John Galliano: Genius, Showman, Racist?

My day started today by reading a tweet from my friend Emma Jordan over at ifashion, about whether she should post the video of suspended Dior designer, John Galliano's drunken rant that has shocked and saddened the fashion world. I understood her dilemma. I have held off commenting or posting about this situation. Mostly because at first I really didn't want it to be true. Also, because I abhor any and all bigotry and couldn't reconcile this with my absolute favourite designer in the world. "Noooooo," I wanted to shout to the world, "don't destroy my idols." And yet, there is little to mitigate these circumstances and face them, I must.
And so it is with relief that I read one of my other idols, Hillary Alexander's piece on the situation. With both compassion and sternness, she speaks sense. She reminds us that, no matter what, John Galliano has given us fashion-lovers so much, and so we must support him when he needs us. Not condone or enable his behaviour, but with the love we have for him, pick him up and show him a better way so that we might be able to bask in the glory of his work once more. 
We know that racist, bigoted behaviour is unacceptable in ANY circumstances. On this I am immovable. But as John Galliano's life crashes and burns, hopefully redemption and healing can take its place. This is about as close to religion as I come. Because I simply can't set aside the times that John Galliano's work has moved me to tears, inspired me to smiles and filled my heart with a joy I have only rarely experienced. I just can't.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Best Dressed

No question at all in my mind who was the best dressed at the Oscars last night. Cate Blanchette. Stunning in Givenchy couture. Soft and beautiful, combined with unexpected and alien. She almost made me weep with joy and prettiness.
Next up was Mila Kunis, in my red-carpet-pick Elie Saab, also looked utterly amazing. Top drawer. Wonderful.

And then there was Dame Helen Mirren. Looking smashing. Looking sexy. Looking like the dame that she is in Vivienne Westwood. Pure, unadulterated class. Although, not without a twinkle of wickedness in her eye.
And I will give the Rodarte on Natalie Portman a final place for the glorious colour, the sophisticated maternity angle and the general loveliness. But not for the short arms. Never for the short arms. They offend me to my core. I can't even watch The Black Swan because no dancer would have such short arms. I've said my piece. We will speak of it no more.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Nude - Who Wore it Best?

The biggest dress trend at the Oscars last night was the shimmery, iridescent nude shades that so many of the leading ladies wore. They all looked lovely, but who wore it best? I couldn't decide, so I asked the office here at O Magazine to vote out of these four. They all had something going for them. For example Gwyneth's Calvin Klein sheath was sleek and sophisticated and was accessorised with gorgeous Louis Vuitton jewellery. But Luisa and Megan couldn't get past the shiny trashiness of the dress and Luisa says, 'I can never trust a smiling Gwyneth.' So she was out. 

Michelle Williams looked quiet and pretty and classy in her Chanel. But Kerry's cry of 'she's a ghost' put everyone off it. Best Supporting Actress, Melissa Leo's dress, (she of the f-word) is intriguing, made as it is from hundreds of mirrors by SA-born designer Mark Bouwer. I was pushing for the local angle, but the design didn't get the sign-off from any of the panel.

And so, by default, the win goes to Mandy Moore who looked 'most Oscar-ish' but the memo has been sent out for nest year - step away from the nude shades ladies, it washes you out. The last word on the matter is anonymous, "couldn't any of them have stretched to putting on a damn necklace to brighten things up?" I will leave it there.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Red - Who Wore it Best?

So obviously I love Sandra Bullock. If only she cared more about handbags, frocks and shoes, I would have her in my fantasy book club in a heartbeat. I would. And I think that she looked lovely last night at the Oscars. She also was totally on-trend in her Vera Wang red gown. As was host, Anne Hathaway, in the first of her seven outfits for which her stylist Rachel Zoe charged a staggering amount of money. She got most of them right though, so that's cool.
The big surprise for me though was Jennifer Lawrence. I had never heard of her before the Golden Globes (neither had you so don't roll your eyes), and she wore Louis Vuitton to that, and a rather unflattering pink number to the SAGs. I had all but brushed her off as someone that was unnecessary to my brain capacity. And then she turned up at the Oscars looking like a cross between Candice Swanepoel and Jessica Rabbit in this simple floor-sweeper by Calvin Klein. So lovely. She wins.

Oscars Red Carpet: Jade Jewellery - Who Wore it Best?

One of the most striking trends of the Oscars Red Carpet in 2011 was the popularity of jade jewellery pieces (thanks to Angelina). For me the winner of the trend-off is unquestionably the mighty Annette Benning. Not only do I love her for always, always looking just prop-vol delight to be where ever she happens to be, but I think she has chosen exactly the right earrings for her outfit and hair.
Someone needs to have a quiet word with lovely Amy Adams who has cleverly combined navy and jade, but who seems to have done 'a Nicole Kidman' - you know, the unnecessary jewellery on top of dress syndrome...
Celine has gone all old school, so we will just leave it there and Reece has kept it simple and pretty, unlike the hair. But Annette is just perfect. It makes me happy.
Don't hesitate to try this yourself. Grab yourself a wonderful jade piece from the markets or accessory stores and team it with navy, black, green, grey or white. Keep your hair up for earrings, your décolletage open for a neckpiece, and you will be great.

Trend Alert: Oversized Geek Glasses

At Design Indaba yesterday, it has become apparent that my giant, enviable, vintage spectacles are no longer mine alone. Everywhere you look there are hipsters in large, black-frames glasses.
Obviously, it is a trend, although I am fighting admitting it as I really don't want to have to give mine up when they are no longer cool. In fact, when I was at London Fashion Week last week, I got stopped and asked several times about my specs. It warmed my heart but sent a shiver down my spine at the same time. Argh, the vagaries of fashion. The dastardly middle-class problems I have!
And now look, Oscar presenter, Anne Hathaway, lovely as she is, is wearing them. Sigh. Really? Already? What should I do? Let me know.

Royal Wedding Style: Kate Middleton Reduces, Reuses, Recycles

On her first official day-time public engagement yesterday, Royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton accompanied Prince William to a lifeboat naming ceremony in their hometown of Anglesey (I know, these are the important issues of the day). But despite being a curious use of their time, Kate did set a great example with her style - as she reworked an old herringbone coat, refreshing it and making it a more modern design. A Royal recycling project!
She wore the coat much longer back in 2006, but recently had it shortened to work with her current style. Much has been made of her appropriate feathered facinator, but I was more pleased to see that she was wearing brown opaque tights (yes!) and a very modern ankle boot. Very well played, Kate, much improved.

The Two and Mememe Cheapy McCheap Cheap End of Summer Sale

I never just cut and paste PR copy. First of all, I always have my own crazy story to tell you, so it is almost never relevant. In fact, unless the press release is great, I seldom read past the second paragraph. And second, PR copy sounds like PR copy, and you guys would totes give me a hard time about it. But this headline is copied verbatim from my friend Miss Milli B's email. Anything that uses the phrase "Cheapy McCheap Cheap" gets my vote.
So gang, if you are in Jozi next week, get your stylish selves down to the Two/Mememe sale in Parkhurst and  then come back here and boast about your fashion bargains.
Milisuthando works tirelessly to promote local fashion and has been the rallying voice behind wearing SA fashion on a Friday in Joburg. Blogger, retailer, fashionista, writer, she is also magazine star in the latest March issue of O Magazine. Go and check her out now if you haven't bought your copy!

Breaking News: Michelle Obama Has A New Stylist

Michelle Obama has a new stylist. She is 29-year-old Meredith Koop (top left), Mrs O's current personal assistant. “Ms. Koop’s responsibilities include advising the First Lady on her wardrobe and acting on her behalf in arranging for purchases, including considering the best offered price and buying on discount if discounts are available,” Kristina Schake, a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said. 
Meredith Koop is said to be responsible for Obama’s latest fashion choices, including the controversial Alexander McQueen gown she wore to a state dinner recently. In addition to her styling duties, she also helps in “managing the demands on her time and schedule, along with other day-to-day requirements for keeping the residence running smoothly.” So, how did this stylist score the gig? She used to work for Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman (top right), Obama’s previous unofficial stylist.
All the best to Meredith. She has a nation's fashion hopes riding on her shoulders. Alert to local designers - if you want the Obama effect on your label, Meredith Koop is now the lady to persuade.
Sadly we can't find out more about Meredith Koop as she is not allowed to give interviews or talk to the media. Sigh.

Sylvie Says: Ombre-s It!

(Really? That's the heading she sends? Like this blog is a cheap and tacky tabloid! Humph. But I did warn you yesterday in my trends piece that ombre hair was on its way...and here it is. Enjoy.)

Hi all. So its a rare thing indeed when Robyn and I disagree on a trend. I finally got her to agree that my much coveted Swedish Hasbeen’s Jodphur Clogs were ‘ok’ but I’m not allowed to tell a soul. And I granted her her long pleated skirt (with a minimum of whining). But we cannot reach agreement on Ombre hair.
You see – I like it. She doesn’t. I like it so much that if I had Hair with a capital H I would do it, but I don’t. I have a crop, and if I did it, I would look like I had a crop with frosted tips. And that’s definitely a look we agree to hate on!
I loved it when I first saw it on Drew and Nicole – and I think my buddy Kate Moss may even have done it for a fraction of a style second. And it sort of reminds me of Debbie Harry.
But, there are rules:

1. It should not look as if your roots are growing out;
2. It should look as if your roots are growing out EVENLY;
3. The tips should be coloured regularly to keep them fresh and not all dried out and dusty;
4. Ditto the roots;
5. It can be done with extensions – BUT (again with the but) they must be fresh, human hair, high quality, beautifully coloured and well maintained;
6. Ombre hair is not an excuse for shampoo dodging – neither is matte hair for that matter;
7. Dip dying your ombre hair in hot pink or orange is not a look;
8. Matching your dip dyed ombre hair to your buddy’s.... Well I think you know the answer to this one.

Try Huey or Nicole at Love Hair Salon – they’re hip and they know about stuff like this
LOVE, 5 Wandel Street, Dunkley Square Gardens, Cape Town or www.lovehairsalon.com
[Obviously we are deeply grateful to MasterCard and L'Oreal Paris, as ever, for sending us to London so we could discover the trends first, for you]

StyleGuideCT at London Fashion Week 2011

I thought that I might prove to you that I was actually at LFW by posting a lovely photo of moi. I like this photo because (as is traditional with street style photography at the shows) I am small and the background is large. No not really. I am actually shamelessly free of issues. I like it because it features my lovely bright new scarf from Zara. Also my quilted utility from Uniqlo. And my Tods loafers. Combined as they are with my old favourite David West dress and a Craducci Women boyfriend blazer under the puffer. Yes, it was that cold. And then some. Brrrr.
It is of course shot at Somerset House last Friday, the first day of LFW this season.
Comments are welcome, naturally.

Design Indaba: Design for Dignity

As many of you will know, I spent a rather unfortunate time in the hospital earlier this year. And there were days when I was forced to wear one of those dastardly hospital gowns with the back opening and everything. Humiliation. And defs no photographic evidence!
So imagine my delight when, at Design Indaba, I hear that fashion designer, Ben de Lisi, has redesigned the old back-opening gown and brought dignity and class back to this garment.
Just one of the many exciting creative subjects under discussion at Design Indaba. Follow my tweets on @StyleGuideCT for up to the minute commentary from the conference over the next few days. And I will post more as I find these nuggets. Good.

Top 10 London Fashion Week Must Have Trends

We are going to have an entire conversation at some point about what people dress for at fashion weeks these days. However, just for you, I braved the cold at London Fashion Week this year and tried to capture all the street style trends that I could see. There are some trends that need their own posts, but here are the 10 must-have trends for this winter.

1. Leopard print scarf
2. Wider leg jeans
3. Platform ankle boots
4. A cape. Maybe more than one.
5. A bright red coat or jacket. Or cape.
6. Flatform shoes. (Although I will not be embracing this one. Sorry.)
7. Ombre hair (see above)
8. A furry jacket
9. A fedora
10. Brogues. Lots of them.

Trend Alert: More Block Colour Cocktail Dresses

I posted a couple of months ago about how to wear block colour cocktail dresses. And obviously people are listening! Here are even more ideas for your next cocktail dress outfit.
I especially love the coral-red Prada with contrasting shoes that Diane Kruger (aka Pacey Witter's girlfriend) has chosen, which is a really fun way to add a bit of extra oomph to the look. The snakeskin clutch of Angie Harmon combines beautifully with the purple one-shoulder and adds a subtle detail to the ensemble. Young Emma Roberts strikes two trends in one at Michael Kors, coupling electric blue and block colour, and the Marchesa frou frou ruffle dress of Vanessa Hudgens hints that the High School Musical girl may be growing up and leaving aside the boho look that she has been touting for years, by keeping it sleek, to the knee, and solid with minimal accessorising.

Design Indaba: Limited Edition Canvas Totes on Sale

Back in 2005 I bought a "This is Not a Plastic Bag" canvas tote from Anya Hindmarch. I loved it. I also got a bit giddy and got a "Plastic is Not My Bag" bag which I still have and use. I got them while I was living in London and using a plastic shopping bag was about as cool as drink driving. In other words TOTES NOT. Social pariah, tumbleweed stuff. But here in the sunny colonies we have been a bit behind the times on both these social issues.

Not any more. Fashion label Take Care and Spence the online fashion portal have teamed up to produce (what I am declaring as) this season's hippest bag "It's Never Winter With You". The canvas shopping tote will be available in limited edition quantities for you to get your grubby paws on at Design Indaba Expo this year for the princely sum of R100. Seriously. Get it. Or make someone get it for you. Good.

Behind the Scenes at London Fashion Week 2011

As you all know, I headed out to London last week to shoot some editorial for O Magazine, and was lucky enough to get behind the scenes at London Fashion Week, and attend some of the shows. I will post loads of pics this week, but first, here is the team at the registration at Somerset House, where the base tents were situated.

Sylvie from L'Oreal Paris was our make-up artist and thanks must go to L'Oreal Paris for the sponsorship. Anthony Friend was the photographer (although obvs these snappy snaps were just by me) and Alex, now based in London, was the first assistant stylist. Sylvie and Alex are, of course, blog favourites.

We must also thank MasterCard for trip sponsorship. Shopping photos to come soon.

Trend Alert: Electric Blue Dresses

I loved Sofia Vergara at the SAGs. Obvs. Cavalli. And she is soo who I want as my new BFF. Already told Sylvie I am trading her in for Sofia. And I adored Christina Hendricks (and her cute geek hubby) and her stunning shift she wore in Paris last week. Was super impressed with Jessica Alba's dress at the Baftas on Sunday. Versace. Still don't love her though. And then my young friend Blake Lively killed it in Pucci last night. What do they all have in common? Well it's that divine colour of course. Get your electric blue frock now!

Big Girls in Black Bring Style to Brits

The Brits are generally a big, tacky celebration of the most popular music in the UK. It is not a highbrow event and the skimpy outfits are usually a reflection of this. But somehow this year things changed up a bit. Watching the show on the telly last night in my hotel room, I was struck by how much more elegant and ernest it was in it's attempt to make it really about the music. And this paid off for the style too.
My big joy of the night was Adele. Singing my fave song of the year, Someone Like You. Looking beautifully elegant and dazzling in diamond earrings. Just sublime. If she isn't next year's big winner I will eat my hat (fedora obvs).
Another singer who looked lovely was Rumer, also a nominee. Also dressed in elegant black and looking natural and current. Well played ladies.

Bafta Red Carpet Winners Span the Ages

I watched the Baftas live last night from the comfort of my London hotel room. It was fun to be in the thick of it instead of waiting until the next day to see how it all went down. The mighty Tilda Swinton, in Haider Ackerman trouser suit wad my personal highlight as ever. I mean, it had a back-bow. Enough said.

And in general, the dresses were lovely, and totally in keeping with the spirit of the Baftas, which is more understated and sophisticated than the US versions of award shows. Lots of soft, flowing dresses basically.

But my three top picks span the ages from fifteen to fifty. Hailee Steinfeld, Julianne Moore (well how can you go wrong when squires by Mr Tom Ford himself) and Annette Benning were my picks. For different reasons, of course, but mostly just because they looked comfortable in their own skins and really, modern and lovely. Well played ladies.

By Royal Appointment: Victoria Beckham's New Collection

It was a big day for my mate Victoria Beckham yesterday. She presented her new collection at New York Fashion Week. It was announced that she would be submitting pieces of the collection to future Royal Kate Middleton who is very fond of her work. And she admitted she didn't know the sex of her baby, to be born later this year. The wires, the news, the Twitterverse, the Internet was all about Vicky B yesterday. And for all the right reasons.
In fact she started her presentation by saying that she was miked up but that we shouldn't worry, she wasn't going to sing. And that, right there is why I adore this woman.

That and that her collection was sophisticated, rather more designed for comfort, an evolution for a nascent and talented designer. And yet all the hallmarks of what we now know as VB were present.

A new addition were some separates. Some cowl necks and scarves. Some loser fits. And most significantly, a collaboration with Christian Louboutin. This was really intelligent work and development and I was very proud.

London Ahoy!

So chaps. I am off to London. After a rehabilitating weekend in the country, I will be hitting the streets of London on Monday. With MasterCard's support, I will be checking out the great shops and fashions all week. And with love from L'Oreal Paris we will be shooting some great fashion editorials for O Magazine's June issue. How cool is my job?
Hopefully by the end of the week, we will be checking out London Fashion Week. And I will keep you posted every step of the way. Sadly, I have almost no luggage space for my own clothes so I won't be wearing much in the way of exciting outfits while I am there. But, if I do I will post those as well.
Wish me bon voyage and see you in London!

Look Book: Rachel Zoe's First Collection

Well into her first pregnancy and just a few weeks before the biggest red carpet of her life (dressing Anne Hathaway as host of the Oscars 2011), uber-stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe has launched her first clothing collection. I. Die. It's ba-nanas.
Imagine the stress!
Anyhoodle, I think that the collection is good. Solid. Plenty of trend basics. Nothing fancy pants. Some signature 'Zoe' styles. And some nods to her favourite designers including YSL and Chanel.
She describes her collection as “uptown chic and downtown cool infused with Parisian elegance and London street style.” Um. Ok. I just think that it is really nice. I would totally wear it. What do you think?

Elle Fanning for Rodarte. But She Is a Child.

After appearing in the Sofia Coppola-directed movie Somewhere, 12-year-old child-actress, Elle Fanning, stars in a short film called The Curve of Forgotten Things, created by Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte and director Todd Cole with music by Deerhunter. The movie premiered this week. Says Cole, "It's inspired by Northern California, and the Seventies. It's about this girl who exists in this strange place outside of time. She's digging up things from the land and the past, and she offers them to the sun."
Ok. So I gave this whole thing a free pass when Elle was promoting Somewhere. She and her family have agreed that she is an actress and she was doing what was a part of her job. But fronting a movie that is associated with a clothing label just starts to feel like exploitation to me. The Mulleavy sisters have worked with children before - they were associated with 13-year-old fashion blogger, Tavi, last year. And while these precocious young talents obviously have something to offer, I am rendered rather uncomfortable with this association with such extreme youth. 
As I have mentioned before, my 12-year-old niece is a child. I love that she hasn't entirely grown up yet and has so much ahead of her. I would hate to see her corrupted by business, responsibility, people who want something from her or branding. Let her be a child for as long as possible. And keep the women's fashion labels associated with women, who are old enough to make their own decisions. Just my POV.

Michelle Obama Talks The Weather, Smoking, Hair Dye and Facebook

She also addresses her clothing selections. Again. In an interview this week on the US Today Show, Michelle Obama said that said she wears what looks good, irrespective of label.

“I like to patronise American designers, and the vast majority of the clothes that I wear are [designed by Americans.] But there are a lot of other designers that have cute stuff, too,” Obama said. “I don't think that I’m any different from any other woman, other than the fact that people see what I wear and then they talk about it.”

If that's not a practical enough explanation, you know how else she picks out her clothes?

“It’s really just sort of, how cold is it? Do I have to stand outside, and what am I going to use to cover my arms if I’m freezing so I’m not shivering while I have to give a speech? It’s really stuff like that. And I know people are sort of thinking that it’s different, but it’s real practical stuff like that.”

She goes on to talk about the rumours around Barack dying his hair and his smoking habits. For a report on the interview you can go to The Cut.

Katy Perry Covers US Elle Magazine - Interviewed by Joe Zee

I have a really soft spot for the lovely Katy Perry, or Mrs Brand as she likes to be known these days. It doesn't hurt that I am strange enough to love me some Russell Brand too (of course also in the hilarious movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall) - and I think that the combination of these two young people is just so endearing and a love story for the modern age.

Now look how fantastic she looks on the pages of March US Elle Magazine. There is a great little interview as well by the wonderful Mr Joe Zee, but the fashion story just makes me happy. Circus fun and light. Perfect for this latter-day entertainer.

Jimmy Choo Launch Frangrance

At Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City on Wednesday night, one of my favourite fashion brands, Jimmy Choo, expanded their empire as they launched their first fragrance as I posted about here.
The fragrance, developed by Olivier Polge of International Flavors & Fragrances, took three years to develop and is the first of three planned for the luxury lifestyle brand. The fragrance is pure luxury defined. The bottle is inspired by Murano glass and the box bears the snakeskin pattern that’s become synonymous with the brand’s expensive accessories. The scent is fruity, and contains lush green top notes and some other gorgeous, sexy notes such as exotic tiger orchid, sweet toffee and Indonesian patchouli. How divine is that?
Please see the campaign poster above and the lovely Jessica Szohr at the launch. Wish I had been there!

Mark Ronson and Josephine de la Baum Are Engaged

Congratulations are apparently in order for Mark Ronson and Josephine de la Baum who we are told have recently got engaged. I posted a few weeks ago about Josephine being awarded the Agent Provocateur contract and a couple of months ago about her attending the Dior exhibition. You may have realised that we rather like Josephine here at StyleGuideCT HQ.
And now we see a candid shot of her with her engagement ring after it was announced that she an Mark are to wed. Of course Mark Ronson is brother to designer Charlotte and DJ Samantha and a respected producer and music artist in his own right. Now he gets to be the husband of Josephine. Well done dear.

Kate Middleton News Update

Hey guys, it's been a while since we updated you on Kate Middleton's Royal Bride-to-be shenanigans. And this morning I have a double dose of fashion-related gossip for you.First, the search phrase 'Kate Middleton' has replaced the phrase 'Lady Gaga' at the top of the leader board of fashion-related online searches it was announced yesterday. I have no earthly idea how they work this out, but the high volumes of traffic that come to my site using that search term make me believe it. Having said that, I have never really posted on The Gaga, so I can't really be relied on for empirical evidence.

Secondly, Miss Catherine Middleton enjoyed the company of one Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (aka Parker Bowles) yesterday. Also attended by her sister Pippa and Camilla's daughter, the festive luncheon was full of wedding chatter. For the occasion in the big smoke, Kate wore her obligatory knee high boots, a print mini and fitted jacket. Beautifully shaped outfit, but a bit split-personality to my mind. It's a middle aged office ensemble up top and a youthful trip to the wine bar on the bottom. Not her best look, but as ever, very appropriate.

Follow Local Models Like Behati Prinsloo, Dominique Piek and Candice Swanepoel

Keep up with the best of our local models on their exciting journeys, new projects and work as follows:

1. Behati Prinsloo now has a tumblr of her own for her photographic work. And you can follow her on Twitter @BeePrinsloo should you wish.
2. Apparently the lovely Dominique Piek (soon to be seen on the beauty pages of Elle SA) will be on the taxi TV screens around New York City during fashion week - so if you are there, please look out for them and report back! She is a prolific tweeter and can be followed on @dominiquepiek
3. Victoria Secret and Vogue cover girl Candice Swanepoel is on Twitter too and has some cool behind the scenes pics, backstage snaps and insights on her feed. You have to be careful as there are a couple of fake accounts so use this one @VSCandice and hopefully she will start a blog soon, as she has promised.
Get behind the local girls and post additional suggestions of other girls to follow.

Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend Take Paris

So my confession of the day today is that - back in 2005 I watched the movie Garden State and developed something of a crush on Geoffrey Arend. It wasn't hurt by the TV series Trust Me or the movie 500 Days of Summer in both of which he took supporting roles. But it rather took a knock when he married the glorious Christina Hendricks as you don't want to mess with a sista's man. Sigh.
You especially don't when you see them out and about in Paris, snogging like newly weds as they have been for the past couple of days. Seriously. Could they get any cuter?
Just for the record, I am a big fan of the red bag in winter to brighten up your basics. Also, of course this winter the military jacket will be a huge trend (see June issue of O Magazine...) And there you have two fashion top tips alongside my schoolgirl crush confessions. A full-service post this one.

Victoria Beckham Shows Us How This Pregnancy is Going to Look

My mate Vicky from fantasy book club - you may know her as Victoria Beckham - always has a signature style. And for each of her previous pregnancies she has stepped this up. Remember the poncho vibe she had going for Cruz? Yesterday she stepped out at Heathrow (aka her runway) for the first time since confirming her fourth pregnancy and we may have an inkling of what this one is going to look like.
The loose white tee and jacket are a great classic and chic cover-up for a smaller bump - and are so appropriate for her more recent pared-down style. And if those leather leggings have some stretch on the belly band, we could be onto something here.
I do hope that the heels get lower as I do worry about her bunions. Just so long as the oversized shades, gold jewellery and nails don't change! Always glamorous is a basic for her.

Kirsten Dunst and James Marsden for Band of Outsiders

Every year the quirky hipster label Band of Outsiders produce a set of polaroids featuring their new collection as modeled by cool young actors. This year they have chosen Kirsten Dunst and James Marsden and set them up in a series of off-beat scenarios that are humorous and charming and that communicate something about their collection.
As a marketing strategy I love this. It is simple and collectable and memorable and compelling. It has gained loads of traction on the blogs and in the weeklies so far and so I think that they can chalk this up to a win, as campaigns go. Of course it may look deceptively inexpensive but I am betting there is a few bob spent here, so it is good to see that they are getting bang for their buck.

We may not get their clothing here yet, but keep an eye on these guys, if you are a self-respecting fashionista. Also, they show for the first time at New York Fashion Week this week, and you can get a front row seat by watching the live streaming, if you fancy it.

PS: The rooftop shots above are actually titled Gay Lord's Roof so that's for my mate Jeremy then.

Italian Vogue Uses Hottest African Models for All-Black Editorial

I have long been a supporter of Italian Vogue. It out-Vogues all the others in my book. And it has also spearheaded the drive to get more black models into editorial fashion stories and on to the covers. You simply cannot argue with the validity of that quest. In July 2008 they put out, what has now become an iconic issue, the all-black issue. And in the current issue they have a wonderful new editorial which only features black girls - including some of our favourites. it is titled The Black Allure.
Of course the mega-black girls are all in there like Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn. But hello, who is that right up front? None other than Ajak Deng. We like her a lot here at StyleGuide HQ. And we love that she is becoming part of the core group of go-to girls. She has come so far since I first posted on her just six months ago, when you could barely find two words online about her. Congrats lady. Long may it last.
This story was shot by British photographer Emma Summerton and styled by the brilliant Edward Enninful. 

Oprah Snags TV Interview with Lea T for Final Season

Seriously uber-boss Oprah is a-may-zing. You know it. I know it. And yet she still surprises us with just how incredibly tuned-in she is to fashion and hipster life-style. And now she has managed to get transgender model and Givenchy muse, Lea T, for her first full-length television interview.
The fashion world is all a-twitter about it and at the heart of it is a sincere desire to get to know more about this beautiful woman who has captured our hard-to-get fashion attention for this dazzling moment in time. With a story like no other current Vogue-cover-girl, Lea T is going to be a fascinating interview and I can't wait to see it. Go Oprah!

Amber Riley for Essence Magazine Channels Chaka Khan

Of course all you blog readers know we love us some Amber Riley here. Well, we love Glee a lot. And we love Mercedes on Glee. And we love it when Amber turns up on the red carpet in fitted gowns in bold colours and shows some of the skinny minnies how it is done as she is so pretty and, well, gleeful. And now she is fronting a campaign for Essence magazine as they want an episode of Glee dedicated to the legend that is Chaka Khan.
First let me say that much has been made of the kneecap photoshop blunder in these images. Yes, well, so it is. But may I say I don't really care about that or the Chaka Khan element - what I do care about is looking so freaking hot in a spangle dress. Good golly. I would kill for less I tell ya.

H&M Now to Be Inclusive of Plus Sizes

I am not a fan of plus size ranges in general. Don't get me wrong, I am fully supportive of fashion in larger sizes, just not the styles they generally come up with for plus size ranges. But I have to say that these images caught my eye before the story did - plus size in great fashion styles??! Then I saw that it was H&M (Swedish retailer Hennes & Mauritz for the purists) which means that it is to be super-affordable. No wonder they called this 20-piece range Inclusive.
Available only online in some of the European countries, this is a wonderful boost for those who rock their style in sizes up to 24 and have mates in the UK to have their goodies delivered to. Out in early March, the 50s styling is perfect for the season and coming just at that time of the year when you are bored with your summer gear but it is too hot to wear winter. Go get 'em girls.

Looking Good This Week: Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Walsh

I know it is a bit of a know-where post, but sometimes I just want to post pictures of outfits that I really like. So there. And this past week I loved this Monique Lhuillier dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore to a charity event. I love the length, the combo with the red shoes and the spangle. I would totally rock this dress. Yum.
And old Private Practice Kate Walsh (whom, I confess I used to ha-aa-te, she annoyed me so with that uptightness and pursed pouting but now I seem to find her mostly tolerable with moments of like), has broken out the colour pops for the launch events for her new fragrance. I think that both of these looks are awesome. There is a part of me that wants them let out a smidge around the bust, but really she does look fantastic and I really like the lack of accessories and the perfect, classic shoes with each look. This is a masterclass in classic minimalist dressing. Done.

Dree Hemingway for Margaret Howell Spring 2011

So here is the thing. Margaret Howell is easily one of my favourite designers. Possibly the designer I love most for myself in the world. And I will bet right now most of you are going, "who?"
Well let me introduce her to you. Blog gang, meet Margaret Howell.
She makes clothes that are a large part Katherine Hepburn wide legs and boyish chic. And the rest is about English preppy. It is easy fit and flowy and unpretentious and super-timeless. It is stylish without being high fashion. It is fashion - with a very clear point of view.
She is showing at London Fashion Week in about 12 days time and it is my mission to get into her show. I will almost certainly fail. But you can bet I will try my hardest.
Here, as a sneak peek, is the spring summer collection, modeled by Dree Hemingway and shot by Alasdair McLellan.

Models Over 40 Hit their Stride This Fashion Season

Fashion season is about to kick off again this week with the rolling mass fashion action starting in New York, moving to London (where I will be waiting), then off to Milan and finally concluding in just over a month in Paris. In that time, a significant number of designers will present their collections on hundreds of models in a bunch of weird and wonderful locations. And among them will be an honour roll call of models who are over 40 years of age.

Already in the past year Stella Tennant has become a fixture for Chanel, together with Inès de la Fressange who is in her 50s. Carmen Dell'Orefice will be 80 next birthday but is also still walking regularly - and guaranteeing headlines for the designers.

Lauren Hutton (67) walked for Tom Ford last year and is due to be booked again this year, and Elle Macpherson made a dazzling turn for Louis Vuitton last year and is still booking covers. Joining them on the ramps this season are Kristen McMenamy (44),  Carol Alt (50) and 43-year-old ex-Victoria Secret model Frederique van der Wal. 

Not only is this great news for the older woman, re-emphasising the fact that older no longer means invisible or unattractive, but it is also indicative of the confidence and style of designers who see their fashion on women of any age. All told, this is good news. Bravo.