin Cavallari, The Hills season 5 Finale, NYC


Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, NYC


Whitney Port, West Hollywood

Winter Warmers

This year i started early. No not christmas shopping, searching for my staple coat. As the temperature drops, i like to have a lovely coat waiting for me to start the winter season off, and protect me from the chilly autumnal air. This year was no different. I started searching in September, and by the end of the month i had brought two coats, which i have since returned. So now, we are well and truly in Autumn, with apocoliptic weather threatening to ruin our christmases and i am without a coat.

On the surface, the buying of the garment is easy enough. I could even accomplish it from the safety of my own bed, with a tea in one hand, a hot water-bottle in the other, and my mac on my lap. However the coat not only has to match the majority of my footwear, but also has to not make me look like ive lost a fight with a puffy sleeping bag. So i have looked for celebrities for style-spiration. Have a look at how Leighton Meester, my idol Whitney Port and Kate Moss have done it.



Leighton Meester, Dec 01 09 NYC


Kate Moss, Dec 01 09, London


Whitney Port, Dec 01 09, NYC

If you have already brought your winter coat, how about investing in these cute winter warmers for the festive season?



By Malene Birger, £100


Topshop, £12


Marcus Lupfer, £195


Marc by Marc Jacob, £105

Camilla Craves McQueen

Actress Camilla Belle loves British Designer Alexander McQueen. Most recently she wore an ruffled encrusted blue mini dress from his S/S10 collection to the 2012 premier. Here she was also carrying a silver McQueen box clutch (below). Earlier this year she wore a kaleidoscopic print dress by the same designer (right). 

Which look do you prefer? 

        

We heart Taylor

Taylor Swift appeared on Saturday Night live on November 7th, and i came across her singing this monologue shortly after. I had to post it as it is soooo funny as she makes light hearted jokes about 'Kanyegate' and her failed relationship with Joe Jonas. 

(Sorry i couldn't find a better video, you have to skip to 50 secs in)

xx<3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeiLHFeSMfk

Z Spoke

The ladies who shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and very lucky indeed. Zac Posen has created a new line which will be in store for spring, and with a price point which starts from $78, everyone can have their cake and eat it. 

For this new venture, Posen has cleverly incorporated American Sportswear into his aesthetic, a hugh trend for next season. Incorporating stylish khaki pants, cotton shirts and blazers, the Z Spoke collection is a welcome change from his normal evening wear look.

What do you think of Zac's new range?