Tribeca Film Festival 2011 Red Carpet Winners

The Tribeca Film Festival in New York is one of the more dressed-down film gatherings on the circuit. It allows the attendees to reveal more quirky and personal outfits. And some did. But the real winners on this year's red carpet are actually those that went with classic elegance.
Both Naomi Watts and Rachel Bilson went for shortish, beaded Chanel. If you are going to do both short and shiny (and please note Jozi girls, neither of these outfits is tight-fitting), then you may as well bring the class with Kaiser Karl's design genius. Both look beautiful and Naomi's shoes are amazing.

The usually very quirky Riley Keough (that's Elvis, The King's granddaughter, you know) looked beautifully elegant in a more retro black coat and dress. I loved this look most of all. And the ever stylish, Chloe Sevigny went in the opposite direction with the latest in little white dresses - in lace - hitting the high fashion notes. Can we also take a moment to note my latest obsession item, the denim trucker jacket, clutched in her paw. Seriously, like I can steal it from here.
Well played ladies.

Nicole Richie Amps Up Her Style

This past week has seen Nicole Richie bounce back from the 'pregnancy' rumours in the best way possible - by looking impeccable. Some of the tabloids have, of late, noticed Mrs Madden wearing loser-fitting tops and speculated that she was pregnant again. Nicole hit back saying that these sorts of comments were 'hurtful' and very unconstructive.
Then she stepped out looking like this, in white skinny jeans, a top from her own Winter Kate collection and a perfect face. And like this, in short, black velvet from Sophie Theallet and the head piece from her own collection. BOOM. That shut them up then.

 Also, it didn't hurt that she looked incredible on the cover of the latest THAT magazine. Don't you just love that cuff? House of Harlow, of course.

Royal Wedding Style: All Hail the Queen

It is the day of the Royal Wedding. All next week I will be posting about the guests, the dress, the designer and the honeymoon style. But today it belongs to the Queen. It never hurts to take a moment to reflect on HRH's perfect style. She is in her 80s and still manages to rock the style boat, like the fuschia and fur outfit she wore to the Christmas service last year. Just gorgeous.

With a tried and tested dress and matching coat and hat combination working for her for her day events, the Queen is also a great proponent of the sensible shoe, the marquisette brooch and the silk scarf - all of which I emulate in my day-to-day wardrobe.

Even her dress down style is starting to creep into our fashion vernacular, with her khaki parkas and lace-up brogues. Seriously, add some jeans and that's how I dress on the weekend!
She really is a very special style icon who has rarely put a foot wrong in 50 years. Let's home the new Princess Catherine can say the same in years from now.

StyleGuideCT is a Cosmo Twitter Queen

Alongside some amazing women like Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author Lauren Beukes, foodie journalist and twitter news reporter Jane-Anne Hobbs, hilarious youngster and music writer Tecla Ciolfi, my friend the giraffe Liezel van der Westhuizen, mate and macaroon eater Alex van Tonder and my web site host, Sue Rutherford, I spent International Women's Day being shot for the Cosmopolitan Twitter Queens feature - now out in the May issue.
And that was just the Cape Town gang.
Anele, Kirsty, Bonang, Melanie, Lize, etc, etc were all shot up in Jozi for the rest of the story. I bet they didn't have as much of a supportive group as we had in CT. Everyone was a bit nervous. It's understandable. Most of them stay well out of sight behind a screen to make their impact on the world. But all the Twitter Queens really encouraged each other, dishing out the flattery and compliments till we all felt great. I loved meeting all the girls and have added several new names to the list that I follow.
Go and grab a copy of Cosmo to see the full story - and follow us. Because we're worth it. Ha!

PS: I am wearing Jimmy Choo silver wedges, Levi's straight leg CurveID jeans, a silk parka by local label August, a collar chain by local design house The Summit. My hair and make up was done by Luciano dos Santos and the photographer was Morne van Zyl.

Royal Wedding Style: Mario Testino Wedding Programme Portrait

I have just seen the details of the Official Programme for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, taking place tomorrow. And one of the lovely surprises is the new image of a relaxed couple, wearing matching white shirts, that is included in the programme. I am not allowed to use the image in its clean format without license so I reference US Weekly's exclusive first view of the image for you to enjoy. You can go and read their piece by clicking here.
The portrait was shot by Mario Testino, again, in the style of the last shoot he did with Princess Diana. The clean, white shirt is the motif he chose for her too, and is able to communicate formality and informality, warmth and distance, both men and women all at the same time. Very smart, I think.
In addition, the website of the wedding has this to say about the programme,

"The Official Programme includes the full Order of Service (as used by guests in Westminster Abbey), a personal message of thanks from Prince William and Miss Middleton, and a photo of the Couple taken by photographer Mario Testino at the time of the Couple’s engagement.  The Official Programme features Prince William’s recently updated Coat of Arms on the front cover and Catherine Middleton’s new Coat of Arms on the back cover. The Order of Service includes full details about the processions, music, hymns, prayers and readings.  The Wedding Service follows the Book of Common Prayer (Alternative Services: Series One).  There will be one Lesson during the service, which the Couple have asked James Middleton to read. " 

I am a bit confused as to why the 'Couple' is referred to as a proper noun, but I intend to consult with the chief sub on the magazine immediately in this important issue! Enjoy the portrait.

Royal Wedding Style: Cat Deeley Reports on Royal Wedding for CNN

The gorgeous and smiley Cat Deeley is in London town for the Royal Wedding. The So You Think You Can Dance presenter is reporting live all day tomorrow for international news channel CNN. For the past few days she has been larking around doing all the preparation work with co-presenter Piers Morgan, tweeting up a storm (of course I follow her - she is practically a member of my fantasy book club!). She has also been looking wonderful, dressed in Mulberry, Jimmy Choo shoes and Links of London jewellery, for which she is the 'face'.
Great fashion brand ambassador. Great, fun, warm presenter. Entertaining Tweeter. What more can one ask for?
PS: I realise that this post is Royal Wedding related, but not too tedious, I hope. Couldn't go through the day before the wedding, without something on all the shenanigans!

Ladies Love Levi's Trucker Jackets Too: Joy Bryant

I posted a couple of weeks ago on a little bit of history of the Levi's Trucker jacket (or classic denim jacket to you and me). Then earlier this week I spotted the actress Joy Bryant (from one of my absolute favourite TV shows of the moment - Parenthood) looking divine. I thought to myself, "self, this is probably the cutest outfit of the week." And then I reaslied that the reason that I was loving it so much was that darn jacket. This time worn by a lady-person. With an amazing sunshine dress.
I am still searching for a replacement for the denim jacket I owned back in the '90s. And this little Levi's one is just the ticket, no? Perfect for throwing over the ditsy floral dresses that will be around all winter and well into next summer. Ideal for throwing on when wearing chinos and a button down shirt (with buttons secured all the way to the top this season). And exactly what I need for my dress-down weekend look in the country. So what am I waiting for? Time for yet another trip to the store before I head out for the long weekend. Sigh.
PS: No, I am not suggesting we all start wearing cowboy boots. But these look great on Joy. Same colour as her skin is the ticket.

Five Fashion Reasons to Buy Marie Claire This Month

This is a very busy local magazine month. The May issues are great and I urge you all to buy O magazine (obvs, my fashion is in it), Cosmopolitan (I'm in it as a Twitter Queen - more on that next week) and Elle SA (I'm in it as the Queen of Hearts). But for no other reason than it is a really good read for fashion lovers, I also encourage you to snap up the Marie Claire this month. No, I am not in it. But lots of cool stuff is. Check it out:
1. The most compelling reason to buy it is that gorgeous, smiling, Michelle Williams cover - and the story inside about her life. I love, love, love smiling covers right now. So clean and fresh;
2. The Designer Dossier is about Chloe Townsend of Missibaba. And you all know how I feel about the 'Baba leather goodies;
3. About a Blog features Justine Stafford of ifor1 independent fashion blog who is delightful and a friend;

4. Extras fashion story by Sharon Becker - a sumptuous journey around the luxury accessories block;
5. The Fall of the Great Galliano - a moment in time reflection on the fall of John Galliano. Worth a read.

Surely that is enough to compel you to go and get it. Now go.

Sylvie Says: In Which Bastien Gonzalez Tells Me Why I Never Became a Prima Ballerina

At some point last week I started to wonder if I was the only beauty journalist in the Southern Hemisphere who had not got to meet and experience the Bastien Gonzalez’ pedi-cure at the One&Only. His name became as familiar to me as my own children’s as the twittersphere filled up with songs of his praise. And hallelujah, there by the invitation of Manley Communications and by the grace of her Doily I too was hooked up with an exclusive consultation with Bastien himself. 
Here are some facts.
1. Most women who apologise about their feet prior to a treatment are generally the ones who have less to worry about – tick. 
2. The arch of the foot – or the contraction of the arch of the foot - is the first point at which blood is pumped back to the heart. To quote Bastien,"you’re not going to die if you have flat arches." but we’re talking about optimal health, starting from the feet up, and BTW girls, any heel more than 6 centimetres will prevent the contraction and relaxation of the arch and result in heavy legs. Massage behind the knee to get the blood pumping
3. My 1st metatarsal is shorter than my second, and THAT is why, Dear Doily, I did not become a prima ballerina. My balance is slightly off and the mechanical imbalance can cause calluses (of which I have very little he is pleased to note)

Now I know dear readers, that you are of the shallow variety that don’t especially want to hear about the intricacies of the treatment or the innovations for that matter, and I assure you they are innovative and extraordinary – think dentist drills, generations old chamois buffers, exquisitely special products laced with pearl granules and an idea that took root in Gonzalez’ youth where he holiday jobbed for his architect uncle, when he was made to continuously buff and skim walls until they had reached a fine polish. Which is exactly how he reached the pearly natural pinky shine that is currently taking residence on my toes. Oh, and a foot and leg massage to die for, in a heated reclining chair. Just saying.
I asked if he was afraid that by imparting so much of his information that he would be copied. "No," he said without a heartbeat. If you teach people the exact way you do something, they will always do it your way. And boy, is he connected. We gossiped, we whispered, we rolled our eyes, we discussed our Mac fetish and we had a ball. And I cant tell you a word of it. Then we kissed, a lot, had a final little gossip on the step and I bounced off with my twinkling toes!

Some Bastien Facts

• He has 16 studios around the world partnered with the One&Only Hotel
• He has a range of products – Reverence de Bastien – which is sold in salons – he realised when in New York recently that (Said in a strong US accent) REVERENCE of Bastien was NOT going to wash on shelves with women who have single handedly been responsible for taking obey out of the wedding vows!
• He personally trains each of the therapists that work in his studios.

Some Nail Facts 

•  Dry your nails with a towel in a buffing motion EVERY time you bath or get them wet, this promotes growth and maintains shine
• Don’t dig away at the cuticle, it is there to protect the ‘mattress’ of the nail – where the nail grows from
• File nails only in one direction but buff in any direction – but only with a chamois
• A blade in a practiced hand is the best technique for callous removal, followed by a foot peel – which dissolves built up skin and lastly by using an abrasive foot file, which sadly is more effective when wet than when dry.
• Vertical lines running up from the cuticle generally indicate dehydration, and horizontal waves indicate compression – too tight shoes, and too long nails. 

It was a glorious afternoon, my feet look fabulous and I cant wait for him to come back. 
I strongly recommend you go too. It is fascinating, enlightening and a pure treat.

Dannii Minogue Returns to Work in Style

You know that I love Dannii Minogue. Of course I love Kylie too and already have my tickets to her concert taking place in Cape Town on the 13th July. Well, it is my birthday and it would be rude not to. But Dannii has a coveted spot in my fantasy book club so she is defs my favourite.
She has been lying low in Melbourne for the past few months, enjoying down time with her new little family. But last week she returned to the UK to start promoting her various projects and she turned out in some style. Having shed some weight, she is looking very lean. She needs to watch that in the face - as we get older the face shows signs of age quicker when very slim. However, can we just have a moment for that utterly stunning coat? Can we dwell on the nude heels? Marvel at the lines of the one-shoulder? Ok, good. As you were. Carry on.

Other Royal Style: Princess Letizia of Spain, Queen Rania of Jordan and, um, Melanie Griffith

While we all know that the big royal news this week is The Wedding, duh, there is actually some other royal shenanigans going on in Spain and it is looking rather stylish. A few days ago Princess Letizia was on a State visit and met the very beautiful and elegant Queen Rania of Jordan. Looking not altogether dissimilar, both royal ladies worked pastel wool and some drape to excellent effect.
Then last night, at a gala in Madrid, Princess Letizia looked amazing once more in regal purple as she greeted actress Melanie Griffith. Also looking amazing at that event was Sheikha Mozah Bint, dressed in modern-traditional white.

Returning to the UK royals, this Easter Sunday, they were out in force, attending church. Please note young Princess Beatrice's beige frock with leather peplum. Racy for a royal, no?

Sienna Miller Stage Door Style

Back when I used to live in the UK, I would always make an effort to see the big-name stars in theatre productions. I saw Helen Mirren at the National, Rob Louw in A Few Good Men, Richard E Grant, Colin Firth, John Malcovitch, and many more in shows all over town. And I would have gone to see Sienna Miller in her West End production, Flare Path. You know, if I still lived there.
But since we can't go and see the show, we can make up for it by keeping a watchful eye on her stage door style. Last week alone she produced a few looks that I was rather partial to as she left the theatre at the end of the night.
That fringed cape. Those striped heels. That wooly jacket. That fedora. Those ankle boots. Sienna is always excellent value for money when it comes to style ideas and we will keep you updated on what she has in store for us for the rest of the play's run. Which look is your favourite?

StyleGuideCT is the Queen of Hearts!

About two months ago I got a frantic call from Cameron Arendse who was producing a shoot for Elle SA May issue, saying that they were shooting some bloggers for a fashion story the next day and someone had forgotten to book me. I made some sympathetic noises but, let's face it there are plenty of bloggers around, I assumed they had booked someone else instead. No, he explained, they needed someone, ahem, like me, as the role was the Queen of Hearts in an Alice in Wonderland theme. Obviously I had no idea what they meant by that, but said I would see if I could.
I chatted to my boss about it - no, Elle is not a conflict of interests for O magazine, and yes, I would be representing StyleGuideCT and as long as I got my work done and didn't disappear for too long it was fine.
So the next day found me in Milnerton at the Prop Shop, tripping through the sand in my Jimmy Choos with this face on and a gorgeous French Bulldog in my arms. And yes, I did shout 'off with their heads'. Quite a lot. Well, young bloggers can be annoying when you are as old as I am.

The images were taken by the very talented Elle photography competition winner, Freddie Child-Villiers. It was styled by designer winner Cleo Droomer and it starred fresh-face winner Alexandra Robertshaw as Alice and Dylan Jack van Vuuren as the Mad Hatter. I was only on set for an hour or so, but the work that went into this spread is absolutely staggering and all the parties involved should be applauded. I am delighted to have been a part of such a flight of fancy. Here's to many more.
Click on the images to make them bigger.

Dame Helen Mirren Styling Like There Is No Such Thing As 'Old'

They say there is nothing like a dame. And when it comes to fashion these days, there really isn't anyone quite like Dame Helen Mirren. If someone suggested to you that a 60-something year old woman would look fantastic - nay totally rad - in a Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress and leather biker jacket, you would splutter and shake your head vehemently to indicate that this was a very bad idea. Wouldn't you? But if you heard it was Dame H, you would probs give it a chance. And you would be right to do so because she looks amazing.
She wore that to the London premier of her new movie Arthur. Earlier that day she also swore on national television. Naughty, naughty girl! But she looked so gorgeous doing it, I am pretty sure all was forgiven. The yellow cardigan and full circle skirt - on trend, appropriate and totes delightful. Dame Helen is definitely one of my style heros. So want to be her when I grow up.

EXCLUSIVE: KLûK CGDT New Collection Including Palazzo Pants!

The very lovely Malcolm Klûk sent me this image yesterday. It is an exclusive StyleGuideCT insider look at the new Klûk CGDT collection that they are currently getting ready. And look, gang, it includes palazzo pants in the perfect bronze-camel colour. If I had to imagine my dream-palazzo pants for the next season, they would be these. Or navy with white stripes. But more than likely these.
How wonderful. Can't wait.
You know, I travel a lot. And I lived in England for half my life. And I work in fashion. So people often ask me if I miss the shopping, the clothes, the lifestyle of living abroad. I am always surprised when they do. Because, if you look hard enough, there is nothing much you can't get here. Especially from talented local designers like Klûk CGDT. So start looking harder peeps. Go outside the malls and you'd be surprised what you can find.
Photographer: Shanna Jones

Could Not Be Happier: Ab Fab To Return

I realise that this post is fashion-tangental, but please name me any fashion person on the planet who has not been influenced by, lived a real-life scene from, or met someone who reminds them of the critically acclaimed television comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. Running from 1992 - 1996 and then again for a bit in the early 2000s, the BBC have just announced that new episodes are currently being written and the original cast is on board for filming, starting within the next few months.
For those who don't know (really?), Ab Fab follows fashion-obsessed Patsy (the brilliant Joanna Lumley) and Edina (super-talented Jennifer Saunders) as they PR industry names and products. Well, try to in between vodka-fueled parties and attempts to look after kids and a senile mother.
I have got to tell you, there are people alive and working in the fashion industry who first learned of key fashion designers from this series. Lacroix, sweetie?

Anyhoodle, the lovely Sylvie and I often have Ab Fab moments (although I have them sober which is more frightening) so welcome to one of them and maybe you can join us for the viewing parties we are almost certainly going to have come next spring!

Jennifer Lopez for People Magazine - Behind the Scenes

One of the things that I liked most about Jennifer Lopez's outfits on American Idol last week was that small detail of the hair clip that she wore with the George Chakra dress. It was such a sweet touch that took an average sequin dress in a slightly fresh direction. Of course that was the same episode that they made much of her being named the Most Beautiful Woman in the World by People magazine.

Then I remembered that I had seen these behind the scenes pictures from that People shoot that you may want to see. The photographer of the formal shoot was Tony Duran, but I have no idea who the sneaky blighter was that snapped these shots.
Of course it is not surprise that some paps tuned up since Jennifer herself tweeted about the shoot saying "Good Morning #LOVER?S!!!! Early Call Today for @peoplemag shoot! The weekend is here!! What are you guys doing?"
But I always like the naturalness of the candid shots - even though she is in full make-up and styling - she is still relaxed and not all of the images are taken from the most flattering angle. We all have our 'good side'. If I had my way, I would insist that all photo of me are taken from above...

New Black Skinny Demi Curve Levi's

Last week my one-year-old black skinny jeans died. I told you all before how I had avoided jeans almost entirely except for some really cheap ones from Woolies. Well that was they. May they RIP. (well they did actually rip, but you know what I mean)
So this weekend I went back to see if I could replace them but couldn't so made a turn past my new friends at Levi's at the Waterfront. I asked, quite politely, "may I please have some black skinny jeans in a demi curve?" "Yes, of course," they replied, "Why don't you try both of these on." So I did.
I tried on the ones that weren't my exact fit. They worked, but felt like jeans. Then I tried on the ones that are my 'prescription' and they looked like jeans but felt like trackkie pants. Sears guys. So happy.
So I have them on today. Going to the Cosmo jeans party tonight so I thought they would be a good option. That's me in the middle up there in the pictures. So comfy. Do yourselves a favour and go and get yours, peeps.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Style Spectacle As She Promotes Book

I mentioned the other day how I was irritating myself by liking all of Gwyneth Paltrow's outfits so much. I am not a fan (although her turn in Glee has gone some way to shifting this). But I do find the prescriptive manner of her blog annoying as well as the fact that I am unsure if she is able to laugh at herself. Like at all.
But recently she has been doing the rounds promoting her cook book My Father's Daughter and on every single occasion, she has hit a style home-run. I can find no fault with this selection of minimalist outfits. Which obvs annoys me. And she is always smiling - as if she is happy and fun to be around. Really? Could it be that she is actually nice?

Royal Wedding Style: What Kate Bought From Warehouse

Let's get this whole Royal Wedding post out of the way first this morning. You all know the high street shop called Warehouse, right? Usually it sells nice, on-trend stuff, priced around the Topshop level (not cheap-cheap but reasonably affordable). Their differentiation is that usually fabrications are good and fit is slimmer. And yesterday afternoon, none other than bride-to-be Kate Middleton popped into the Kings Road outlet, near her London flat, and purchased three summer frocks and a white lace-trimmed tunic top - that we know of. The whole caboodle would have come to less than £250, and she is well set for a honeymoon in the sun somewhere nice.
Which got me thinking. I wonder where they are off to for their Honeymoon. I know Australia was touted but since the Southern Hemisphere is heading into winter, I doubt that. Maybe the Maldives as they have been there before? Or maybe they will go to Scotland like Wills' parents and hope for the best? Any ideas anyone? Anyone?
PS: I do find it a bit odd that someone who could have Vicky Beckham on speed dial is buying rather ordinary frocks on the high street. But you really do have to respect her quest to keep her feet on the ground. Good girl.

Royal Wedding Style: What Will The Guests And Presenters Wear?

So the big news of the last 24 hours is that UK Prime Minister and all-round posh bloke, David Cameron, will not wear a morning suit to the Royal Wedding for fear of looking "too posh". Sears. And his wife, the lovely and fashionable Samantha Cameron will forsake a hat too. Just because it is not her style. Now, there is no rule that a hat has to be worn to a Royal Wedding, but it is tradition. SamCam however is blazing a new kind of fashion path for young Brits and I kind of approve. Having been to my fair share of posh English weddings, the hat dilemma is always a pesky one. I say good riddance to them, though I can't see why David can't just toe the line in a decent suit.

It has also been announced in the past day or so that the great British handbag institution, Mulberry, will be dressing two of the key UK TV presenters for the nuptials. Apparently who is seen on the televisual box has become big fashion business and the key design houses are lending out garments willy nilly. The super-attractive Fearne Cotton (who has a line of clothing herself) and Sophie Raworth are the one lucky enough to get the Mulberry togs. Still, the key question remains. What will Victoria Beckham wear? Any ideas anyone?

American Idol Rump Wars: Blame it on Widescreen

The gorgeous American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez was recently named as the Most Beautiful Woman in the World by People magazine. Well, she does glow. Not many can say that.
In the accompanying interview, J-Lo had this to say, which I found particularly interesting, "looking good is all just part of the job. I don't want anybody thinking it's easy. It does take time and it's hard work. HDTV wide-screen is nobody's friend!"
Watching AI on Sunday night and following the Twitter stream commentary about the surprising size of Kelly Clarkson's beam got me to thinking. Is this what Jennifer means? Because, frankly I had wondered why Jennifer didn't dress in a more flattering manner in the lower half (that gold Gucci not really doing anyone any favours). And it wasn't just Kelly's booty that looked large - youthful Rihanna wasn't faring much better. And then I saw these photos taken from a live perspective and I realised that they looked nothing like they did on TV - general svelteness all round in these photos. I would kill for a bod like these here. So we really can blame it on the widescreen and in future, cut the gals a bit of slack in the rump department. Deal?

Kanye West Closes Coachella in Celine Women's Wear

Ah, how I love Kanye West. I am totes not joking. Love him. I know he is a bit complicated and troubled at times, but put on a K-West track and I forgive all. Now add this malarkey to the reasons why I love Kanye. This top right here - that he wore to close out Coachella 11 in spectacular style - is in fact from the latest Celine Women's collection. How cool is that?! And it looks slightly boho - appropriate for the event. I really think this is a stroke of sartorial genius.

I thought I would also update you with some rather lovely pics of more effortless style from Coachella's last day. Dita von Teese's homage to Galliano's Dior. Camille Belle in denim and white cotton - signature summer style.

And the Brit girls, Alexa Chung sweetly, quirky pretty, as is her wont. And Eliza Doolittle performance outfit, complete with headgear. It just kinda works for me.

Cate Blanchett Covers New York Times Magazine

As of this minute this cover of T - the New York Times magazine - featuring Cate Blanchett is my favourite ever cover image. It is unexpected, slightly throwing you off-balance, but drawing you in. The mop of hair in disarray is the opposite of her usual demeanour, all sleek and poised. But it is that smile that is the winner. Not only am I loving the smiling fashion pics, but on a cover it is so much more accessible and warming and inclusive. You really feel she is going to tell you something on the inside. You feel that you have seen something real and personal. Loves it.

Fashion Runners: Agyness Deyn, Henry Holland and David Gandy

I posted last week about model Agyness Deyn and her best friend, designer, Henry Holland running the London Marathon in support of Oxfam (calling themselves, together with top male model, David Gandy, the Oxglam squad), specifically benefitting charities in Tanzania. Well, yesterday they all did it and successfully completed what they set out to do for their charities. 

While Aggy found it a spiritual experience, Henry is bleating non-stop about being in pain - all in hilarious Twitter bon mots. I will say it again. These guys are my heros. They guys are welcome to visit Africa any time - we completely appreciate them putting themselves through this to benefit those less fortunate on our continent. Running a marathon is hell on earth for most of us and to commit to doing it for people in a different part of the world is truly selfless. I do hope that thoughts of how their pain would alleviate the pain of others kept them going - especially in those last few miles.
PS: No, I have never run a marathon. But I have run a half, in a pretty good time too. And that was it for me - running not being my thing. But I have an inkling of what it is like and I have the deepest respect.

Weekend Style: The Trouser Edition

There are a few things that I think are worth noting here, providing us with some pointers for our own style. First of all, the draped (or waterfall) jacket has overtaken the cardigan and provides a just-as-flattering but more edgy and structured look - as seen here on both Drew Barrymore and Alexis Bledel. Let's keep an eye out for ones in the softest leather or good quality wool.
Secondly, the skinny leg trouser is always going to look better with the draped jacket than the bootleg. The proportions are just better. But Gwyneth Paltrow (who seems to be having something of a style moment right now, quite against my better judgement), also shows how a cropped trouser can be balanced out with a flat ballet pump - a classic look that she has reinvented with leather jeans. And I love that blouse too. I am totally irritating myself by liking her outfits, I promise. C'mon, man. Stop looking so darn good. Grrrr.

Weekend Style: Coachella 2011 Edition

This weekend it was Coachella 2011 - the desert music festival in California where the fashions are just as important as the music and the stars all come out to play. Let's have a look at the major trends from the festival, starting with the key look - white, lacy dresses. There is no doubt that this is the key look for summer 2011 and Alexa Chung, Alessandra Ambrossio, Katy Perry and Whitney Port all nailed it in their own styles. (Can I just say that yesterday at the Roundhouse, on the grass, in the sun, eating pizza right here in CT my friend Sylvie was also rocking in this trend. Get your LWDs now!)

The second big trend was bright dotty prints. Both Kelly Osbourne and Dita von Teese did it in their own way, and both finished their looks off with the perfect accessories. But I liked Katy Perry's look as well even though it is not strictly dots, it comes from the same 60s-style family.

Talking about the 60s (late, into the early 70s), the boho chic look was present as ever at music festivals. Obviously Nicole Ritchie has that nailed - and an entire clothing line to back it up - but both Kate Bosworth and Diane Kruger do it their own way and manage to look effortless. In my weekend style post last Monday I asked Diane Kruger to bring Pacey out to play - and look, so she did. Lovely.

And then, just two words on how to misinterpret boho chic.  Vanessa Hudgens. No, lady. Just no.

Royal Wedding Style: Is The Dress Designer Someone Else Altogether?

So this is your daily dose of Royal Wedding. I am warning you, there will be Royal Wedding fever in this precinct for the next few weeks. And it will be dress-related. I will endeavor to make it interesting, however. Starting with an obscure angle on the latest in wedding dress designer insights.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Sophie Cranston. She designed the black velvet coat Kate wore to a wedding in January. Her label is Libélula and she is the name currently being touted as the designer of the dress of the year. Apparently the sole reason for not releasing her details was to protect her and her family from the paparazzi intrusion.
Cranston, 34, is a British designer who initially trained under Alexander McQueen, after which she joined one of my favourites Alice Temperley in 2000, and was instrumental in helping her establish the Temperley label. Presumably this was a stressful time and she decided to move to Andalucia to learn Spanish. It was here that she established her own label Libélula - Spanish for dragonfly.
She has rapidly gained a loyal band of high-profile followers, including Emma Watson, and creates two ready-to-wear fashion collections a year from her studio in Dulwich, plus a fledgling bridal range, which Celia Walden selected for her wedding to Piers Morgan in June last year.
If these latest rumours are true, her label is about to go global so I do hope she is prepared for the onslaught.

Dita von Teese Launches New Underwear Range

Of course I follow Dita von Teese on Twitter. You could have guessed that since you know I am a great admirer of her consistently retro style. As are many of you. I know, because you have told me. Well, this week she tweeted the following, "Just signed a new lingerie deal!!! Glam underpinnings in XS to plus-sizes! Launching in Australia, then going global shortly after. Excited!"
First of all the style of the lingerie will hark back to the glamour of the 40s and 50s - as appropriate for a DvT range. Secondly, it is aimed at women of ALL sizes. This is key for Dita. No matter what your dress or bra size, she vehemently believes you can feel sexy. Third, she is designing it for women to look their curvaceous best - to show off their assets in the most flattering way. With so much underwear that seems designed to punish women, this is a delight. And finally, her philosophy isn't for women to look good for men, but for themselves. She says, "indulging in elegant lingerie isn't about the seduction of another person, it's about seducing yourself first and embracing womanhood and femininity.'
The burlesque dancer will work with Australian company Lime Door Brands to design the underwear and will ultimately branch into dresses. We can't wait.

Has Michelle Obama Changed Her Stylist... Again?

Politics is different for everyone. For some it is restricted to local service delivery issues. For others it is an ideological construct. And then there are peeps like me, for whom it is all those things and also about fashion - how power is reflected in colour choices, how popularity is governed by first lady style and how subtle clues to shifts in partisanship can be detected early in style clues. And then there is the politics of the politics of political fashion. Like Michelle Obama's new stylist, Meredith Koop, and has she already been replaced? And what does this mean?
I know. A major political issue of the day, right?

Designer Peter Soronen, who designed these three frocks and at least another three for Mrs O, seemed to let on yesterday that Meredith Koop, whose appointment I posted about here, has 'already gone' and no one is quite sure who has replaced her. Look, Michelle Obama knows her way around an outfit. So my feeling is that this is an admin duty really. All she needs is access to designers and ideas and this she got in spades from her old friend and boutique owner, Ikram Goldman (left). Mrs Goldman has recently had twins so this may have been the reason why someone else stepped in for a while. But I am pretty confident that a combination of her long friendship and successful 'unofficial' stylist role will continue to influence and assist Michelle Obama. And that Michelle Obama's well placed and strong opinions on what she likes and what she wants to wear will continue to be the defining feature of her style. Case solved. Carry on.