Gwyneth Paltrow in Burberry and Victoria Beckham

Goodness gracious. How very elegant and lady-like Gwyneth Paltrow looks in her Burberry dress! She is carrying the most beautiful Victoria Beckham handbag too and wearing Sergio Rossi heels. Just a delight all round. If she was at an event. As an outfit to run around and do the daily chores in, it feels a bit off.

Just look at it all when combined with a shopping packet from the local corner store. It just looks all kinds of wrong. As does that split up the back of the dress. I mean there is a danger of knicker-gusset-flashing right there. Which is probably why the anorak guy is staring so open-mouthed. Ha!

Thankfully Gwynnie was back to her chic best later in a loose fit cropped trouser, her fave Stella McCartney white jacket and the shoes of the summer, pointed steel toe court shoes. Phew.

2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner Worst Dressed

To be fair this post covers the red carpet at the 2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner from an 'almost, but not quite' perspective, as well as a 'hells no! what were you thinking?' perspective. Let's begin with the latter. I mean, really, Alicia Keys? Whilst Michelle was wearing a flowing silk Naeem Khan, you thought a mustard day dress with a leather belt and black sheer tights was the way to go? Really? And as for you, Lindsay Lohan. I have no words. What is that breast-plate-with-cleavage arrangement you managed to don? I simply don't understand it. And, sigh, Rosario Dawson. You are so pretty. And green is a great colour on you. But let's chat about sizing. And what is appropriate. Go up a size. Or two. Especially when it is shiny fabric, you know. And let's keep the girls something of a surprise for the president. He doesn't need to see all of them in one go. OK? Good chat. 

But then there were those lady people who almost got it right. But then fell at the final hurdle. In the interests of everyone learning from their mistakes, let's run through them. Let's begin with pales shades as a tricky hue for pale ladies. So while all these ladies were in shades of pale, it was a fatal flaw for Dakota Fanning in Prada most of all. Her face just blurs into nothingness really. Pale is not your friend, Dakota. Stop it. It's not great on the delightful Zooey Deschanel either. Although the fact that her otherwise beautiful dress from Oscar de la Renta is pooling at her feet and is about three inches too low on the bust provides more of a problem. What a pity because I really like the dress with the silver braid belt. Eva Longoria is technically looking amazing. But the cap sleeve of this Marchesa is so close to sleeveless that the dreaded white sleeveless-polo neck horror is just a breath away. And I don't understand the clompy black heels. Surely a silver strappy would have been a better bet? And Claire Danes in Vivienne Westwood is widely being praised for this look. I disagree. I think that the proportions are all wrong on her body. The low neck makes her top half look even longer than usual and that drapey bit on the side doesn't do anyone any favours. Aside from that it is nice. 

So for me, Rosario is the worst culprit. I will say as an extra note that Kim Kardashian was there in green faux velvet with a beaded shoulder cap and an open back. It didn't fit well at all. In fact it fitted her just about as well as she fitted into the White House Correspondent's dinner set. But it wasn't as bad as Rosario. Nothing was. Carry on.

2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner Best Dressed

This 2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner red carpet was one with a difference. It was in Washington for starters. And it had a political bent, especially this year in the build up to US presidential elections. So let me start by saying, I truly hope that the Americans don't make this the last time we see Michelle Obama's style at one of these things. She looked amazing in strapless Naeem Khan print silk. On the money.

She had competition for the best dressed from these three. Ginnifer Goodwin looked sensational in H&M. Yes, you heard correctly. Utterly sublime. LOVE. And can it be possible that onse very own Charlize Theron is once again the best dressed on the red carpet in her Emilio Pucci lace floor sweeper? Possibly. With competition from a preggie Reese Witherspoon, who styled her black dress with gorgeous jade accessories. Lovely.

And then there were the ladies who also looked nice, but didn't make the top of the pops. Elizabeth Banks. Well maybe she squeaked into the top five. I adore this bold red, peplum-detailed dress on her. Kate Hudson looked amazing in purple sequin Jenny Packham and Rashida Jones was cute as a button in her Tory Burch dress with both sheer and peplum detailing. Leslie Mann was killer in prints also from Naeem Khan - apparently king of the prints at the moment.
Let me just say this about these last four ladies. Not only are they all very beautifully dressed, but I would KILL for a night out with them. Each and every one of them seems like a laugh and just a riot to hang with. I wish they were my friends. We may need to increase fantasy book club to include them. So who would you vote for?

Kate Middelton, Duchess of Cambridge, Latest Style

Over the past four day, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has stepped out in no less than five new outfits. We already covered the Matthew Williamson dress she wore to the Tusk Trust event, but on Friday she attended a shindig supporting some soldiers who trekked to the South Pole dressed in a Rebecca Taylor blue tweed suit. Did I love the suit? Not really. I mean it was fine. It was blue. Kate looked nice. That's about it really. All fine.

But I did like the Amanda Wakeley dress and gold accessories Kate wore on Saturday to an event at the Imperial War Museum. Now let me say, I love the Imperial War Museum. I despise all things war related, and yet found this museum to be something that really focussed on family and technology and all in an amazing space. What I particularly liked about this whole vibe was the richness of the styling. The Prada heels. The gold chain belt. The Anya Hindmarch clutch. Investment dressing that had a twist of the current season about it - dare I say, it had a whiff of Gucci about it all. Yay.

And then K-Middy attended a meeting with Prince William and Harry's Trust on a lovely white shirt with great bib detailing, followed by a friend's wedding yesterday in a repeat visit to the Erdem blue lace dress she wore last year on her first engagement in Canada - and the belt from the day before. Good girl. I am pleased she wore that stunning dress again. It totally deserved another go. And I think think a private event is the way to do it. Nicely pitched. Again. Clever, clever girl.

Over all, the best look of the five days is the Amanda Wakeley and the fantastic accessories, in my view. What about you guys? Winner look? Let me know.

Open Letter to 18th Annual SAMA Nominees: A Note on Outfits

Dear SAMA Nominees,
Congratulations on your nomination at the 18th Annual South African Music Awards. Now, let's talk yellow carpet outfits, please.
Every year I hope that maybe this will be the year when South Africa has a red carpet event that is as stunning as one you would get anywhere else in the world. And once again, I am hopeful this year. But I am going to ask you guys for some help. Please can you all just follow some of these simple rules below, and turn up looking glorious and worth picking a 'best dressed'. Please.
1. This is a formal event. Please come dressed for it. A hoodie and jeans is not an acceptable outfit. Anything with jeans is not acceptable. Yes, that includes a jacket and jeans. Please. It is not 2004.
2. Please wash. Yourself, your hair and your clothes. Turn up spiffy. Looking like you made an effort. These are just the basics.
3. Chaps, a suit is de rigueur. If you want to be different and express yourself, please do so within the broad confines of a suit or traditional dress. There is no shame in looking smart. In fact, Mad Men is testament to how cool it can look.
4. Suits are narrow cut, preferably. Without embellishment. And no, a leather sports jacket is not a suit. Sorry.
5. Ladies, the dress doesn't have to be a boob-tube. In fact, avoid corsets all together. It's better that way for everyone.
6. The dress doesn't have to be beaded or shiny or made of tafatta (worse, crushed tafatta). I promise. It doesn't. How about silk. Go with silk. Everyone loves silk.
7. Let's just remember the 'too short' rule. If you can't bend over or put your hands on your hips without risking a knicker flash, CHANGE YOUR OUTFIT. Thanks.
8. Finally, let's talk 'body con'. Stretch lycra and panelled elastic dresses are great if you are a Pussycat Doll. If you are not, step away. This is a red (yellow) carpet, not a nightclub.
I look forward to watching on the telly on Sunday. And all the best of luck. May the best dressed win!
Yours sincerely
StyleGuideCT

Candice Boucher by Gavin Kleinschmidt

My friend, the photographer Gavin Kleinschmidt, was shooting one of South Africa's most successful model exports the other day, Candice Boucher. Just for fun. As you do. As he and I were working on another shoot, I saw the images and asked that he share them with me so that I can post them for you guys. I know how much you like a beautiful fashion editorial. Especially when it features one of our best local girls.

Another fashion friend, Althea McPherson, styled the shoot. Very glossy, very Euro glam.

I always think that it is such a pity when photographers do great tests and then they only get seen by the bookers and on go sees. What a waste! So I am hoping to get more of these shoots for you guys to enjoy over the next few weeks. I hope you like them.

Victoria Beckham in a Cardigan

Oh my goodness. I don't think that I have ever loved an outfit on Victoria Beckham as much as I like this one. Seriously. The pretty is back! Love the Victoria Beckham white dress of course, but the hero of this look is that darling embroidered cardigan. I was just saying the other day how I inexplicably loved VB in a cardigan, and now look what she has done! Stunning.

Of course Vicky is still in Beijing. I know that since we are fantasy friends. And this is one of the outfits that she wore for her tour.

But the big news of the last 24 hours has not been the cardigan surprisingly. It was the fact that she has been using a £22,000 phone to post all those cool images from her trip. Ahem. I believe the Beckhams can afford it. I don't mean to trivialise this, but if anyone has earned their dosh, it is the Beckhams. They never stop getting out there and showing what they can do. If they reap the rewards of that, I'm no judge.

Of course a day without a good Victoria Beckham outfit and bag is not worth living, so we had that and a great aerial view of Beijing from VB yesterday.

And then she rested. With a glass of wine. Like most people.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, in Matthew Williamson for Tusk Trust

First, let's give thanks that the plight of the African Rhino is getting some heavy hitting support. Last night from Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. They attended the premier of the movie African Cats, directed by Guy Richie and narrated by Patrick Stewart, or Captain Jean-Luc Picard as I like to think of him, in support of the Tusk Trust, of which William is patron. This is very good news. Save the Rhino!

Second, let's give thanks that K-Middy is wearing designer again after a very long streak of high street garments. It's has been AGES. But last night she bust out this Matthew Williamson grey peplum dress with his signature beading details at the collar and cuff.

Let it be said, it is not a two-piece as many have been reporting. That is clear from the rear zip. Also, the original ramp look didn't have the beading around the neck, so I like that Kate's version is a bit different.
My only complaint is the shoe. I would have liked to have seen a sandal, or since it was raining - maybe a metallic or glitter court. Something a bit more modern and happening. But aside from that I am super happy, thanks. Yay.

Trend Alert: White Shirt Dresses

Last week I nominated Leelee Sobieski in this incredible long Jil Sander dress as my look of the week. This week my pick is Ginnifer Goodwin in Jason Wu. Both are white shirt dresses. Sure this week's version is shorter and has an embellished collar. But I just think that it is perfection in a dress. So there.

But what do we have here? You know how I always say, see something three times in a week and it is a trend? Well, Zhang Ziyi then turned up at the Beijing Film Festival in almost an identical white shirt dress - this time by Alessandra Rich. Well. The evidence is in. Three white shirt dresses by major designers. On three different red carpets. In different cities. In one week. Pow. You have a trend. And I have to say that I LOVE it. Yes, capital letter love.
Just a note on that Alessandra Rich dress. It's not the first time we have seen it or fallen in love with it. Evan Rachel Wood wore a custome version on the Cannes red carpet last year and I adored it then - look it up on the blog, you will see. Consistency. Good.

Terry Pheto Wins at AMAA Awards in Thula Sindi

Think Tilda Swinton and Haider Ackermann. Think Cat Deeley and Matthew Williamson. Think Kate Hudson and Stella McCartney. You can even think Renee Zellweger and Carolina Herrera. I adore it when actresses have a love affair with a designer and wear their garments at every major event - often custom designs. It keep sthings fresh and interesting and you get a better understanding of both.
And now you can add our very own leading lady (and face of L'Oreal Paris) Terry Pheto to that list. Her enduring relationship with one of my absolute favourite people and designers, Thula Sindi, is standing the test of time. And as she picked up the gong for Best Supporting Actress at the AMA Awards this weekend, she looked sensational in this Thula Sindi dress from the most recent collection.
Congratulations to Terry. Congratulations to Thula. I adore you both.
Oh, and those earrings rock my world.

Katryn Kruger Covers Stella Magazine

Today's daily dose of local Cape Town school girl making waves in the big bad modeling world, comes courtesy of Stella Magazine - the style supplement to the UK's Telegraph on Sunday. Katryn Kruger covers the March 11th issue, which was shot by James Meakin, a very well known British fashion photographer.

The story is called Sharp Dressed Woman and features Katryn (credited to her Cape Town agency, Y Models, it must be noted) in a short brown bob wig. Which really suits her and brings out her incredible jaw, I think.

Charlie Harrington styled the shoot and it features couture by Dior, Chanel, Miu Miu, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabbana. Not bad for a Sunday supplement magazine.

I am pretty sure that this location is the Taal Monument in Paarl, so it was obviously shot in the sunny South African climes, which is great, as it means Katryn can combine work and school. I do worry about that kind of thing you know. Anyway. Great story. Love the work.

Candice Swanepoel Covers Vogue. This One is Japanese.

In celebration of the fact that onse very own supermodel, Candice Swanepoel is on the latest cover of Vogue Nippon (that's Japan, if you are wondering. I don't know. You may be), we will take a look at all Candice's Vogue covers of late.

There has been Vogue Brazil, Vogue Portugal and Vogue Greece. And let's not forget Vogue Italia, one of the biggest of all the Vogues.

And yet while we celebrate Terry Richardson shoot after Mario Testino shoot, after Steven Meisel shoot, the best of them all for me was the on the socials photographer took at the Prabal Gurung party earlier this year. Fresh, relaxed, happy and so wonderfully real and South African. This is how I like to see Candice most of all. How about you? Pick your best shot right here.

Jessica Chastain for W Magazine

Oh my goodness. You know how I love a Jessica Chastain fashion editorial. And this one for W Magazine is twisted in the very best possible way. I may be skipping for the rest of the day, I am so delighted with the bizarre beauty of this story. This is what makes fashion glorious for me.

Of course choosing to have Jessica play different characters in every photograph is inspired. That's why they pay fashion editor Edward Enninful the very biggest bucks of course. She is such a versatile actress, it is almost obvious.

And then throwing in all the couture any girl could ever dream of. Especially from Dior and Giambattista Valli, and Chanel, and Armani Prive, and Atelier Versace, and Valentino, and Jean Paul Gaultier. I think I have them all covered.

The story was shot by photographer Paolo Roversi. And there is a full dose of van Cleef and Arpels jewels sprinkled throughout. As you do.

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham in Beijing

Ah, my fantasy friend Victoria Beckham has always said that the airport is her runway. Well, it appears we can extend this to include the streets of Beijing too. She had a champion weekend of fashion there, launching her Range Rover. And then she took a little look around the city with baby Harper and her friend and hair stylist Ken Paves. Wearing a selection of Victoria Beckham collection dresses of course.

So far my favourite dress was the first soft pink one with the collar and cuffs. But this is rivalled strongly by this red and black stripe. I like the v-neck. I love the length. And let's be honest, a pair of peep toe Tom Ford boots is always going to look hot. As has become her custom, VB tweeted a picture of her getting ready in this outfit.

And I love it when VB wears a cardigan. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I think it makes her more like us. Although I can't see me and my hairdresser getting to make our own coffees in the local Starbucks - as she tweeted another image of the cavorting in Beijing. I like that she left her sunnies on the the occasion. I can just hear her saying, 'wait I need to put them on, it'll make it even more ridiculous.' I told you she was funny.